It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus because it serves as a contract between the instructor and students.
Thank you for that insight. I have often attached a signature sheet at the end of the course syllabus, where I also include a personal "class expectations", and your comment that this adds unnecessary pressure sounds true. There are always students who are respectful and committed to enhancing their experience and then there are those students who just don't seem to care. It does not matter whether there is a signature for "understanding" or not, they are still only going to contribute minimally "to just get by".
On the other hand, I never have a "contract to sign" for a class that is just starting the program. Everything is stated in the syllabus and course outline, which I go over on the first day and refer to it whenever the occasion arises.
A well-prepared syllabus can set the tone and the environment for the course. It also helps me to stay focused and on track to make the students learning the appropriate material.
Having a well prepared syllabus informs your students of what will be covered during the course and also keeps you as the instructor on track so all items are covered.
helps to decide what topics will be covered and at what pace
A well prepared syllabus helps the students to understand expectations, assignments and their due dates, and policies and procedures that the instructor will apply as needed, to name a few.
Hi Evan,
Well said. A well prepared syllabus keeps the students focused on the desired outcomes and what they have to do to meet them. As you say it reduces the number of often asked questions and helps to set the tone for the class.
Gary
I have been teaching for several years, and it's really easy sometimes to become complacent as it relates to the course syllabus. A well-prepared syllabus is evolving, and keeps up current trends and research in the field.
Since it is considered a contract between the instructor and student, not having a well-prepared syllabus can be disastrous. First, it's just common courtesy to let them know what your expectations are. A poorly prepared syllabus would be like inviting someone to a party, but not giving them an address. You can't expect someone to show up, if they don't know where they're going. Second, if your syllabus isn't well prepared, you should be fully prepared to answer the same questions over and over and over. Students what to know what's what. We would want to know as well.
The more thorough the syllabus, the smother the class will proceed. If the syllabus is terse or missing things, the more likely that a student will make an assumption and do something incorrectly or miss something.
Accross time, my syllabus have gotten more complete and thorough. I find that the students don't waste time and make mistakes. Also, if it is in the syllabus, there is less complaining or disagreements between me and the students. If it is in the syllabus, then the conflict is over.
In some ways, it can be viewed as an agreement between me and the students.
Hi Kim,
Good point about the need for a well developed syllabus. The syllabus becomes a document of understanding between the students and yourself and this really helps to reduce issues related misunderstandings.
Gary
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus as it serves as the contract between the instructor and the student. My syllabus is typically 15 or 16 pages in length; that way students are clear on what the course requirements and my expectations are for them. In the event there is a disagreement, the syllabus is essentially the only document I have to help resolve the disagreement.
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus so that students know exactly what to expect from the course. As another post stated, the syllabus is a contract between the instructor and the student for the course. It defines course objectives, timeline, grading policies, assignments. A well-prepared syllabus will set the tone for the course.
Hi Gene,
This method really keeps the students informed. I like the way you lay it out for them. This should reduce many of the questions that students have about deadlines because they have it in front of them along with the review of the deadline sheet each time the class meets.
Gary
It is important to have a good syllabus because it can help a student understand what the course is about, and how easy or difficult it is going to be. This, in turn, can help the student understand how much of their time they need to devote to the course.
Think the syllabus is the foundation for my courses and outcomes are clearly and concisely stated and discussed in class the first day and many more times during the term to maintain focus on what they must understand and use after they complete the course and why. My syllabus always contains a one page deadline sheet that explicitly states what assignment or project or presentation should be done by each class period. I review the deadline sheet in each class period and briefly discuss what should be accomplished and when it is due for the following 2 weeks or so, and answer any questions about how, what, or why, etc.
Having a well prepared syllabus allows both the student and instructor to understand expectations and also allows all students to have a similar experience in the very same course too.
I believe the syllabus gives both the instructor and students structure. Which helps develop a well organized class.
Hi Marion,
Understanding is critical in dealing with student situations. Life happens and as a result it takes its' toll on student participation. The key is to identify the needed support so the student can continue forward progress.
Gary
Hi All,
A number of you made very good points about the need for a well organized and planned syllabus. The more information you can detail in the syllabus the less time you will spend on answering the same set of questions over and over again. Also, the students can see the the expectations, requirements and polices for the course and see how they are going to fit into the learning environment.
Gary
