It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus for the course to run successfully. This should be the guide to all key elements necessary for completing the class and meeting all the requirements. Student appreciate a well-organized, detailed description of weekly assignments and lessons so they get everything out of the class without having to deciper or question the information. Having this in place will help avoid confusion and save time of both the instructor and the students.
If a syllabus is not prepared correctly it will directly effect your credibility with the students. Adult learners need to have a clear direction on where they are headed and what is expected of them. I have found that the clearer the course objectives the more engaged and organized the student.
A well prepared syllabus is a life saver. It lets the students and instructor meet the class requirements. Without it, the instructor would just be waiving. On the other hand, the students know what is expected of them. Now to meet all the objectives on mine (which were prepared by the school) I use a team approach where the students and I agree on some of the projects to do. This way they have a vested interest in the project, yet I will navigate them through the project.
Without it you set yourself up for many problems. day one everything needs to be set in stone with the students. What is expected of them, what they will learn and exactly how they well be graded
Catherine,
Good way to show your students a profile of success. You are giving them the tools and information needed to be successful so they can see individually how they can create a future for themselves.
Gary
The syllabus gives the students a road map of the course and the instructor is the driver. Sometimes my students ask why we stray from the lessons in the syllabus, and I remind them that it is not written in stone, but a guildeline for the course.
It aids in communication, so the students will know what is expected of them.
I do think, however, for the demographics of the students I teach, that it must be repeated weekly, if not daily. I say this in the fact that most of our students do not "get it" that what they've done by chosing Brown College is a career choice & that they are RESPONSIBLE for their student loans & for every ACTION there is a REACTION. Most of our students are single welfare moms coming from dysfunctional homes who most never finished HS but got GED's & most have NEVER worked ever at a job, so they just "don't get it".
One of the things I do is I break down the syllabus day by day for the students so they will know every class what will be occurring. Im in communication with them by email, text, & phone. If there isn't any communication - there is no trust or respect built between you & the student.
Luis,
Very true. They need to feel comfortable with what is expected of them and how they can be successful in the course. A well prepared syllabus helps them to focus on being successful while meeting all of the expectations.
Gary
A well prepared syllabus provides the students with a road map. It takes the mystery out of their the course and lets them know how you plan to evaluate them
It shows the students that you are ready to teach the class and that you have spent time preparing for the class.
Mary,
Simple, effective and is a great aid in developing discipline for deadlines.
Gary
Mary,
Good strategy. In addition, this way the students see the value you place on the contents of the syllabus since you are testing them over the content as well as discussing it in the beginning of the class.
Gary
Larry,
Good use of the syllabus. This is why it is so important to have a clear and concise one prepared for each class.
Gary
To have students learn effectively and have the information results necessary for their advancement, have the information for them in content, expectation, requirements, etc. Will help each one of them adjust that to their learning style.
The first day of class I go through the syllabus with all of my classes. I read in your post regarding a quiz, I may have to start doing this. The students will say that they will read the syllabus but generally will not. Heck some of them don't even keep it like they should. The syllabus tells you exactly what the student should expect from the class, it's objectives, and goals. We are allowed to make addendums to our syllabus but of course must put in writing what the changes or additions will be.
It is important because it gives both the instructor and students a foundation for the class environment. It will also provide a framework for the instructor and students to achieve the learning goals and objectives during each class setting.
It is important to be prepared with a syllabus for your class. It lets them know that you are professional and know your subject that you are instructing.
I can so appreaciate what happened to you. I accept assignments at the start of class. At break it already drops to a 80%. It usually will take only one student to experience this and they all get the point. The really good thing is that for the new students coming in, the experienced students will tell them first thing means on the desk at the start of the class. Point taken and understood!
I like the idea of a syllabus quiz. One the first day, I also read it and then ask 3x if there are any questions. If not, they then sign the sheet stating they read and understood the syllabus. I guess it is a CYA but there are no comments half way through the semester about not knowing something.
To make the student more comfortable as to the content and direction, outlinning the information and schedule of events in your course.
