The Syllabus
I make it appoint to go over the syllabus in the beginning of the course. This helps set the tone for the course and lays out expectations. I feel this practice is very helpful to teacher and student. As a result, there are fewer problems along the way.
Karleen,
These multiple referrals to the syllabus help to reinforce the importance of the course content as well as show the students that they need to keep their syllabus available since it is a course document that informs and guides them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is a great idea to refer to the syllabus at various times. Some students learn better from print outs in front of them while others learn from always being on the computer
I agree I do go over the syllabus in the beginnning of classes so we are on the same page and the students have some idea of what they should be learning and knowing by the end of their quarter
Michael,
This is a very good approach as it holds the student accountable for having received and read the syllabus. Students as you know have a tendency to want to place the blame for not doing something on someone else. By having a well prepared syllabus you will be giving them the projects, requirements and policies for the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I thoroughly cover the entire syllabus at the beginning of each term. Then each day I review that day's work and usually the next day or two also, with main points written on my white-board. I've found that repetition is more effective than relying on the students themselves to look at and pay attention to the syllabus.
I've heard other instructors give an abbreviated version (since the students have heard most it before) and then they run into problems later in the term. I like to be proactive in this respect.
I have each student sign an acknowledgement that they received and understand everything in the syllabus. In that way, if a student later tells me they were never informed of something, I can show them their signature that says they were.
Katherine,
As we teachers know students need to be reminded over and over and over again about assignments, due dates and projects. So the more we can refer to the syllabus the more they will rely on it as an ongoing source of information.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree with many the syllabus in the beginning prevents headaches at the end. I go over it in class, each student gets a print out and it's on the class website.I include a rubric for the different assignments ,explaining the grading system and outline student and school expectations. I refer to it constantly throughout the course. I didn't know when or how to do this project....did you refer to the syllabus? OH! I lost it ....it's on the website and I'm available. OH AGAIN!
I go over the syllabus in the beginning as well. It will allow students to have a subject to look forward to as well as be prepared. Especially if there are certain supplies needed later in the class.
Juan,
Also clear expectations reduce student frustration and enables them to focus on the course content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Yes I agree, If you let your students know what is expected of them at the begining of the course and have it in writing it does make the course run more smooth.
Jeff,
Good plan. What you wanted to know as a student was included in the syllabi you received and with these experiences you can make sure your won syllabi are comprehensive and clear.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I always look at the syllabus with the memory of when I was a student. The syllabus and course outlines were always my best friend when completing the course. If I forgot when an assignment was due or when an exam was scheduled, the syllabus was there for me. In developing my own, I take the elements from the ones that always seemed to help me.
the syllabus is a great tool to give to the students so they know what to expect
I completely agree as I can see the ease on my students face as they read it. Going over the syllabus at the beginning of the course also sparks new questions from the students that might have otherwise been overlooked.
