Did you communicate your point clearly?

Communication is NOT just speaking, it's making sure that the audience understands the message.

When I reached out to my international student from Australia for missing weekly assignments. He told me that he didn't understand what needed to be done. I thought I had communicated the directions clearly but apparently I hadn't.

I rectified the problem and had a Zoom call with all my national and international new students and explained the expectations.

Lesson learned: Don't assume that people will understand everything that you say, follow up, and be open to receiving feedback.