The syllabus gives everyone involved a clear "map" and understanding of what will be taking place. The students will know what to expect and what is expected of them. A well written syllabus should take most, if not all, of the surprises out of the course.
Daniel,
Good point about the value of a well prepared syllabus. It gives the students direction and the instructor confidence he/she has laid out a course of study for the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Using a well-prepared syllabus will help an instructor move smoothly from topic to topic in the course they are teaching. I like to spend plenty of time on my syllabus so I can hit everything I feel is beneficial for the students so they can succeed.
The syllabus is your basis guideline about what you are going to cover in the course, what text books you are going to use, what the requirements are. We are very lucky at National because in order to keep all our campuses on the same page there is an office on our main campus which writes all of our syllabi for all of our courses and as instructors we just write prospectus for our courses based of the syllabus.
Having a well-prepared syllabus is important because it provides proper guidelines and expectations for the class. It "sets the stage" for what the students should expect to experience and also what is expected of them for successful completion of the requirements.
Using a well-prepared syllabus "sets the tone" at the beginning of the class. The students know what the course objectives are, the evaulation methods and weighted percentages for each category. They are also informed of the class procedures, policies and consequences. Including a tentative outline gives them an overview of the material to be discussed. Not only does it give the above, but also shows that the instructor is prepared and organized.
Lynda,
This is a good way to personalize a company produced syllabus. You are following the set guidelines but are able to add into the mix your own method of operation. This helps to make the syllabus "real" for the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A well-planned syllabus I believe sets the tone for the class. It lets the students know what is expected of them. I kind of see it as helping to place the instructor and student on the same page, so to speak. It also affords me the opportunity to let my students know right from the beginning exactly what it takes to pass this course and at the same time what it would take to fail this course all being said without mentioning the word "failure".
I also prepare an addendum in this case. I use the college-supplied syllabus and explain that "many, many great minds over many, many student-semesters have prepared this document for their (the students') personal use therefore it is to be treated with great respect." Then, we go through it carefully.
To that, I add my own requirements and examples of projects, presentations, participation expectations and preparatory class work complete with grading strategy and due dates. Every 'due date' is included so students may work ahead if they like and if a class is missed, the student is still responsible for the course work.
As the semester begins and the flow emerges, I have no problem adjusting the due dates forward if that fits better for this particular class. A nice perk, I have found, is that absences are minimized by including that "...sometimes I lessen, set a later due date or dismiss entirely the next assignment for the students who are currently present in class..."
And who doesn't like a perk??
There are many reasons why you need a well prepared syllabus for the course but the most important one is of couse is that it helps the students know how the course is laid out and the how the instuctor plans to bring the student to the final day of the course and completing all the objectives alng the way,
A syllabus is like a road map for the course. It gives students an idea of what is covered in the course and when tests and papers and the like will be due. A well-prepared one keeps everybody, students and instructor on track.
A well-prepared syllabus is important so students will know what to expect from the class. Objectives and course outline is important when students are absent from class they can be prepared when they return.
Adriana,
Good point about the importance of a well prepared syllabus. A good one helps to reduce the questions that students have while showing them the format for how the class will be conducted.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus for your course so that the students have a guide to refer back to so that they can prepare in the way most effective for them. It keeps both the students and the instructor on the same page.
Ivelisse,
For sure. A well prepared syllabus as you know is valuable in helping students to get settled into the course and comfortable with the requirements.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Teresa,
I agree with you about the need for a well developed syllabus. A good syllabus does greatly reduce the number of questions plus it helps the students to get a feel for the course so they focus on the needed requirements.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A well-prepared syllabus 'should' alleviate questions/concerns students' may have throughout the duration of the term/semester.
It is a binding contract (between the instructor and student) with a wealth of information about the overall expectations of the course. It really helps both the instructor and students with a timeline of the course; therefore,both are aware of the pertinent information that is outlined on the document and have a clear understanding of what is expected.
A well-prepared syllabus is essential and definitely needed for each course.
Using a well-prepared syllabus can make the difference between a well prepared class and a stressful/lost surrounding
I was always told those instructors with the best syllabus would have the least number of questions about the course (i.e. what is due when, what chapter should we read, when will we be discussing this chapter, what will I be graded on etc).
I have personally altered my syllabus many times for the same classes. I do this when I find that multiple student are confused about X,Y,Z items. When this happens I try to alter my syllabus to better explain that assignment etc.
Student need to have all of the information on the first day of class. This may overwhelm them at first but then they have all the information they need in order to set up their study times/habit and be a successful member of your classroom. . . .And maybe dodge some of those questions. . .
So that the students know clearly what you will be doing and what is expected of them.
