Dana,
Like all three reasons for having a well prepared syllabus. The syllabus sets the tone for the class and this is why it needs to be clear and concise and answer the majority of questions from the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Syllabus that is well prepared is important from not only a student/instructor point of view but also for our inspections by our accrediting bodies.
It is important to have a well prepared syllabus for many reasons. One, it acts as a check and balance to state requirements. Two, it is a guideline for an instructor to follow and three, it allows the students to have clear guidelines as to what's expected.
Reza,
So true. It shows the pathway the course is going to follow for the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ruth,
Your comment about students going over the syllabus with a fine tooth comb made me smile. You are so right with your comments about this. It seems one of their major joys is to be able to find an error or an unexplained item in the syllabus. If only they would spend that much time reading their text. For sure the syllabus has to be clear and concise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A well prepare syllabus is very important for instructor and student. it show goals of course in detail and prevent any head ache later.
When having a well prepared syllabus with the students they know what materials will be coverd as it is a contract between the instrutor and student. They have a hundred questions and some will examin that syllabus with a fine tooth comb looking for any irregularity to jump on and questions. Having a collegue go over it, is another pair of eyes for any typos or mistakes.
Gwen,
Two very good reasons to have a well prepared syllabus. A well prepared syllabus serves both the students and the instructor well in getting a new course launched.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A well prepared syllabus presents to your students not only your professionalism as a teacher, but the necessary information the student needs to understand the course expectations.
It is so important to have a well-defined syllabus as students really do read these. The advantage of having the syllabus prepared well is that it can provide resources to reinforce the teaching that you are delivering for your class.
Robert,
Good description of the value of a well developed syllabus. It is the GPS for the course so it needs to give direction, information and content so the students will see what it takes to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus begins with general information that tells the students who the instructor is, how to contact the instructor, when the class meets, begin and end dates, the text book, and the student learning outcomes. Students need to know at the start of the class what to expect. A well written syllabus is also important because it gives the instructor an opportunity to provide a course outline with expected due dates for projects, dates for quizzes and exams and a weekly breakdown of what will be covered in the class and outside the class. It also provides students with college policies on plagiarism, late work, missing exams, etc. The syllabus maps out the course for the student on the first day of class and gives them a road map to follow throughout the course.
Tracey,
This is where the syllabus is as important to you as it is to your students. Both of you can benefit from a well developed syllabus and the result will be a higher level of student engagement and satisfaction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a new instructor, having a well-prepared syllabus is essential for me to not miss any important information that I need to instruct on.
Your syllabus is the road to success in the course you are teaching. It gives the students insight into what is expected and when it is exected.
Korey,
Well said in relation to the value of a well prepared syllabus. This is the road map for the course and as a result it needs to be clear and concise for the students. The results of such a well prepared document will be informed students that understand the expectations of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you've ever taken a course where the syllabus was not well-defined, you know why a comprehensive syllabus is so important. Without the basic pieces of the puzzle, a student will not be able to navigate the course properly. There is nothing worse as a student than to feel confused, but confusion about the subject matter can be expected. Confusion about the course itself? That is something students should never have to feel. I know for me as a student, I like to have everything spelled out, so that I know exactly what is expected of me and what I need to do to be successful.
I believe a well-prepared syllabus sets the tone for the entire course.
Students need to be informed from Day 1 what the objectives, prerequisites, course content, evaluation before they begin, so they can prepare for the rigors of the class.
Michael,
This is a great resource for you to have. This way you can as you say concentrate on your content and delivery planning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Suzelle,
Right you are. I can't imagine teaching a course without the direction of the syllabus. The students would have no idea what to do or what is going to be required. Chaos is the right word for sure.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
