Communicate it.
Clear expectations that align with student outcomes support students in feeling confident and prepared. When in doubt, communicate it!
Be Available
The best for students to communicate their questions is by being available. To do this, I maintain a CALENDLY account where students can book appointments at their convenience and connects us with a ZOOM link and calendar invite.
Use inclusive and welcoming words
Your words and tone help set the stage for a class that is built on student strengths. I typically start all announcements with three adjectives that describe how learners participated in the last class. I connect our class goals with student interests and passions.
Give opportunities to revise
Formative assessments are the best way to support learners during a semester. All of my assignments allow students to revise and resubmit up until the end of the semester. I use guiding comments and encouragement to support students as they raise to the highest expectations.
Welcome Students
Welcome letters serve multiple purposes including motivating students to explore the Learning Management System and to clearly state any requirements or purchases that need to be addressed before the first class. I also ensure accessibility by including screenshots and step-by-step directions.
Check in often
Communicate your teacher improvement goals with your students. I do this through check-ins every 5 weeks of a 15 week semester. In this example, my goals were to be accessible, spacing out assignments, and ensuring that assignments are purposeful.
Create a clear syllabus
A clear syllabus supports students with course expectations, assignments, and evaluation criteria. My syllabi are detailed contracts that contain rubrics, weekly breakdowns of complex assignments, and provide students with supports to ensure their success in the class.