Learned the importance of providing expectations such as how the class will be structured, along with examples to help understanding. Also, well outlining how the course will be evaluated in depth in beginning and how to handle missed/late work. Although a small percentage, being fair is needed.
I like that being realistic with expectation and putting those out on the first class can help to set the tone for the rest of the class.
I have learned that providing students course content and expectations through the syllabus is critical. It becomes a plumb line for the student's success in the course. I also have learned that open communication is key between student and instructor and amongst peers to promote teamwork.
Reviewing the syllabus with clear expectations and rationals is always useful at the beginning of a class. I also like the idea of ice breakers and letting the students know WIIFM.
Setting clear expectations early is crucial for student success. The less a student has to question or be unsure about, the more likely they are to feel comfortable and be successful.
This was a reminder of the importance of going back to the basics of setting the classroom and school policies on day one. The syllabus is always a good guide to back up any questions the students might have throughout the course. Ice breakers would set in place right after the orientation and answering any questions or comments that come about. Being clear and maintaining consistency is key.
I like that the ice breaker should involve team work. I also particularly like the example with the paper airplanes that works to show them the value of an expert, teamwork, and greater success. I also really liked the video that talked about making students feel comfortable to share without expertise. I think this is very applicable to nursing because there is so much medical terminology that it is easy to feel like you do not know the right word. The example the instructor gave of how she supports students and helps prompt them towards a more complete answer was something I will definitely be more cognizant of in my classroom.
I have always put important information in the syllabus, but I have not highlighed it with different colors or boxes but I will be implementing this in the future.
It's very to keep the communication interesting so the student will be eager to learn all that's there for them. Be firm in sticking with the course syllabus and make exceptions for extreme circumstances.
It's important to let your students know WIIFM- Getting them involved emotionally with the study material helps students become motivated. By making the course content clear by providing a syllabus and deadlines for assignments, you are showing the students relevancy and application of the content so they see they are preparing for success after graduation.
Covering the syllabus on the first day sets the stage for the course. In the past I have had a quiz associated with it so there is no confusion on due dates and exam days. Ice breaker for introductions and first class to get to know each other.
Comment on Natasha Ramirez's post:
I agree with Natasha, there are always the percent of students that don't follow the deadline.
set goals for the students, lay out the class and what it involves clearly.
I learned that late assignments will be accepted up to one week after the due date. Each day the assignment is late there will be a 20% deduction of points.
Remind them that people hire them to perform a service or produce a product. When they are out in the field, their customers and/or employers won't accept their late or incomplete work
Good communication right out of the gate. Set your standards upfront and stick to your guns.
Always be profession so students will respect you.
Late assignments are expected by the educator. The penalty for late assignments should also be expected by the student, and this expectation is outlined at the beginning of class verbally and in writing
Importance of setting class expectations, making sure students know how they will be graded. and making sure due dates are clear.
Since I did not go to school for education but rather nursing, the syllabus was not something we worked with other than receiving one for our classes. This course helped me tremendously in learning how to set up my syllabus to be a more useful tool to my students.
