Handing out syllabus before class
I believe it is a good practice to make sure the syllabus is electronically available to the student prior to the start of the class. That way the student comes ready with some level of understanding of what the course is going to cover.
Hi Elizabeth,
This is a great way to set the class up before it actually meets. This way the students can see what is coming and prepare for the first day of class. As you say this reduces the number of questions because the students are ready to receive the course content rather than being stressed over what the course is going to be like.
Gary
Our institution offers an "online" campus. Before class begins, usually two weeks out or so students can access their classes from this "portal." On it, the school posts the required texts for the class with ISBN numbers, in addition to time and room assignments, instructor contact info and office hours. In addition, instructors can post things to the portal. Before each class, I post the course syllabus and outline and all handouts and tools for the entire term. Many students come the first with everything printed out. I rarely receive questions prior to the class because students can access the information themselves.
I can see that this strategy would build a comfort level with the students. Our syllabi are not generally available in advance but students may request them.
Some schools require this. I agree that it is a great idea. I always have a handful of students who want to plan ahead and this is the best way to guide them.
Melissa
