Resources for Educators

Teaching Tip

From the Teacher’s Aide Newsletter

2017 September

Give Your Students Instruction on How to Positively Affect the Learning Environment

With each group of new students, we try to bring as many resources as we can to the classroom, to improve the effectiveness of the learning experience and environment. But remember, it is okay to give students direct instruction on what they can bring to the classroom as well. As the new term begins, give your students some expectations beyond the syllabus, to help them (and you) get the most out of the learning experience.

As an example, Dr. Weimer gives her students a memo at the beginning of the semester that begins:

This is just a brief note to let you know how committed I am to making this a good course. But I can’t do my best teaching without your help. So, I thought I’d share a list of things you can do that will make this a better experience for all of us.

She goes on to explain each of the items on her list: Be There, Participate, and Help Me Get to Know You. Read her entire memo to students, and maybe adapt it for your own classroom.