Students need to know the content of the course they are taking and what areas they will be learning. It also gives them clear expectations on what they will be graded on and what they will be expected to have learned.
I agree. I have the students refer to the syllabus at the end of each class to remind them of what is expected of them for the next class. This way they are looking at the syllabus weekly.
As a new instructor this is one of the things I learned the hard way. I would have a well prepared syllabus but I was afraid at the end of the term that the students did not understand exactly what was expected of them. I now go over every piece of the syllabus and really hit it home and I explain how each test, assignment, or activity effects their grade and what is expected of them.
Hi Michael,
Right you are about the syllabus. Thank you for those good remarks. The syllabus is valuable in laying out the course policies, requirements and expectations. It is like a contract and in some colleges it is a contract because students sign a sheet that says they have received and read the syllabus. Other instructors have quizzes over the syllabus at the next class meeting. All kinds of different ways of showing the students the value attached to the syllabus.
Gary
Hi Dr. Meers,
As instructors, we expect our students to come to our class prepared for the day's material, right? Shouldn't they expect the same from us?
A syllabus is an important docuemnt that shows students have they will be evaluated in the course (what are the assignment weightings, etc.). Additionally, it takes care of many "housekeeping" tasks such as what books/material are needed for the course? ... where do we meet? and what are the other class policies such as late work, etc.? It is a reference for the student to use throughout the class.
It also becomes an "agreement" between the instructor and the student to how the class will be run. By clearly sharing and commmunicating expectations, hopefully the syllabus sets on the path toward a great course!
cheers, mj
Hi Robin,
So true. The syllabus sets the stage for the class. Instructors need to spend time on putting a well developed one together. Thanks for sharing your perspective on the importance of the syllabus.
Gary
Your syllabus is the road map the student uses to plan and prepare for study and time management. Clear and concise information that allows the student to understand what is expected of them, how they will be graded, reading assignments, writing assignments and how to reach the instructor for questions or issues. A poorly prepared syllabus leaves the student to draw their own conclusions about the entire course and the instructor.
Hi Daniel,
This is the way to set the ground rules for the course. They have signed a contract so that way there is no misunderstanding.
Gary
I have students sign a form stating that they recieved the syllabus stating they understand what is to be expected and will comply with class rules
Hi Sheretta,
How do you help your students develop this understanding? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
So the students can have a clear understanding of the future objective.
Hi Joseph,
Excellent! A well prepared syllabus answers many questions and reduces confusion on the part of students. It gives a starting point for discussion about how the course is going to operate. It is the road map for the coming class session.
Gary
Sir, I use a syllabus for every course and the students really like to know what to expecet. It takes the "surprise" factor out of the class.
Hi Elaine,
This is what good teaching is about. With a well developed syllabus you will reduce many questions by students. They can see the course expectations and concentrate on getting settled into the course much quicker.
Gary
I have a well prepared syllabus which shows what is coveed in the course, what is expected from the students. It is a contract between me and my students. I also use weekly assignment sheets that breaks down what material is covered that week and what assignments are due and possible points for each assignments. These assignments sheets is a more detail lists of objectives given in the syllabus. I find the student like these sheet because they keep them on track.
Hi Deborah,
Students need these types of reviews so they will keep up with assignments and due dates. They seem to have, as many of us do, short memories.
Gary
I review the syllabus at the start of every week.
before class begins
Hi Tessie,
You are right about the accountability part of the syllabus for students. By having it in print you can avoid a lot of discussion about requirements and deadlines. It is up to them to meet those deadlines as outlined in the syllabus.
Gary
As my experiences as an instructor broaden, the more I see the importance of having a well- prepared and defined syllabus. It does not only make them aware of what the topics are to be covered (I do a day-to-day calendar for the whole term), but it also makes the students responsible for covering the areas they missed in case they will be absent.
Hi Henry,
Good way to approach the way different students follow the course polices. So get it quickly and others need ongoing reminders.
Gary
