Hi Rebecca,
Right you are. This is why effort needs to be put into developing a very good one.
Gary
Fabulous organizational tool, essential for efficient organization of course material!
By using a well-prepared syllabus keeps the instructor on target as well as keep the students more engaged because they have an outline. By this they know what is to be covered and what is to be expected. A well-prepared syllabus identifies all learning styles that meets each student's academic needs
A well-prepared syllabus is a guide for the classroom environment and expectations. Students seem very concerned with their grade, and a syllabus shows them what they need to do to get the grade they want. A good syllabus will also have the relevent school policies needed to ensure academic success, such as what to do in case of absences, bad weather, missed assignments, and poor behavior. This way, when the class ends and grades are distributed, each student should know where they stand with their coursework and attitude, and how it is comprehensively reflected in their grade.
A well-prepared syllabus serves as an outline and guide for the student's expectations. The more accurate the better, including the use of planned materials.
A detailed syllabus clearly defines what is expected of the student. This avoids problems from arising during the course and maintains consistency in dealing with students. For example, the syllabus should specify what happens if the student fails to turn in assignments timely (is it a grade reduction or no grade?) That way, the instructor can maintain consistent treatment among the students, and if a student questions the reason for her poor grade, the instructor need only refer the student to the syllabus.
Hi Mary,
Some instructors give quizzes over the syllabus with little rewards for doing well on the test. Others refer to the syllabus on a regular basis plus when a students asks about a due date or assignment information that is covered in the syllabus they refer the student to the syllabus. This shows the students the importance that instructors place on their syllabi. Others have students sign and return a document that says they have received and read the syllabus. There are a variety of ways to check and see if the students have read the syllabus. So yes it is good to ask the students if they have read the syllabus.
Gary
The syllabus describes everything about the course itself: what the course is about and what work will be required of them. This can be referred to as the course "bible", with basic information on textbook(s), objectives, due dates and policies.
Do you ever ask students about the syllabus to see if they have actually read it?
This is a good point about common ground for student and instructor. As this course stated the syllabus is a legal document between student and instructor of what will occur in the course.
A well prepared syllabus helps the students to know what to expect. They have the ability to print it and know what course work they will complete throughout the class. They can use it to be prepared and successful in their class. An instructor has the responsibility to make sure the syllabus is well-prepared to also be a successful instructor.
Thanks,
Camille
The syllabus is the first hand-out that I gave to my students. It sets up the general tone for the entire class: Objectives, goals, requirements, grading rules, assisgments and supplemental materials and etc.
1. Help students pursue to learning the subjects,
2. Motive students to reach the goals if you study and meet the requirements,
3. Avoid misunderstandings and conflicts,
4. Make a plan and stick to it by actions. Pursue the good results!
A well prepared syllabus gives the student everything needed to complete the course with success.
Hi Sharon,
Right you are about students not liking surprises. The instructor needs to make everything clear so the students can see how they can be successful if they put forth the effort.
Gary
Hi Jessica,
So important for both the students and the instructor. A well prepared syllabus reduces many of the questions that students have so they can concentrate on getting settled into the course.
Gary
Students do not like surprises, so the syllabus needs to have everything explained in an easy format for them to understand. They should not have to ask when things are due, if they have a question the syllabus should answer it.
A strong syllabus provides the students and instuctor a common ground to understanding for the information will will be taught. It also should give the student a full understanding of the grading system that is set for your classroom. A syllabus must include if test can be re-taken.
The syllabus lets the students know what material they will be covering, the required text etc, and it defines the grading policy which is probably the most important issue on the student's mind. If the syllabus is well prepared, the student will know what to expect from the class.
That is the first thing the students will see from the teacher about the course. When I took courses, I always looked at the sylabus to determine how much work the class would take, what schedule the work would be due, and how it would be graded. All of those need to be communicated to the students.
