Mary,
So true and this is why it is so important to have a well prepared syllabus to share and then review it with your students. That gets everyone on the same page and moving forward together toward common goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It helps support the role model of organization. A syllabus that enables the student to prepare ahead of time for class helps the instructor convey the necessary information. It also helps them develop personal goals for the course.
A well prepared syllabus is an important tool for the students and the instructor. Students know where the class is going, what is expected, and what the outcome will be clearly and from the start. Instructors use the syllabus as the framework for the class content and schedule. Throughout the semester, I continuously make notes on my copy of the syllabus about what worked and what did not, especially regarding timing. This allows me to add more material in some places or make things a little more focused when time runs short on a topic.
Gary,
Good point for all instructor to remember. They do have a back up to use to keep the class moving forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sometimes students can get caught up in a subject and take the class off-track. I find a syllabus is great for getting back on track.
A well-prepared syllabus is important because the students deserve to know what to expect in any course they take. A sloppy or incomplete syllabus creates a sense of uncertainty in the class. Proper modeling from the instructor requires a highly organized and complete syllabus.
Todd,
You have used a key word when it comes to having a well prepared syllabus. Students become very frustrated when they can't follow the syllabus and the instructor is not following what has been listed in the syllabus. You are right on with the fact that a well prepared syllabus is needed if the students are going to see value in how and what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus provides clear objectives, expectations, and timelines for the course and serves as the contract between student and instructor. Having a poorly defined syllabus that requires continually changing and updating undermines the professionalism of the instructor and frustrates the student.
Sean,
You make a key point with your comment about the syllabus leaving no surprises. This is important for the students to know from the beginning of the class. Make the expectations clear and the students will get settled into the course quickly and the class can move forward from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Additionally, a well-prepared syllabus leaves NO SURPRISES for the students when wondering what the course is about or the responsibilities of the teacher and the students in the learning that will take place.
A well-prepared syllabus gives students a clear roadmap of the course. In teaching school nobody ever suggested that the syllabus was a contract between the teacher and his/her students. This really made me think.
Robert,
Well said. This is the document that informs and guides the students in terms of how the course is going to operate and what the expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It seems to me that this is one of, if the most important aspect, since it sums it all up for the school, students and most importantly, it show us, as teachers, what we are responsible to do In our classroom.
Jeffrey,
The use of a well prepared syllabus will help instructors in all educational settings to inform students as to the requirements, policies and expectations of the course. By doing so instructors will have documentation of sharing (syllabus) should a question arise or a student claim be made. So it is a matter of informing but also protecting all those involved in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Why is it important to have a well-prepared syllabus for your course?
A course syllabus is the primary reference tool for both students and instructors. It outlines pertinent classroom expectations in terms of general college policies, reading assignments, grades, and a detailed due dates. Depending on the nature of the culture of the college, it might be important to insert common-steps in resolving a dispute on the syllabus. This way, the issues or student concerns are documented and remains objective. For the most part, this has shown to be effective in the online learning environment however it might be equally important in a large classroom size.
Jennifer,
It is the course road map (GPS) and keeps everyone going the same direction. As you mention the syllabus informs students about the expectations and requirements of the course so their anxiety levels can be reduced since they know how the course is going to operate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus informs the student of what is expected of him or her throughout the course. Students will know what is expected and can better manage their time when the syllabus includes meeting times, assignments, tests, and time frames for covering specific chapters.
A well prepared syllabus will contain all the student needs to know about the course in one document such as policies, checklists, grading, reference material and instructor contact information.
Since a syllabus can be used for courses designed for multiple institutions within a college, university, etc., it has to take into account that there will be multiple instructional techniques used and different methods involved- it must still be able to have wide enough scope to allow the instructor to perform his lesson but must also be defined enough that the 'specific' goals and objectives of the course is met.
Misty,
Your comments are right on target as to the value of a well prepared syllabus. Clear communication about polices, requirements and expectations should be the outcome of the syllabus. This provides the students with the information they need to plan and provide the needed requirements of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
