Managing Expectations

In the glory of the internets, I randomly stumbled upon some reviews for the yoga studio that I regularly take class.

True to internet reviews, some were glowing and some were quite negative.

The negative ones all had something in common:
People were expecting something different than they had experienced.

• One person was looking for a very spiritual practice with a lot of yoga philosophy ... but ended up taking a strenuous vinyasa class.
  
• One person judged an instructor for wearing make up.
  
• One person was upset that the advertised instructor was out of town for the class they attended.

Etcetera. Etcetera.

In my opinion, managing expectations is The Key to a good experience for learners.

This is true for a yoga studio and equally true for my economics courses.

It is also true for the global rice market. (Side Note: Here is a link to the assignment I give to my students to accompany the podcast.)

I would reckon it is also true for whatever situation you find yourself in when you are interacting with other humans. (meetings at the office, your kid's birthday party, whatever).

You can't possibly be the perfect person to everyone. However, you can clue people in to what they can expect from you.

I think this is especially important in higher education. (maybe I think that because I work in higher ed)

How I try to manage expectations in my courses:

• set the tone by emailing my syllabus in advance of the first class give a lecture and in class activity on the first day so students know exactly what a typical class meeting looks like
  
• I model good student behavior by showing up early to every class and am 100% prepared
  
• there is consistency / alignment between my learning activities and the exam ... the material is challenging enough on its own, there is no need for surprises
  
• I have students analyze their exam mistakes ... this really helps align their expectations of how much they need to prepare in order to get their desired outcome
  
• I don't sugar coat feedback on deficiencies (I do enthusiastically encourage and give many low stakes opportunities for learning the material)
  
• I tell students about the experience of my past students

Expectations and Yoga
The theme of managing expectations popped up directly in a yoga class this week.

My teacher was telling us that we don't need to seek something external, that all we seek is inside us.

Many people tell themselves if they could only achieve X, things would be better. If they could only meet person X, things would be different.

If only I could do a handstand I'd be enlightened :)


These are expectations we are likely not even aware that we are making. Maybe they are our expectations. Maybe they are someone's expectations for us.

It is advanced practice to give someone back their expectations of you.

While it is true that each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her own experience and students are ultimately responsible for their own learning, I find it is a little easier going if I actively try to manage their expectations of me.