Monash University > School of Computer Science and Software Engineering > CSE1301 > Lecture Responsibilities and Etiquette

CSC1301 Computer Programming 
Semester 1, 2005
Lecture Responsibilities and Etiquette

A typical CSE1301 lecture involves one lecturer communicating with about 200 students. It is important for you to get as much as possible from this communication. This can only happen when everyone observes some basic principles of courtesy and co-operation (i.e., `etiquette').

Since most of you will be new to University lectures, we have set out some of these principles below. The overall theme is consideration for others: giving your fellow students and the lecturer a fair go. These principles are not onerous, and indeed are just an introduction to the sort of professionalism which will be expected of you in any workplace.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

MINIMIZE NOISE

It is a basic right of students to be able to participate in a lecture, practical or tutorial without the distraction of noise from other students.

It is a basic right of lecturers to have the attention of students in classes and a quiet atmosphere in which they can be heard.

· No talking. Increase in `background' noise means decreased clarity in communication. · Don't pack up early. It is rude to start packing up (with the inevitable noise that this entails) before the lecturer has clearly indicated that the lecture is finished. It is also counter-productive: a lecturer facing such noise may take longer to get the message across, so the lecture may go on longer. · Make your needs clear to other students. One lecturer cannot be expected to be constantly dealing with the noise of 200 people. If there is noise in the lecture theatre, it is you who misses out the most. You pay your fees/HECS, you devote hours of your time to attending lectures, and you should expect a quiet environment where you can get the most out of this opportunity. If the noise of other students interferes with this, then you should take some responsibility yourself for dealing with it. Make your expectations known to them. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS
It is a basic responsibility of students to behave during lectures or tutorials in a way which does not disturb the lecturer, tutor or other students.
· Use the rear door if you arrive late or leave early Sometimes you may arrive late or leave early for a variety of legitimate reasons. In such circumstances, it is important that the lecture-in-progress is not disrupted, and that students following it are not distracted. You should therefore use the rear door. Every lecture theatre has one. From the outside it is usually accessible by stairs. · Turn off your mobile phone Ideally, you should turn off your mobile phone during lectures. Alternatively, you can set your mobile phone's ring signal to silent.  Under no circumstances should you engage in a phone conversation during a lecture. LECTURE ATTENDANCE · Make up for any missed lectures Lectures are not compulsory, but if you fail to attend then the lecturer is not obliged to provide personal tutorial assistance to you. In such cases, you should ensure you compensate for the missed lecture by doing extra reading. · Bring ID card, and produce when required You must bring your ID card to every lecture, tutorial or practical class, and must produce it if asked to do so by the lecturer or another University official. ID cards are occasionally checked. One reason is to verify entitlement to receive University services. RESPONSE TO UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR Students must leave a class when asked to do so by the lecturer, tutor or practical-class demonstrator.

If noise persists or there is other unruly conduct, the lecturer may refuse to continue a lecture and walk out. In this situation, the lecturer is entitled to assume that the prepared lecture was given, and that the material is examinable, even though it was not fully delivered.

Further disciplinary action may be taken if such conduct continues.

 LECTURER RESPONSIBILITIES The following is an outline of the main responsibilities of lecturers.
· Prepare and deliver lectures The lecturer's task is to communicate. The lecturer is not responsible for "crowd control". · Start the lecture on time Lectures start at 5 past the hour, to allow for time to set up. Delays may occur if a previous lecture runs late, or if there is unexpected difficulty in setting up equipment. · Finish the lecture on time Lectures finish at 5 minutes to the hour. Delays may occur if there is disruption during the lecture. · Advertise consultation hours Various staff (including lecturers, but also some assistant lecturers and some tutors at certain rostered times) are available for consultation outside the normal classes. These times must be made known to students. See your introductory handout, the web site, or your lecturer's door. · Advertise the method of assessment The method of assessment used (including the breakdown of marks for the different components of assessment, and which activities are compulsory) must be made known to students, and in particular must be outlined in the first lecture of the subject. [ Top | Home ]
Last modified 2005-21-02