It is true that a well-prepared syllabus is the gold standard, but at times there has to be some flexibility. Hopefully we know that life is not unflexible.
The students need to have clear instructions on what is going to be expected of them in your course to eliminate any misunderstandings. The syllabus is the key to getting the course started in the right direction and it is important to make a good first impression on your students.
Students do not like surprises and often evaluate instructors even before the course begins. A well-stocked and well-prepared syllabus, chock full of germane course information, sends a direct signal to the student that suggests that a well-prepared and planned class lies ahead.
In any course a well prepare syllabus helps the students as well as the teacher stay on track. When you can look at a syllabus and know exactly what is expected of that day it will help you stay organized and focused.
A well-prepared syllabus will leave no question as to what is expected of the students, and what the instructor's responsibility is for the material to be covered.
Its extremely important to have a well prepared syllabus because this leaves no room for error or misunderstandings between the instructor or the students and whats expected from the students as well as myself. Its in fact a contract of sorts.
The idea of a contract to which both the student and the teacher are obligated is a new concept to many students. We don't teach randomly on a given day. If we prepare, they begin to "get" that they must prepare.
Having a well-prepared syllabus benefits students, instructors, and administrators. Students appreciate having a detailed syllabus so they can plan ahead to complete assignments. They like to know what to expect for each class. I include my contact information on the syllabus so students always know how to contact me. Also, if students miss a day of class, they can refer to the syllabus to see what they have missed and what to expect in class on the day they return.
Preparing the course before the first day allows instructors to evaluate the course for continuity. And, dedicating time before the first day to develop the class leaves us with more time throughout the term for grading, meeting with students, etc.
Administrators like to see well-prepared instructors. Also, if an instructor has to miss a class, a detailed syllabus will tell the substitute what content the class has covered.
If you do not have a well defined syllabus, there is not a learning contract in place for the students and you. With no road map; you may not arrive at your destination.
A syllabus provides a great deal of information to students about the instructor, the course, the objectives, schedules, readings, grades, absence or lateness policies, guidelines for assignments and class participation. It is a contract between the instructor and students, and therefore the need to create a complete and well written document cannot be overstated.
A syllabus will help with information related to the course. What students should understand and retain for that course. An additional syllabus with due dates and assignments are also good to attach in addition.
A well prepared syllabus provides information to the student on what the course is all about. The student will know what is expected, when the assignments are due, grading criteria and course policies. In addition, a well prepared syllabus will assist the instructor in developing and delivering his/her presentation.
It helps the students prepare for what will be covered in the class, including any supplies that may need to be purchased. It also provides them with important contact information.
Hi Melissa,
This is a great way to use cell phones, since many of us instructors have to constantly remind students that cell phones aren't to be used during class time. This way they get to put the important dates into their phones and this holds them accountable at a more personal level.
Gary
I have been contemplating whether or not to use the signature method with the syllabus. I can see why it may add pressure, but the pressure could be a positive nudge that they need. After reading many comments on the forum, I may try this with the students that do not attend the first day of class in the immediate future as a trial run. The syllabus template we use at the college I work for is extremely detailed and serves as a great calendar as well. When going over the syllabus on day one, I have my students enter all the important due dates into their cell phone’s calendars and recommend that they set alarms 1-2 days before the date as a reminder. I also explain how using the cell phone (that they are so tied to and cannot live without even for an hour) in class can be beneficial when using it appropriately. I found that the "no phone" rule does not work with adult learners, yet respectful usage does indeed work. I also have received feedback from students that they continue using their phone on day one in other classes because it worked well for them in my class.
I agree entirely. The consistent use of the syllabus removes "the mystery" about class and what is going to be covered each day. It works well for both the class and the instructor.
Students want to know the value of the course in comparison to how it will enhance the personal and professional life.
Well stated and so true. Making the students aware of the requirements for the course, the grading criteria, etc. does not make them a better student if they choose not to be actively involved in their education and take responsibility for learning.
I will meet a student more than half-way any time to help them understand a concept. There always exists the chance that a student will not make it in a course. However, I agree that if the majority do poorly on a quiz/test, then I need to look at the material and how it was presented, as well as the test construction.
At times I have used a technique that was called, The Professor's Muddiest Moment". As the students leave the lecture or lab, they are to write down the concept that was most unclear to them that day. Then I would look over these and during the next class I would re-address the concepts using a different approach.
By having a well developed syllabus students first know exactly what will be expected of them. The course objective, assessment, and requirements are clearly defined.
Each student can the use the syllabus to plan and be prepared for each class. In turn the are more active in class and prepared to be successful.
The syllabus is the course guide for the instructor and the student. A well-written, well outlined syllabus is the backbone of the course.
I know if I take the time to think through and prepare the syllabus, the course runs much smoother and everyone knows the expectations.
