Expectations and Integrity
What does your institution do to assure that student expectations are being met and that they are satisfied?
First, it is important to define student expectations. In most cases, students have realistic, important, and progressive expectations. They expect clarity, communication, honesty, integrity, flexibility, and availability.
As such, many Academic Institutions take special care to talk to each student personally and help them enter the program. Next, most Academic Institutions offer or require a student orientation; an area in which a student can learn about the platform, the expectations, the requirements, the navigation, etc.
Students are general told that they can expect frequent and variable form communication from their instructor, email responses within 24 hours or less, interaction in the classrooms and discussion areas, grading feedback, and clarity of policy.
Similarly, students are told what cannot be expected. For example, students cannot expect to earn a grade without completing the required course elements at a certain level of requirement, even if that student has paid for the class.
Each Academic Institution explains not only what can be expected but also what it expects. This wonderful balance maintains a high degree of integrity and success.
Josh, seems reasonable yet those expectations aren't always met. What does your institution do to assure that these basic expectations are satisfied?
Loren Kroh
I agree that Expectation is one of the most important keys to retention. The student expects to learn from their instructor who they expect to be a subject expert. They expect that class should begin and end on time and that their instructor will answer their questions and be available during posted office hours. They also want to know what their instructor expects of them vis a vis the syllabus.
Sally, what do you consider coddling? Is it possible to be seen as coddling by your peers but not your students?
Agree that expectations for students must be up front and doable for your student. Explaining the expectations help the student understand why the expectations are in place.
I also believe if students are coddled they do not really respect the instructor and truly do not learn.
Great observations and insight that you have noted in your post. Expectation is one of the most important keys to retention. Above all things, the student expects to learn, expects for their instructor to be qualified, knowledgeable, and expects for their instructor to be available when needed. One thing that I'm often hearing is, "I don't like so-and-so because I never learn anything in his class." Or, "When I'm lost, my Instructor doesn't even try to help. He acts like he could care less." Or, "My instructor is so dumb, I could teach the class myself." The institution must be one of integrity, as well as the instructors. Instructors should make sure that they delineate what the students can expect for that class, and make sure that they deliver--adequately and appropriately.
