I think it's a great importance for the students to have a well prepared syllabus because it allows them to be properly prepared for future lectures, events, and labs. Some of my students actually read ahead which better prepares them for my lectures.
It is imortant so both the students and instructor to follow along whether it is the text or workbook or other peripheral media. If a student misses a class, it is also an easy way for them to get caught up on missed work. Updating the syllabus to reflect a different text version is imortant also. Many times the book has changed versions, but the syllabus does not follow creating confusion for all.
A well-prepared syllabus equals a successful Instructor/Student experience. I am a detail-oriented person and to me a well-prepared and organized syllabus is the only way for me to be successful.
A syllabus is the guide book for the class. It contains the framework for achieving the goals of the course. If the syllabus is not well prepared and relevant everyone will be lost and not read the goals.
It is like a blueprint for a job you need one to understand what needs to be done , the difference is a syllabus is your blueprint for college to give the students so they know what to expected from them in the classroom, setting appropriate expectations and guiding the curriculum from start to finish.
syllabus is a great way to keeo the whole class room on track
Having a well prepared syllabus is a necessity for the course because it clearly shows the specific direction the course is headed. As instructors we are setting an example (provided we follow the syllabus) of having a map and using the map.
it is also organized, and that is an opportunity to impart organization to learners
Having a syllabus relieves a lot of stress involved with knowing what is going to be covered next. Students are also better prepared for class, especially when multiple text books are used.
Once the students receive the necessary basic course information and outline it frees them up to prepare to learn and also prevents the instructor from spending valuable class time covering administrative items. A well prepared syllabus also establishes the tone for the course.
A well-prepared syllabus gives any students feeling lost in the course a chance to re-center, catch up, and stay on track.
Hi Renetta,
I agree with you about the need for a clear syllabus. With the information from the syllabus the students know what the expectations are so they can focus their energy on satisfying those requirements. A well prepared syllabus also reduces many student questions because they are covered within the syllabus.
Gary
The syllabus is the blueprint for the class. I found that I did better in classes where the syllabus was very detailed. Course Materials, outcomes, grading criteria, evaluation, and guidelines, assignment dues dates, and course policies were included. The teacher’s expectations were very clear and usually included all information students needed to achieve success.
Some students need to have a detailed outline of the class in order to feel relaxed and prepared for the semester. I believe that creating a syllabus that lists as many details as possible helps students to feel at ease. It also helps instructors in the event that a situation was to occur regarding a policy within the syllabus. If the teacher has distributed and explained the syllabus the students should know what to be prepared for as well as expectations of the teacher.
Hi John,
Good point. The instructor needs to show the students the value of the syllabus and why it is important to their course success. If the instructor doesn't see value in it for sure the students won't.
Gary
I do agree that using a well prepared syllabus is extremely important to the students as well as the instuctor, but, it is only useful in as much if the students use it.
A well-prepared syllabus puts students at ease because they know the vital information about the course, as well as what to expect.
Hi Mark,
Good question and to which I don't have an answer. If the school requires a syllabus be given to the students for each course then that needs to be done. I can't imagine teaching a class without a syllabus because neither the students nor I would have a guide to follow. That to me is working without a net in terms of keeping students engaged and focused on the course.
Gary
Hi Ben,
Right on. By being clear about policies, expectations and requirements you are helping the students to understand how the course is going to operate. That understanding goes a long way in helping them be successful.
Gary
No only is it an aid for the students it assists the instructor as well. The instructor knows what topics he/she is gong to cover and can then decide the pace of the class.
I'm actually amazed to learn that a syllabus really is considered a contract between the instructor and students.
I've been telling my students this for years, and I'm happy to hear that other instructors do too!
So, what is the effect on the teaching institution when other instructors don't give their students a syllabus?
