Reply To: Module 2 Discussion Topic

[Rachelle Allen-McFarlane]

Of the ” Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education” outlined by Chickering and Gamson the one most consistent with my teaching experience is principle number 5 –“Emphasizes time on task.” I provide my students with a syllabus containing a grade computation detail and submission schedule. This schedule lists the specific assignments that will be complete, the point value for the assignment, the due date and time for the submissions and the percentage of the final grade allotted to each assignment. Perhaps I need to do a bit more regarding principle number 6 — “Communicate high expectations.” Recently, I’ve started posting a video recording of a brief biography in my course shells. In this video I use inspirational “mottos” I have encountered during my academic career, let my students know that I wish them well and encourage them to work hard and remain focused, because when “light is focused it can burn green grass.” I recently leaned about a strategy I hope to explore re : communicating high expectations . It entails sending out more supportive announcements or accompanying announcements with motivational banners.