Identify Teacher Expectations

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • recognize the importance of understanding teacher expectations and priorities.
  • identify teacher expectations and priorities.

Introduction
Understanding your teachers' expectations and priorities will help you do well in school. Teacher expectations are the ways that the teacher wants you to study, complete assignments, and behave in class. Teacher priorities have to do with what your teacher thinks is most important.
 
What are some good ways to uncover your teachers' expectations and priorities? Just follow these guidelines:
  • Read the comments that your teacher writes on your tests and assignments.
  • Pay attention to the directions that your teacher gives.
  • Talk to your teacher about his or her expectations and priorities.

Application
Now let's practice understanding your teacher's expectations and priorities. Take out your Study Skills Portfolio and complete each activity below.
1.
Uncover your teacher's expectations and priorities. Read the comments that your teacher wrote on old tests and assignments. Review the directions that your teacher provided for these items. Or, take some time to talk to your teacher. Then, in your portfolio, write what you learned about what your teacher expects and thinks is most important.
Student responses will vary. Acceptable answers will mention specific teacher expectations and priorities, including those for tests, quizzes, and class or homework assignments. The student should also explore what the teacher expects in terms of how students answer questions, and how they should behave in class.
 

2.

Think about what you learned in question 1. Fill in the blank spaces using this scale: 0 = never; 1 = sometimes; 2 = often; 3 = most of the time. 

 

Studying and Homework
My teacher wants me to learn and memorize information from the textbook.                       
My teacher wants me to focus on the information in the class handouts.     
My teacher wants me to read the textbook on my own and then answer questions.     
Tests
My teacher gives tests with multiple choice questions.     
My teacher gives tests with short-answer questions.     
My teacher gives tests based on information in the textbook.     
My teacher gives tests based on information in class handouts.
Answers
My teacher wants me to write answers in complete sentences.
My teacher wants long, detailed answers.
Grades   
Class participation is part of my overall grade.   
I understand how my teacher calculates my overall grade.   
Classroom Behavior   
My teacher expects me to work quietly on my own.   
My teacher expects students to work together.   
My teacher wants students to raise their hands before speaking.   
Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers will include a scaled rating for each teacher expectation and/or priority. Ratings will be based on what the student uncovered about his or her teacher's expectations and priorities from question 1.
 

3.

In your portfolio, describe how identifying teacher expectations for all classes can help you be a more successful student?

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers will include examples of how identifying teacher expectations for all classes can help the student be more successful, such as the following:

  • When I understand what my teachers expect from me, I will be able to focus on what is most important. I will use my time better and turn in work that meets my teachers' expectations.
  • When I understand what my teachers expect from me, I will know what to focus on when completing my homework and studying for tests. I will earn better grades and be a more successful student.
 

Please evaluate the student's answers:

Success

Practice

Review