I feel the syllabus sword is two-edged: 1) students need to know the expectations set 2) instructors need to have a framework to teach in.
Students need to know what it is they are going to learn (why is this worth my while, what will I be able to do when done, etc...); whereas instructors need to have a framework and limits on what will be taught in order to be effective and efficient. I could lecture for 12 hours straignt on the importance of soft skills in the workplace - but what portion of that will be covered in a paricular lesson, what are the key points I need to distill out for the students, what are the building blocks of understanding I need to be certain my students grasp and use in assessments so that theu can attain to higher understandings in later classes - all this is outlined and framed by the effective syllabus.
Sherri,
This is the value of the syllabus. It is the guide for the course and reduces student questions and frustrations since it explains the details of the course and what the expectations are.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A syllabus illustrates your preparedness and organization to your students. It's also a "bible" of how the class will progress. My syllabus lays out my expectations of my students, my deliverables and the goals, objectives and plans for the course.
Treva,
Well said. The last sentence really captures the value of a well prepared syllabus.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A comprehensive syllabus is so important to student success! If the students do not know what is expected of them, how can we expect them to succeed?
The challenge I often face is keeping my syllabus at a reasonable length! It needs to be comprehensive but not so long that students become dismissive of it.
Andrew,
This way you can personalize your syllabus while meeting the requirements of your college. It is important for the students to see the syllabus as a document of value to them and their success in the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A well prepared syllabus sets the foundations for the course objectives, it outlines the class policies,and due dates. It is a written contract between the teacher and student is a reflection of the course itself.
No the school provides one for us to use, but the recent changes in education allows us to tweek the syllabi. We are regulated the ACCSC.
Andrew,
So true. Do you write your own syllabus or does your school provide one for you?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
So that the students are well aware of what is expected of them.
Angelia,
Well said in terms of outlining the value of a well prepared syllabus. This is the GPS for the course so the information needs to be accurate, understandable and appreciated.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kristi,
You make a key point about the value of a well prepared syllabus in relation to helping students see the value of the course. This sets the stage for a good course as a result of a syllabus that outlines what is going to occur and what the expectations are.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The syllabus is used as a tool for the instructor as well as the student so that they know what expectations of the class are going to be. It also is followed up with an outline of the class and time frames that should be kept when instructing the class. It also allows for the instructor to know if they are covering all of the important information that is needed to be taught through out the course.
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus because it not only allows the students to fully understand the necessary items and content of the course, but it also allows them to see the importance of the course. From this they will have prior knowledge of all content that will be discussed later in time allowing them to be better prepared for whatever comes along.
Chuck,
Thank you for sharing your experiences as a long time educator. This is good information for new instructors to have because sometimes the become discouraged with all that they have to do to get ready for the first day of class. You make a good point is that educational improvement is an ongoing process that never really ends, we just retire and someone else keeps on doing it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As an instructor in a vocational school, I start a new 100 hour course every 20 days. After 11 years and aprox. 130 new classes, I rely on my syllabus to not only give the students all the course details but to be my "first day notes"
Yes, even after 130 classes I still need a prompter so that I don't miss giving out pertinent pre-course information. I have my syllabus to a point where it is almost self explanatory. This is after 11 years of fine tuning.
Judy,
Yes, it is and without it the students will be lost and start to drop out of the educational journey they are on because they don't know what the destination is.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Students need to have the syllabus to refer to. Leaves no room for confusion or to question expectations.
Having a well-prepared syllabus allows students to know what to expect in that particular course. Its a road map to get from point A to point B with detail.
The contract makes it easier to maintain a consistent resource for the class.
