Syllabus review is usually very boring to students, and keeping their attention can be a challenge. Attendance, grading, and other school policy stuff tends to create a lot of glazed over looks from the students. This is especially the case for students with many classes and a boilerplate syllabus form used for every class.
I typically point out the dates of exams, especially the midterm and final. That tends to get their attention. I also like to give a brief overview of the chapters we are covering, with a little mention of what they will be able to do with the knowledge they will gain in each chapter. I also give a brief overview of the final project they will do, and how they will be applying what they learned to complete it.
Most importantly, I not only tell the students what I expect from them, but I ask them to tell me what they expect from me. This helps gets the students invested in the success of the class.
I am in a trades program .I find spending the fist day covering the syllibus in depth and in total seems to clearify most issues.
Hi Mitchell,
The syllabus is certainly the plan. Students should understand the importance of the syllabus by the instructor emphasizing that it is important documentation.
Patricia
Hi Lisa,
Advanced notice is key! Our students have a lot going on in their lives. Most students take advantage of knowing what needs to be done a head of time.
Patricia
On our first day of the course I go over the course syllabus with the students page by page discussing what is their role in meeting the requirements for each section of the syllabus and how keeping on track with their assignments and homework will work to their advantage in both receiving a fair grade and understanding of the course. I feel if students know ahead of time what the course will require out of them, they work hard to meet their goals.
I use a "re-emphasis" of the the course outline to further drive home the salient points of the class for students' heightened proficiency of the class.
Going over the course syllabus at the beginning of the course is the rule. I refer to it each class, especially at the end of the class so that the students know that this is the plan and I am consistently following it.
Those are great examples- I have it in the syllabus as well and also point out that it is in the course catalogue too.
Both of the institutions for which I teach have fairly strict guidelines about what to present on the first day of class. The curriculum and, therefore, the syllabi are designed by course writers at the schools and are standardized for all instructors in my content area. Class policies are also fairly standardized, though we have a little wiggle room. I have found that most students don't keep up with announcements or carefully read the syllabi, so emailing information on the first day as well as posting announcements is helpful. As a contract theorist, though, I do expect my students to abide by class policy; when they fail to do so, I direct their attention to the two sources of that information (announcement and email) and ask them to review it.
I agree - I think it also fosters a sense of good will and assists with retention.
Hi Henry,
Students are accustomed to being reminded of assignments. This reminding practice begins in elementary school and continues throughout high school. Even with my college students I still like to give them reminders, although I realize that their boss is not going to give them reminders once they begin their career.
Patricia
Hi Katrina,
Students will hold your feet to the fire. They will quickly determine if your are ahead or falling behind. Sharing a weekly lesson plan is a good idea.
Patricia
Hi Marianne,
I always let my students know on Day 1 the importance of keeping their syllabus. I let them know that when their boss gives them paperwork on the job, it is their responsibility to keep up with their paperwork.
Patricia
When I gave noticed a problem where my students seem to get off task I go back over the syllabus to reconfirm the course requirements. And some students dont keep a copy of their syllabus so I provide a new copy at that time.
On day one i make sure to go over the syllabus in detail,with a question and answer session to follow. This tends to eliminate any "gray" areas.
I provide daily reminders of assignments due.This is really helpful to some of the adult learners who have alot going on in their lives.
I go over the syllabus in great detail- taking great detail to grading, assignment protocal and my expectations.
A Daily assignment reminder is the norm - as are less frequent reminders about policies and procedures.
On the first day of class I review the course syllabus and go over questions. Attached to the syllabus is a printed calendar with all due dates that are listed in the sysllabus. I also have the students introduce themselves.
I use a weekly syllabus reminder. I find that students have more anxiety if there are changes due to being behind or ahead of schedule. The more detail instructors give the more secure the students are and assignments are completed in time.
Katrina
Hi Molly,
Excellent ways of ensuring clarty. I like how you spark the students curiosity with a teaser to entice them to return the next day.
Patricia
Every day on the white board I write the topics covered and any work that is due, or will be due at end of week. Then I leave a "teaser" on the board of what we will be covering the next day
