Cory,
Dead on in terms of a first impression. The syllabus should be clear and concise so the students will know the course requirements, expectations and policies from the beginning. This will reduce their frustrations about how they can be successful in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
agree with the " can't hold them accountable if they don't know what for",
but also, the syllabus is pretty much the first connection the student makes with the teacher. It is one of their first impressions, so if the syllabus is sloppy, off topic, uninformative, it may set a tone for the student that the course is just as sloppy or uninformative.
First impressions are hard to overcome!
Mayra,
Syllabus development is an ongoing process since changes can come up each time you start a new class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
VERONICA,
A syllabus lists the goal(s) of the course and objectives that will enable the goal(s) to be covered. In addition the syllabus has the policies, requirements and assignments listed. Any materials that students need to purchase such as supplies, textbooks, manuals, etc. are listed as well. The key topics that will be covered in the course are listed as well.
In writing a syllabus you want to share information students will need to have the majority of their questions answered with the content and to feel like they have a grasp on what it will take to be successful in the course.
If you have any additional questions about syllabus development please let me know I will be glad to answer them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have tweeked a generalized syllabus given to me to help me out for my first teaching experience and the syllabus though well defined I still find that I will have to add more for the next term in order to clarify current curriculum needs.
I'm not even sure how to start a syllabus I've been a Truck Driver for years who has been put into a classroom setting. How would you suggest I start one?
The syllabus is critical for a class - it provides the student and the instructor success in planning for the course.
I agree a syllabus does help the student know what the course is about. We dont use one yet we have open enrollment and open exit will need to have one to include this process.
Syllabi can give a paved guidance for what the course is going to entail. It is important to stick as close to the master plan as possible. Students should also know that success can be enhanced by looking ahead and preparing for the future sessions of the class.
That is a great idea, Lynda. I do add my own requirements as well, actually at my school the syllabus is full of mistakes. It's very frustrating for me and students. I do have to go over it very carefully in the beginning of each mod.
By showing a well prepared syllabus it leaves very little gray area as far as expectations are concerned. The students know exactly what is expected from them and where the course is heading into the future.
A well-prepared syllabus sets the tone for the course. It provides direction, goals, organization and expectations
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus because it cuts down on misunderstandings. If everything is laid out in the syllabus then the students know exactly what is expected of them. All of the information is there in front of them. The students know what the assignments are, when they are due and in what format you want them done in. If that is not clear in the syllabus you can spend a lot of time every class session answering the same question(s) over and over.
Tiffany,
I love your "feet to the fire" line. Teachers need to teach from the objectives of the course. As you said, students need to know what to expect.
Carol Myslinski
Hello,
A well-prepared syllabus is imperative. The syllabus sets the tone for the term. It is like a mini contract between the instructor and the student. The teacher need to highlight the significance of this document. I refer back to the syllabus to point to due dates and readings.
Carol Myslinski
The syllabus in essence starts the class on the right foot. At the outset, both the instructor and students can have an understanding of what will be expected and what to expect as the course unfolds. It is essential that these expectations are laid out in the beginning, lest one later claim surprise as the goals in the course unfold.
James,
Good reminder for all of us. We need to have clear and concise syllabi for all our courses so we can show our students what our expectations are for them and the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
While there are many very good answers, I took a moment and stepped away from looking it as a teacher and remembered being a student. As a student, I recall reading and re-reading every word in the syllabus. I noted when papers were due and when tests and presentations were scheduled and planned accordingly. It made a world of difference, especially compared to those who provided a syllabus that was vague, tests are 45% of the grade without quantity, dates, etc.
So the students know what, how and when they are going to learn. It also helps the instructor to keep on track on what they need to teach for that course.
Renee,
You have a lot of insight for a beginning instructor. You are dead on with your comments. They sometimes does get the connection between content and application or don't have the skills needed to take good notes. So we need to help them to connection the dots between course content and their career development.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
