Be concise in the outline of the syllabus and find new ways to engage the students
About 10% of your students will continually require your intervention with their assignment issues.
The syllabus needs to be clear with expectations and guidelines
Being a role model and mentor is vital to the classroom. This can also be implemented outside of the classroom, as well. I love to sit or walk through the common area and converse with the students. This can help to build that bond with the students.
Laying out important information at the start of the term is essential to student success. I am fairly good at doing this for 5-week terms but struggled doing it for courses I never taught before that were offered for a full semester.
I did learn that 10% of student's will miss due dates and I should find a way to keep track of those students and follow up.
Setting the expectation is imperative for the success of the student. Also, an icebreaker is a great way to get to know your student and teacher in a teaching environment. It helps to promote comfortability in a class setting. Lastly, set the golden rule and allow no exceptions.
i learned that you need to give multiple reminders to your students for assignments
This has really taught me what good outline for a syllabus is. Very helpful considering it is my first year and I am not 100% on what my lesson plan will be yet. I was considering having a very vague syllabus so I could have a more fluid program. But I think perhaps i should Nail down a reasonable set of assignments and then have free room towards the end almost as an extra step or additional assignment.
Wow! So much info! I learned that students do not read the syllabus. So...my first day of class has just changed.
I will go over the content of the class, then go over the Syllabus. Then My Expectations & Requirements, Then Student Responsibilities. I really like the "ice-breaker" with the use of paper planes to group students into teams.
It's true that it is important for the students to know the plan for the course on day one. It relieves anxiety and it puts them on the path to be successful the course.
I learned some ways to incorporate how to start the class using cognitive and psychomotor skills.
It is helpful to learn that all of us experience the same issues with our students such as late assignments.
Engaging students takes a variety of tools and strategies to ensure their success. Learning from peers and allowing the students to be apart of their learning process can help with the over all outcome. One example is small group discussions after an assignment. Students can interact and glean from one another as well as learn how to communicate their thoughts and ideas in a safe place.
Where and when to set the class standards and how to use a team project as an icebreaker
Many times to break the ice I tell the students to look around the room and ask the location (in general) where the student is living. Then I ask when the students are available for study groups and state different times. Next I ask the students to introduce themself to another student who lives in their area and/or has the same times available for a study group.
Students always need to know and understand the requirements and expectations for each class. When they know what to expect, including any late assignment policies they are able to settle into the class easier with minimal stress. The syllabus is the tool that can help set the expectations. The instructor should be able to completely answer the students questions.
The importance of a syllabus! it helps hold all accountable and is great for visual learners and children with anxiety.
I like the ideas for icebreakers, as well as being warned about the 10%, but it wont always be the same 10%
The importance of having detailed information and how to make it stand out for the students in the syllabus
"Whats in it for me" is not a new concept for me as I was a manager before and adults lean on this one heavy Understanding that my students may/will have this same attitude or outlook isn't terribly surprising but I hadn't put any thought into it playing a part in my classroom/lab.
Creative ways to engage students
