Students need clues on what to expect from the Teacher.\u00a0 Teachers need to tell the Students what is expected for success in their course.\u00a0 What’s the plan, the syllabus, the calendar or end-goal of the educational interaction?<\/p>\n
The course schedule is a skeleton on which the course and student expectations are built.\u00a0 If the Teacher provides a syllabus or course outline, the student has the equivalent of a map for the journey.\u00a0 Expectations and directions are shared and the student-teacher team develops.<\/p>\n
Students:\u00a0 USE this information wisely.\u00a0 Start now to anticipate what you must do to succeed in this course by knowing what comes ahead.\u00a0 If you were traveling across the country in a car, you would better prepare yourself by looking at a map or gazetter to know the best highways, straightest and shortest routes and see where mountains or waterways might interupt your directions.\u00a0 The syllabus and course calendar is just such a map.\u00a0 If you want to be your best in the task of completing a course, study this map first and plan accordingly.<\/p>\n
Teachers:\u00a0 Direct your students with more than breadcrumbs to lead the way.\u00a0 Show some method to the madness of education.\u00a0 Start with a simple but accurate and complete plan, calendar and preview of what is to come.\u00a0 What\u00a0do you want the student to take away from your class daily or at the completion of the course that is worth the time and effort of the journey?<\/p>\n
The Challenge for Teachers – Give the Students a Big Picture view before the class is underway, with a map and expectations for a successful journey.<\/p>\n
The Challenge for Students – Figure it out anyway if you are not spoonfed.\u00a0 Ask questions to determine expectations and know what the goals for successful completion will be.\u00a0 Anticipate and become your own best teacher as you go through the course.\u00a0 If you teach yourself and prepare what you can as if you had to teach someone else, you will be as successful as you can possibly be for this course.\u00a0 Good luck.<\/p>\n