First and foremost, I have to "hook" students to increase their buy-in regarding the course material. Teaching math, I often have math-phobics who have had limited success with math in the past. Other times, their math skills have atrophied after spending years outside of a classroom. I try to entertain as well as inform, so on the first night of class, I'll typically use a mathematical party trick to suggest that I have psychic mind reading powers. The students are generally amazed, but as I repeat the trick, some of them start to recognize a pattern and then they begin to discuss among themselves as to how I'm doing it. This segues nicely into an overall theme of using pattern recognition to be successful in math and how it can be used in their field.
Second, once students are a bit more relaxed, I mix in my expectations for the course (grading, late work policies, standards) with various bits of growth mindset encouragement. It's much easier to talk about doing quality work and clearing a high bar with intimidating concepts if I've first taken the time to boost their confidence a bit.
After reviewing the material, I have learned that it is important to set expectations on the first day. Students may feel anxious, by providing clear course objectives and policies, you can help improve student confidence. After reviewing the syllabus, students should know what will be covered in the course, how they will be graded, and any important dates and policies. I also learned the importance of ice breakers and getting the class to work as a team.
Clear expectations and rules. Don't make a rule that can be broken.
I have learned about subject matter expert SME, and Instructional Delivery Expert (IDE). The instructor will develop ways to create a detailed syllabus, highlighting areas to get the student's attention. Also setting standards for late assignments.
As I reflect on this course, I’ve gained several valuable insights that I’m excited to implement with my Health Science students. Understanding the importance of a clear, well-structured syllabus has been a game changer. I now see it as a roadmap, not just for content, but for setting the tone and expectations for the entire course. I’ll ensure my syllabus outlines objectives, timelines, grading policies, and available resources from day one. Being transparent about what is required and expected helps build a respectful, productive learning environment. I’ll clearly communicate what success looks like in the course, both academically and behaviorally.
I believe giving students the information early on to be successful in my class is essential to creating a positive class environment. Providing expectations, procedures, assessments, and timeline in more than one way give students a sense of owership of how to be successful in my classroom.
I have learn that self reflection is important specially after a class is over to evaluate the students and your performance as the instructor. As an individual there's always room for improvement and taking that time to see what work and what didn't in the the class will help in the future.
Students in adult learning do not always realize that the rules from high school do not apply in adult education/college.
I have learned that I will need to be stern and consise on the expectations of my class.
One thing I learned was the note taking after class about how the class went. What went well, what didn't go well. I would start to incorporate that to improve as an instructor and teacher
I will be making my syllabus more detailed to be sure that students and parents understand exactly what is expected.
Having dates and the syllabus written so that the students can se the whole class time eliminates any confussion.
Including due dates from the start for assignments and not just when the work is assigned is something I am going to put into practice on my next class to see how things change.
Boundaries and expectations are important for students as well as instructors.
What I gained from this section is that I need to be more detailed in my syllabus about the expectations and timelines that I am expecting for my class.
It is important to list the homework due dates in the syllabus as it will help the students know when assignments are due and covers the instructor as well.
I learned the importance of presenting students' with the syllabus so know fully understand requirements and expectations.
The Golden Rule really hit home. The expectations being posted right up front without question is something I can really agree with. I had an issue with that in College. I didn't know when anything was due by, so it stressed me out quite a bit.
I like the part about getting the students to visualize themselves in the role of their goal career and how my course will help them achieve that goal. I talk about each of their motivation to take the course, but then will keep trying to sell the course.
I'm going to amend my syllabus and be clearer and more firm with my assignment deadlines.
