Get your students off to a great start by foreshadowing the content, expectations, assignments, and assessments for the upcoming semester. Go beyond due dates and syllabus statements and try one of the following suggestions early in the semester.
Explain how you have structured your Canvas site and organized your class content and why you chose this approach.
Provide explicit recommendations for student success (i.e., complete practice problems before class, make an appointment with the Writing Center before midterm, schedule extra study time for an exam that covers a lot of content).
Clarify participation expectations for in-person classes and for online discussion boards by providing specific examples.
Remind students of the best way to contact you. Do this often and through various means (i.e., in-person and Canvas announcements, emails, within Canvas modules, in directions for assignments, on study guides/practice problems). Share Professors as a Resource (linked on the Maverick Advising Center website) with your students. It includes suggested language and templates students can use when they contact you.
Get students cognitively engaged early.
Pique student interest and curiosity by pointing out your most intriguing course content. Convince them that your content is fascinating and relevant by connecting it to a gripping contemporary issue. Then show them when and how the course will help them grapple with this topic.
Give an early, low-stakes assessment so students do not procrastinate early reading assignments. To the extent possible, provide individualized feedback to this assignment to validate their contribution and to start an academic dialogue with them that can continue throughout the semester.
The Maverick Advising Center has compiled helpful, proactive study resources on their website that you can share with your students.
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