The syllabus defines the goals and objectives of the course. It is the "navigation system"> The instructor is the the driver; if the directions are not clearly communicated, the map not clearly presented, and finally if the car is not maintained and in proper order, no one gets to the the finish, students and instructor.
The course syllabus sets the groudwork for any course. The instructor/student expectations.
A binding document for both parties. A syllabus that is well prepared and planned is very crucial to the success of any course.
Hi John,
You are right on with your comments about neatness and reflecting professionalism with how you present the syllabus. This sends a signal to students that sets the tone for the up coming class.
Gary
It is one of the first things that the students see and evaluate, and it reflects on you. If it is sloppy, then it indicates your grading may be sloppy, or the course not well organized. Also, as others mention, it is a contract for class and spells out my goals for them, as well as my policies and requirements.
The syllabus is the tool that students will ahve readily to explain and remind them what is expected during the course at all times and reassures them when no one else is available to answer questions, refering back to the syllabus when questions do arise is a way for you to limit the disruptions that can occur when a student is unprepared.
Having a well-prepared syllabus allows the student to see that your course is very well structured and attendance is crucial. Setting down your plans in "stone" gives students, in my opinion, a professional view of the instructor. Just by looking at the syllabus students will be able to tell what they can get away with and how much of it. It is all there for them in black and white.
There are many types of learners in the classroom. Some like to see a lay-out of the class the first week, which the syllabus for my class presents to them. Others need to take it one week at a time, and need to be provided with all of the details of the work assigned, which a good syllabus should always do as well.
A well written syllabus allows the student to completely understand the course and what is required of them to receive a passing grade. The problem is if the student actually uses them.
will help the students to stay on track for the course.
Hi Lisa,
By keeping the syllabus "alive and breathing as a document you are helping to bring expectations to the classroom as a result of the importance you attach to the syllabus and its' contents.
Gary
I always tell my students that the syllabus is the contract between the instructor and student. When the student accepts the contract, he or she agrees to follow the rules of the course and to complete all of the assignments to the best of his or her ability. Likewise, I agree not to change any of the course policies and to abide by the same rules. I believe that this benefits all parties involved by providing a guideline for engagement, but also a baseline expectation. Although I prefer detailed daily plans as well as topical outlines, I try to keep the syllabus a living, breathing document that can adapt to student concerns and challenges as they arise.
Hi Louis,
By having a well prepared syllabus you can share all aspects of the course and that way everyone gets off to a good start and are clear on the expectations.
Gary
I consider the syllabus an agreement or contract between the teacher and the student. It says what the teacher will do [assignments, subjects covered timeposts] and what the student is expected to do along the same lines. Agreement to these stipulations are to be understood in the first class, clarified if necessary and agreed to by all.
Hi Carroll,
The syllabus is the guide that shapes the direction of the course and provides students with the map for the course. A well developed syllabus just as you say helps the students get comfortable with the upcoming course.
Gary
this is the backbone for the entire class. the student needs a good syllabus gives teh student a chance to see what is expected of them.
Hi Kevin,
The idea of referring to the syllabus throughout the course phase is a good one. This shows the students that you are serious about the contents of the syllabus and that you are going to follow the syllabus. Also, it helps to keep them on target in relation to assignment deadlines and exams dates.
Gary
A syllabus that's well prepared is a great way to begin a course and set the tone for the rest of the term. I cover the syllabus page by page during the first class and the students appreciate it -- they need to know how the course will flow and especially how they will be evaluated and when.
However, a well prepared syllabus shouldn't be something that's covered only during the first class meeting. In each and every class for the remainder of the term I ask students at the outset (the first five minutes) if they have any concerns or problems with the syllabus. If the syllabus is truly the "touchstone" for the course this is where their concerns and questions will emanate from... in addition to the content you cover on a weekly basis.
Hi Mariela,
Thank you for sharing this example of why a well prepared syllabus is so valuable. Your efforts in developing such a syllabus reduced the situation for this student to one where he had to admit that he had not done the required work thus could not receive the credit.
Gary
And foundations will always be tested. I just finished teaching a class in which a student at-risk-of-failure wanted me to give him 16 hours of classroom teaching in a few minutes after admitting he had not done any of the reading or been in class (not even for the midterm review this morning since he had walked out after one hour of instruction!) When he became confrontational because I would not accommodate him, I suggested he read the syllabus, follow the course guidelines and catch up all on his own. Thank God for a well-prepared Syllabus! Being that a syllabus is a contract, its value lies in that it not only helps students be prepared but in documenting how they contributed to their own failure. In this age of law-suits, the syllabus can be critical as documentation when students blame the school or instructors for "not teaching them."
When I was taking theater classes in college, I was always taught that "actors prepare." As an educator, I have used this theory daily. Prior to starting a class, I make sure that the syllabus is well written and has a clear and concise goal and learning objective. Everyday I read through my syllabus and take notes on the material that needs to be covered.
A well-prepared syllabus gives both students and teachers a guideline as to what is covered daily and in the future. It is a class contract and the instructor needs to follow the syllabus as not to confuse the students.
~Louis
