Semester Maps
Students should never ask “Why am I doing this?”. Outcomes are communicated at the start of every class. See examples of Semester maps here. Clearly defining module objectives, class activities, extra resources and due dates and milestones. Initially, a live Google sheet is easy to share and includes links to class slides and resources. After a student commented negatively on the fact that I was using Google Sheets (and that they were ugly), I then transitioned to Trello, but now I create the Semester maps inside the LMS. This eliminates the need to share additional external links and allows students to find everything they need in one consolidated place.
Montage of Outlines
At the start of each session, I clearly outline learning outcomes and the planned activities through structured slides. This practice ensures students understand exactly what they need to achieve and why, providing greater clarity, purpose, and motivation throughout the lesson.
