I know that Iam trying to do my best but at times it frustrating specially when dealing with students that never received any kind of discipline whatsoever.
Pascale,
This is why have a clear and concise syllabus for your course is so important. Also, you are teaching the students that when they are out in the work world their work has to be completed on time, no exceptions. This is the kind of discipline that is missing for many new workers. So keep your standards in place as you are doing a great service for your students in helping them develop their own self discipline.
Gary
Recently,I had a student complaining about me refusing to accept a late assignment.In the syllabus it is clearly stated that late assignments will not be accepted if assignments are already graded and returned to students unless there is extenuating circumstances.At that point nothing was submitted.
A well-prepared syllabus is important because it will provide a detailed overview of the course,what you expect from the students and also classroom policies, system of grading etc...
unfortunately not all students read it.
Having a well-prepared syllabus will help the instructor stay on the right track. There are times when you deviate from your lessons, but having a detailed syllabus allows you to get right back on track.
The syllabus also allows the students to prep for what is ahead of them. Without having a detailed syllabus, the students seem to be disorgazined.
Nina,
Such a good point. To have failure based upon miscommunication is unfair to students so we need to make sure our syllabus, handouts, and any other communication is clear and concise.
Gary
It is important so that school, faculty and student are on the same page as it relates to goals, objectives and measures of success. There is nothing sadder than the failures due to miscommunication rather than a lack of ability. If you care about your students success, then take the time to get on the same page.
A well prepared syllabus gives clear guidelines and communicates what is expected of students and of the instructor durring the course. With the grading policies stated in the begining of the class a student may choose to keep up the totals of their assignments and track their own grade. Also the late assignment policy is spelled out so there are no misunderstandings about what is expected of the student. A well prepared syllabus I believe sets the guidelines and comunicates what materials will be necessary for the course, it is the first communication with your students if that communication is consise and clear you set yourself and your students up for success.
The syllabus assists the intructor in giving clear expectations to the students.
It offers them the opportunity to understnad the goals and objectives for the course, which include policies, grade explanantion, timelines, etc.
The syllabus sets a tone for the class and establishes an early point of contact between instructor and student.
A detailed course syllabus, handed out on the first day of class, gives students an immediate sense of what the course will cover, what work is expected of them, and how their performance will be evaluated.
An effective syllabus increases the likelihood of student success in your class.
The syllabus guides learning in accordance with your expectations and demonstrates that you care about students learning.
A well-prepared course syllabus shows students that you take your teaching seriously.
By: Elizabeth Price
As class room instructor the use of a well-prepared syllabus gives the students guidance as to how to prepare for the class. When students who first enter school they are not sure what to do with a syllabus and by teaching them how a syllabus can help them to keep up in class if they miss any class.
The syllabus can also be a contract between the class room and the student so if you have a student who says "how can you test us today"? You can lead them back to the syllabus on the particular day and time as to when the test or quizzes are listed on the syllabus.
As with my students they ask for syllabus as a way of keeping up with the class.
It is a fact that a without a well prepared syllabus, your class begins in chaos. It totally reflects on you as a professional. You had now created avenues of stagnation. You now have a harder time trying to establish validity and the struggle is an uphill battle. I am by no means saying you can't redeem yourself nor the class; building class rapport will be a little difficult.
Chonitia Smith
From the student's perspective, the syllabus is a contract between the student and the professor. It's the student's responsibility to read and understand all the information on the syllabus. The syllabus is the blueprint for the course deliverables such as readings, assignments, exams, and projects as well as ground rules. The professor's contact information, office location, and office hours are also listed. Bottom line: It contains all the information the student needs to navigate the course over the term.
I have truly learned something about having a well prepared syllbus and almost lost my ability to redeem myself when major changes in curriculum occurred. I have definitely learned that to be more prepared and keeping it simple is what the students can absorb much better. I totally agree with being thorough is also the key.
Hi Rebecca,
This is a great way to send a message to students that you are organized and that you are clear on your expectations for the course. The syllabus is the road map for the course so it needs to be easy to follow.
Gary
I always make sure my syllabus is thorough and easy to understand. This gives the students the opportunity to come prepared for class as well as gives them something to look forward to.
Using a well prepared syllabus gives the instructor a road map and also allows the students to see where the course is headed. The syllabus explains to the student what the objectives to the course are as well as the instructors expectations. Leaves the guess work out as far as the students are concerned.
The syllabus is very important to the overall success of the course. It is usually the first contact with our students and it sets up the expectations and requirements for what is to be followed. Students want to know the details of the class so they know what to expect and can have a successful learning experience. The syllabus provides this information.
To ensure a clearly defined direction for the course. Students should be able to have clear expectations of the material being covered in any course.
I think it is important to have a well prepared syllabus because it drives the entire class. Each student will know what to expect and there will be no surprises for either the student or the instructor. Keeps the students on track.
