I provide a very clear, detailed syllabus for each course. The syllabus includes all of the components mentioned in this module with my contact information in outlined in a text box. The course outcomes, topics and evaluation methods and classroom policies are all provided. A tentative timeline for each topic is in a separate table at the end so they can paste or staple it to the front of their notebook or folder. During the first class I tell them to keep the syllabus available as we will use it at the end of the course to make sure I have done my job!
One aspect that I am very proud of is how I present the criteria for a term paper required of my students. It is an addendum to the syllabus and since I teach lab courses it is written in the formal of a laboratory procedure. Included are timelines for each part of the process including dates for identification of the topic, dates for identification of approved reference materials, dates for the first draft, and the date for the final draft. I also allow them to submit it to me as many times as they wish before the final deadline and I will give them feedback.
Good morning Salma!
I too discuss the syllabus on the first day of class. It is a good way state what is expected of students up front, and to hopefully reduce any confusion about assignment requirements, attendance, due dates, etc. Being consistent and sticking to what is on the syllabus also helps with classroom management. Great post!
Nichelle Ancrum
Good morning Danny!
You stated that students receive a calendar of events that include homework assignments and due dates. Is the calendar distributed in lieu of a syllabus, or is considered an addendum to the syllabus?
Nichelle Ancrum
Good morning!
Making course requirements clear eliminates headaches for instructors, and saves students time when completing assignments. The methods I utilize regarding make course requirements clear consists of the following:
1. Bold and underline important information on the syllabus. Just like in textbooks, information that is in bold print symbolizes something of importance, and it is eye catching. Attendance policy, assignment description, and assignment due dates are a few things that are in bold print on my syllabus.
2. Do not leave the interpretation of the syllabus in the students' hands. Students must be clear on what is expected of them. I make sure the syllabus is discussed explicitly, stopping for an answer and question period between sections.
3. Discuss the syllabus at the beginning of each semester/quarter. As stated previously, the syllabus is discussed in great detail on the first day of class. I tell students that the syllabus will be followed explicitly; you should have a hard copy of the document every time class meets; and it is your go to guide for the course. To ensure they are looking at the syllabus on a regular basis, I place a few questions about the syllabus on tests.
4. Have the syllabus posted online at least 72 hours prior to the start of class. This gives students ample enough time to locate the syllabus, print it off, and have some knowledge of what is expected of them.
Nichelle Ancrum
Hi Edgar,
Awesome idea! It is right there for them in black and white. They can't use the excuse that they did not know.
Patricia Scales
Patricia:
I have a powerpoint slide with the agenda for the class time for that class period. At the end of the course I have a slide that summarizes what is due for next class. I find that this is helpful for the students and eliminates some of the excuses.
Your thoughts?
Providing the syllabus in printed form and reviewing together can help clarify issues and also show the importance of the syllabus.
Hi Brandon,
Give them the benefit of the doubt that one time and look further into the sitution. If they are telling the truth get tech support involved, and if they are not telling the truth they suffer the repercussions.
Patricia Scales
We use an online program called Moodle, which is an online interface between the students and their teachers as well as the administration.
It has the syllabus and a detailed breakdown of all the course content day by day including the lab assignments and where the students can reference examples in their text and online.
I've been getting resistance from the students who are not as tech savy and it reflects in late assignments with "I couldn't get it to upload to Moodle" or "I uploaded it and Moodle said it sent" as their reasoning.
I don't know for certain whether or not they are telling the truth. How would you respond to these kinds of issues?
Hi Tammy,
You do a fantastic job with making course requirements clear. Your students are fortunate to be given a calendar as well. They have no excuse not knowing what is due.
Patricia Scales
The syllabus is sometimes hard for students to follow so we have made an addendum. This allows the student to have a highlighted version of exactly what is expected of them. They also get a very clear calendar of each week and what is due when.
Hi Laurence,
The syllabus is certainly the tool to provide clarity about course requirements. Students can refer to the syllabus throughout the grading period.
Patricia Scales
Hi, I use the syllabus as the guide for students to see what requirements are due in the couse.
I provide a course calendar that is broken down day-by-day. All assignments, homework, test dates etc are listed on the calendar. I also utilize the blackboard. I write down assignments, homework and reminders so that students can see this as soon as they walk into the classroom. Finally, I repeat, repeat, and repeat again.
Hi Rebecca,
Technology makes things easier and a lot more accessible. It sounds as though you take full advantage of the electronic way to communicate with your students.
Patricia Scales
Our campus uses e-college and instructors put in assignments, homework, test dates and reviews for each week. The student can view the material and can email any questions.
I use the white board to list what will be covered in the week as well.
Hi Deborah,
Great tactics to ensure clarity is provided when it comes to course requirements. Your system allows for students to take full responsibility for what is expected of them. They can not play the card that they did not know. You go above and beyond to make sure your students know what needs to be done.
Patricia Scales
Hi Brandan,
Great way to ensure clarity. Sudents liike feeling accomplished. I like the idea of them seeing things being scratched off on the list.
Patricia Scales
At the beginning of each course we have the students log onto the computers with their new id's and then print out their course syllabus. I then go over the syllabus and course/colleges requirements with the students in class.
I also handout a form that list the course requirements on it as well as the colleges, we have students sign a form that the states they have read these requirements in class and understand them.
Each class session I go over the days activities and have the students put them down into their student planners and write in their planners what assignments are due and when.
I find by doing this it makes the students responsible for their own work is just like an employer would do.
Deborah Opie
I write the daily class requirements on the board every morning. As we complete one I scratch it off the board so they understand where we are for the day.
