I agree. It seems that usually the students don't even pay attention to the syllabus. I refer back to mine constantly, though.
Mark:
you rasie a good point. In other words, if this is supposedly a contract, then why do students not complete assignments on time, why do they not prepare, and why do they fail? Having a road map and not using it is foolhardy.
Jim Giordano
Hi Anna,
Right you are. It makes the journey so much easier and less stressful if you have your route planned out. The syllabus is the tool to make that happen in the classroom.
Gary
Using a well-prepared Syllabus is like taking a trip using a well made road map. It is a guide for the student and the instructor. It makes learning a new subject less overwhelming by breaking it down into step by step components, easier to understand and comprehend.
Because the syllabus provides all the vital information for the student to successfully complete the course, including but not limited to instructor information, course information, and daily instructional information.
Hi Bobbie,
Well said. This is very important for the students. They need to have a clear understanding of how the course is going to progress and what the expectations are.
Gary
Hi Mary,
This is so important to make sure that everyone, both students and instructor are clear on expectations, requirements and polices. It reduces questions and stress everyone.
Gary
A well-prepared syllabus prepares the class in knowing what they will be learning and any pertinent information, such as time constraints that they must deal with. It also sets a tone for the student as an example that they must also be prepared to learn, assimilate information, and turn in projects in the time requested.
A well prepared syllabus prepares the class in knowing what they will be learning and any pertinent information, such as time constrants they must deal with. It also sets a tone for the student as an example that they must also be prepared to learn, assimilate information, and turn in projects in the time requested.
It gives students a guide as to work the course is about and where it is going. It tells them what is expected of them and what chapters to read. It lists important information regarding grades and office hours. All the information of the syllabus helps them to prepare and be successful in the course. Without a clear syllabus there were been confusion and a lack of clear direction or the course and content.
Hi Ray,
I can't either. I use my syllabus as a road map for both me and my students. With the course expectations, requirements and polices spelled out we all know from day one how we are going to proceed to meet the goals of the course. Really helps to reduce confusion and frustration.
Gary
I think the syllabus is for the intructor as well as the student. The syllabus is the contract so that everyone knows what will be covered each class, what is the end result, and how are we going to get there. I can't imagine trying to teach a course without a syllabus.
Hi Seth,
You make a good point about the importance of well prepared syllabus. It is a must if it is going to accomplish what we want it to.
Gary
It is important because it sets and explains the expectations for the course. The student is empowered to make the best decisions because they are provided all the information. It also helps both parties (student and instructor) maintane objectivity in the evaluation of eachother.
i agree. using a contract at the end of the syllabus really lets the students know you are serious and they have to keep their end up of the bargain.
A well prepared Syllabus helps the instructor and students to be organized, and up to date on what's happening in class.
Hi Nancy,
You are right about the need for a clear and well developed syllabus. It really does reduce much stress if the syllabus gives the students the expectations, requirements and policies of the course in terms that are easily understood. Then the students can ask any questions they may have and then the learning can begin.
Gary
An Instructor must be totally prepared for every class. In order to achieve this, a well-prepared syllabus is in order. As mentioned in the course, a syllabus is the basic document which describes the plans for the course. It provides students with all the information they need to embark on the course. It tells them what the course is about, and what work is required. In it, they discover the class policies, assignments and deadlines. It lets them know how they can reach you for questions between classes. Most importantly, it tells them what is expected of them, and what they need to do to achieve a good grade. I feel a well defined syllabus reduces the level of stress that students feel on the first day of a new class. It empowers them with information.
As others have already mentioned, the syllabus provides a roadmap for, and a contract between, the students and their instructor.
Additionally, I think it is imporant to point out that a syllabus can also be an opportunity for the instructor to show how their course content applies to real life situations. The syllabus can be a starting point for students to appreciate the value of the subject being taught. Once your students buy into the fact that your subject area has direct application to their career and life after college, and that they will actually use what is being taught in class, students can gain a fairly good appreciation for class objectives from the very beginning.
Hi John,
Right you are. It also helps to reduce confusion and frustration since the information is clearly laid out for the students.
Gary
