FIRST DAY RULES
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TELL THE STUDENT WHAT THE RULES FOR THE SCHOOL AND FOR THE COURSE ARE ON THE FIRST DAY. THIS SETS A STANDARD THE STUDENT CAN NOW FOLLOW IN ORDER TO SUCCEED.
Student entitlement is only part of the problem -- the other part is their previous instructors who let them get away with it. Management reiterates that we all have to enforce uniform policy, but in practice, it's not done. Enforcing it -- and I usually give them a week to come into compliance -- still makes me the bad guy when they've gone 4 months without any enforcement.
Julia,
It sounds like you are dealing with this current generation; which unfortunately exhibits what you are describing here. Unfortunately, we have reinforced this type of behavior in their prior educational experiences. It is not uncommon for late work, extra credit, test retakes, etc. This is a 'rude' awakening for many and a valuable lesson because this behavior is not accepted in the workplace.
Susan Backofen
I go over "the rules" and have students sign the sheets, saying that they've read and understand expectations for the class, and still they claim ignorance, especially with regard to absences, late work, etc., near the end of the term. Their grads are online every day, but often they don't bother to look at them until late in the term, and then they panic and look for someone or something to blame.
I believe part of the problem is a lack of maturity and subsequent refusal to take responsibility for their actions (or inaction). Many of them seem to have expectations that things will be handed to them with little or no effort on their part, despite what this course says. I actually had a student ask me how much an "A" would cost!
The idea of "student as customer" and "student responsibility" can be at odds.
Instructors need to set clear expectations and stick to them -- all instructors! You can't send a student home for a uniform violation (per policy) when the previous 4 instructors let them get away with it. It creates a huge problem for the poor teacher who is actually trying to follow the rules.
Consistency is key. By going over "house rules" leaves room for no error and prepares students on how they should behave throughout the course.
I definitely agree with this statement. You have to respect your students if you want them to respect you. Respect doesnt always have to be friendly but needs to be honest. As for the class rules, stick to them. I lay them all out day one and hold my ground.
We not only explain the rules to the students but give them the rules in writing. Then when we are satisfiedx that they understand all the rules we get them to sign a document stating that they have read and understand all rules and regulations.This eliminates any grey areras for the students to challange
Agreed, i feel that more students succeed in my class knowing my expectations and procedures from day one.
Students appreciate a clear vision from the instructor as to what they can expect. Everyone is subject to the same rules, consistency is key.
I agree about seating the rules the first day, but I do believe that you also need to give a student amount of respect so they can respect you. I have seen so many times instructors, “not all†think as themselves as gods and they know everything and the student knows nothing and they treat the student that way.
James--
That is so true! We need to be consistent. Otherwise, it sets up a very nasty classroom management situation.
Susan
When you set the rules on the first day it is also very important that you hold true to what you say.
I run my classroom like I would a medical clinic. The students are given all the rules and expectations of behavior on the first day; it is reviewed on the second day. It is important they become used to working under a rule driven environment because hospitals/medical offices are that indeed.
I totally agree with setting the tone on the first day. At the institution I teach at, I have a classroom for lecturing and a separate room downstairs and down the hall for lab work. Besides the general safety rules for lab I have 2 very specific rules in writing, in the syllabus; Lab is not code for going outside and having a smoke break. Lab is also not code for going on a nature walk and finding your buddies in their lab class and going on a smoke break together
Melanie--
Excellent points. I think your sharing very specific expectations is important and affirming. I'm sure it takes away some of the stress knowing what is expected of them.
Susan
Setting expectations in an organized manner is very important. Being very specific is important too. As a composition instructor, I share in my addendum what I expect in terms of their journal writing, due dates for all major assignments, even how to put their heading on their homework assignments. I also assure them that if they attend class and apply themselves, they will pass the course. My goal is the same as theirs-for them to succeed.
