I think it is important to have a well-planned syllabus for a course because you want to spend time enjoying the game. Let me explain. Before I can enjoy a good football or basketball game on TV, I have to first plan my day. I have to make sure things around the house get done like cooking and cleaning, kids are taken care of, dog is fed, etc.
Before I start the first day of class I need to make sure I am ready by having a syllabus prepared. It is important that my students know what to expect and what is expected of them. The syllabus outlines the course week-by-week. With that in hand I can enjoy teaching the class.
Lucinda,
As a result of having a well prepared syllabus confusion and frustration is reduced for students. They have a reference to follow as they work through the course so they know the expectations and outcomes of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sandra,
I agree that the syllabus is as important to the students as it is to the students. As you mention a well prepared syllabus keeps everyone on the same page throughout the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kate,
Right you are. A well prepared syllabus is the GPS for the course. Also, the syllabus lets everyone know when they have arrived at their destination.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Using a well-prepared syllabus is so important to create a successful term and to start the instructor and the students off to a great start for the course. In my experience, a well-written syllabus should be a summary of all aspects of the course and should serve to eliminate many misunderstandings or questions that students may have about the course as a whole. I like to include course information; textbook information; additional materials; pre-req courses; course objectives; learning goals; lists of all assignments, discussion posts and exams (all the required assignments of the course); a course calendar with due dates and dates for what material will be covered when; attendance policy material; and any basic information about the instructor or course that was not previously discovered. As we discussed in this module, including more in the syllabus is better than less and can help to create a very successful term.
Know what is expected of a student and a student is important because everyone know where they need to be at what time in the course. The students will know if the instructoris keeping the time line to learn the objectives for the course.
I think having a well prepared syllabus is important because it sets the stage for the whole class. It gives the students exactly what they need to know, how to execute it and what is expected in return.
Maybe it is just me, but I find that the syllabus provides both the student and ME with a great roadmap for our educational journey! Yes, it is an absolutely essential tool for the student since it clearly lays out the educational journey we are on together. But, it is also an essential reference for me. The syllabus keeps EVERYONE on the same page. It cleanly lays out the road ahead and the road behind . . . plus all the "rules of the road". I'll admit, as an instructor, I would be lost without it as it keeps me on course. So, I pose, that it serves me just as much as the student. Don't you agree?
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus, because it lets your students know what to expect for the class. In addition, it helps the instructor stay focused on what areas need to be covered during each class period.
Eunita,
Right you are about the need for a well prepared syllabus. Having such saves so much time and frustration.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you do not have a well prepared syllabus it can really put a student at a disadvantage as well as the instructor. The more organized the information is for the student, the better they can understand what they will learn in that course and what is expected of them both academically and professionally. Furthermore, a detailed syllabus helps the instructor because they are better able to teach the class by following the syllabus and so therefore, they are more organized.
It gives clear and concise direction to both the student and the instructor
Mark,
The syllabus is the GPS for the course. It is what the instructor can refer to when there are questions and the students know what the course expectations are as outlined in the syllabus. Everyone is on the same page with a well prepared syllabus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's important for the students so they know exactly what is expected of them, and so they can keep track of what they have done and what they still have to complete. It's important for the instructor so that he or she stays on track to cover the course content in a meaningful order, and at a pace that will allow everything to come together by the end of the term. The instructor can avoid getting sidetracked if he or she sticks to the syllabus.
Robert,
It is the GPS for the course and thus needs to be accurate and useable. Good point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found using a well extablished byllabus not only keeps me on schedule, it helps the students when their dead lines are to be met.
Ronda,
You have done an excellent job of outlining both the need for and value of a well prepared syllabus. It is essential that the syllabus be reviewed with the students so it then can become the document of operation for the course. This keeps everyone on the same page in terms of expectations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A syllabus gives both the instructor and the student confidence in structure, order, guidance, and direction. I heavily rely and constantly refer students back to the syllabus when a question is presented. It provides clarity, boundaries, and timelines that are essential for group fairness. If a syllabus is vague, it will render itself useless and students will stray from order, compliance, effective learning, and progress. It is just as important for an instructor to follow the syllabus timeline as closely as possible to prove solidity to the contract.
A well prepared syllabi is essential to not only keep the instructor on course but to allow the student to be able to stay on course throughout the session. Say for instance, a student is going to have to miss class due to a scheduling conflict with their physician, the student can now inform the instructor and make an educated decision as far as which class will be missed.
Keli,
So true. Sharing the syllabus at the beginning of a new class helps the students to see how the course is going to be conducted and what they need to do to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
