A well-prepared syllabus lends to the character of the class and instructor. It sets the stage.
Exactly I see myself always going to the syllabus it helps the students and instructors as well.
It's important to have a well prepared syllabus so the students know what we will be doing on a day to day basis. It also helps them prepare for class.
Having a well prepared syllsbus is critical to the success of the course. It is the road map for the term and includes all the critical information necessay to guide and assist the student each day. It also makes sure that the daily functions of the class are consistant and the applications, assignments and grades are equally applied to each student. It not only holds the students accountable for performance, it also makes sure that the instructor is consistent and fair with the course applications.
Of course we know that parts of the syllabus can be modified under certain conditions, however, there are requirements and justifications that have to be met in order to make any changes.
A well prepared syllabus gives the students a sense of direction concerning the structure of the class and allows the students to prepare for the upcoming lectures and assignments.
Agree completely. I often have to refer back to the syllabus and remind them about what they already know but may have forgotten.
In most of my classes the students are the same way, so I review the syllabus at the start of every week.
The syllabus sets the tone for the course. Sadly, I have seen several that fail to lay out a clear linkage between goals and objectives, reading requirements, assignments, and assessments.
Hi Dorothy,
A good lesson for all of us. Never, never assume anything. Look all handouts over, review the syllabus and then prepare to still be surprised. Thanks for sharing this experience with us.
Gary
Hi William,
Good point about consistency for students. By using the same syllabus format the students know where to look for each section of the syllabus. This reduces frustration for them and helps the instructor zero students in on critical sections. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
A well-written syllabus will help an instructor keep focused and organized. Helps make sure all the course materials are covered prior to the exam.
When I first started teaching I didn't even bother to go over my syllabus and assumed that it everything was perfect since we have a standardized curriculum. I was in for a surprise when a student came up to me and pointed out several mistakes including typos! was I so embarrassed! did I learned from that mistake!
I believe a well-prepared syllabus and a college standardized syllabus is vital for student understanding. At the institutions at which I teach, the syllabi are all in a standard format. Instructors can add individual course content, but the format stays the same so that students can easily understand the content. In every class, the task list is located in the same area of the syllabus. The task list may be different, but by being located in the same section of the syllabus, students quickly learn where on the syllabus they can find tasks. I believe this helps students, because it takes away confusion of syllabi structure from class to class; knowing that a student may be taking 3, 4 or 5 classes.
I would agree a syllabus relieves stress to all those involved. The facility I work at the syllabus is set and we are only able to make small revisions to syllabus during the next rounds or set of session (not during that session).
I try to make notes as the session goes along that need to be tweeked or clarified the next go-round.
I believe it is very important because it helps the students stay organized. Students know exactly what to expect, how the classroom will be handled, and how the course will flow. I tend to be very organized and therefore I spend quite a bit of time formatting my syllabus properly so that it contains all important aspects to help answer any and all questions that may come up regarding me, my course, and the course content.
A well prepared syllabus gives the student a blueprint for the class. It should include a summary of the work for each class as well as outline course objectives, classroom expectations, and a list of supplimentary materials.
Hi Scott,
Good point about developing a comprehensive and informative syllabus. This is critical to starting a class off right as you know. If the students are knowledgeable about the policies, requirements and expectations of the course they can get settled into the course much easier.
Gary
Hi Candace,
It is so important to establish the ground rules for conduct and then enforce them. If an instructor does not enforce the rules then the rules are pointless and the students will "own" the course which leads to disaster.
You make a good point about using the syllabus as a tool to let the students know what the expectations are.
Gary
A syllabus is key for the students to navigate the course, the challenge as an instructor is to make the syllabus very easy to understand and a tool for the students.
Although we are dealing with adult students they still need specified expectations not only for the course content, but class room behavior. I am often surprised my the lack of manners of students; such as, turn off the cell phone, and no discussion amongst yourselves during lecture. The syllabus is the teachers tool to let students know what you find unacceptable behavior in your class.
