The first article I read is about what to do on the first day of school. This interests me, because it is really the most important day of the year. The article provided 9 things to be done. These topics are in relation to college level courses, but can be adapted for any level of learning. 9 topics: involve students quickly, identify the value and importance of the subject, set expectations, establish rapport, reveal something about yourself, establish your own credibility, establish the "climate" for the class, provide administrative information, introduce the subject matter. This article emphasizes that whatever it is you want your students to do throughout the year, have them do it on the first day.
The second article is about getting rid of the syllabus. I do not completely agree with this author's message. He writes that too much information is laid out in syllabi and they take away from the overall education. In a lecture class with 300 hundred students such a syllabi is absolutely necessary. Each student is given a syllabus explaining what is expected from each student, when it is expected and other class information. Very handy for a student to have.
He goes on to explain that regulating such things as tardiness, class readings and participation are tools for an ineffective teacher. It the readings were stimulating students would read them without the need of threat. Once again this may work in a class that has truly enthused students. A lot of time in college students are in the class because they need to be; not because they choose to be. Therefore, the readings being reinforced by quizzes and such are a necessary means for student participation. It is just the way it is.
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Agree on a syllabus is needed in a large lecture course, even in a content specific course - just to lay of the schedule.
ReplyDeleteThe first day article points are good, but I like to include names. tough in a class of 300, but nice in a class of 30.