Respect, Liking, Trust, and Fairness

Cushman (2003)

Let us know what to expect from you and the class. When you ask us about ourselves on the first day, answer our questions, too. You don’t have to reveal anything you consider private (like whether you have a girlfriend or boyfriend), but we should know certain things from the start. Do you give a zero when homework is not turned in on time? Do you count class participation as part of the final grade?

Some things we want to know on the first day:

– What will we be studying or doing during the course?

– What can we expect for pop quizzes, tests, essays, or projects?

– Do you give a lot of homework?

– What is your grading system?

– Is this class going to be fun? If not, what will make it interesting?

– Will you be available to help us outside class?

Reply:

As a student in route for a Master of Arts in English Education, these are the questions I want my professors to answer. If I want these questions answered, I know for sure younger students would like these questions answered. The worst state to be in throughout the length of a course is confused and stressed. Knowing the answers to questions like these help students ground themselves within the class, and the classroom environment. Feeling grounded and comfortable in class gives students the foundation for accomplishment. As a student, if I know what is required of me, and what to expect from my class and professor, there should be less excuses as to why I do not get my work done. At the end of the day both my professor and I have a job to do. Whatever adversities I deal with at home, work, or anything on the outside of the classroom becomes the only obstacles that I have to overcome. When I am challenged by adversity, as a student I should feel comfortable enough to talk with my professors about anything going on so that I could get extensions on papers, or other types of assignments. The progression of students require constant communication between professor and student to ensure the success of students, and teachers. Syllabus day is probably the most important day of the semester. Why didn’t my pre-college courses have a syllabus day?

Nathaniel Jimenez