INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE STUDENTS

New Student Orientation

New students entering a class will receive general orientation from the instructor. Instructors will be responsible for informing new students in their class of the specific information listed below:

  • Course outline/competencies
  • Specific program area policies/procedures
  • Grading policy
  • Schedule for classes
  • Specific regulations and safety orientation

All students should receive a course syllabus or outline that contains at a minimum the following information:

  • Course description
  • Objectives for the course, including learning outcomes
  • Course content
  • Current class schedule, including holidays
  • Books and supply list

Verifying Enrollment

The instructor will be given a printout of all registered and paid students at the second class. Class attendance roles are required.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Instructors are responsible for maintaining a grade book or students should sign a class rosters for each class meeting. Under NO circumstances will an absence, for any reason, excuse students from completing all work assigned in a given course. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the instructor about the completion of missed assignments. Students must attend 90% of the class dates to receive a certificate.

Completion Requirements

The instructor will orient students as to the requirements for successfully completing the class at the beginning of the course. This includes but is not limited to: attendance, testing, participation, lab work, etc.

Progress Reports and Documentation

Instructors will maintain complete written documentation on each student. All tests, activities, student progress reports, competency records, or any other records pertaining to each student will be maintained by the instructor and turned into the appropriate campus designee at the end of the course.

Safety in the Classroom

Safety in the classroom or shop is the prime responsibility of the instructor. Any unsafe condition(s) should be reported immediately and corrected as soon as possible. Any accidents should be reported immediately to the campus dean or his/her designee. An accident report should be completed promptly by the instructor and turned into the appropriate person.

Class Meetings, Absence from Class

On the first day of the course, instructors are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled class time. All scheduled class time should be fully utilized. The first class meeting and all succeeding class meetings should begin and conclude on time.

Classroom Management

The key to classroom management is planning. In planning instruction, instructors should carefully consider the following:

• Conduct a full instructional period on the first class meeting. This sets a positive tone for the learning environment that you want. Some time might be allowed for the purchase of texts.
• At the first class meeting, go over your course syllabus in detail. Make certain that each student in the course receives the syllabus and asks any questions necessary to understand its content. Let the students know that the course can fit in with their personal and career goals. Let them know that it was a worthwhile decision to register for this course. Let students know what they should expect from you in terms of instructional style and requirements and discuss how you will contribute to and aid their learning.
• Inform students about the learning resources available to them outside of class, and explain how they can use them. Remember that students in continuing education courses are frequently unaware of other services that are available to assist them in the learning process.
• Always return graded exams and papers as soon as possible. Write comments, when appropriate. Make suggestions for improvement.
• Vary instructional techniques, including lecture, discussion, small-group activity, use of audio-visual materials, and problem solving. Under no circumstances should students be given the text and left on their own.
• Provide opportunities for students to ask questions.

Faculty-Student Interaction

It is important that faculty and students have positive interaction. Throughout the course instructors should strive to do the following:

• Stress a positive “you can handle it” attitude.
• Emphasize willingness to answer questions and explain problems.
• Point out the relevance of the subject matter.
• Recognize contribution of students. Well-timed encouragement can make a difference between persevering and dropping out.
• Use appropriate visual aids as much as possible, including PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and other media.
• Urge students to talk to you about problems of work schedule conflicts before dropping the class. Most often some alternative arrangements can be found so that the student can complete the course.
• Learn student names as soon as possible.
• Inform the students of your name, title, and area of expertise.
• Listen carefully to student comments and opinions. Use “lateral thinking techniques” adding to or developing ideas rather than dismissing them.
• Provide positive reinforcement whenever possible.
• Do not be afraid to admit a mistake or that you do not know the answer.
• Try to say a few friendly words to each student at some time during the term.