Course Content
Syllabus generated by the supervising departments usually dictate content, at least where I instruct. I can supplement where desired but the "bones" are already present and required.
Robin,
Right. The syllabus is but a framework. The magic is within the instructor -- experiences, knowledge, background, professionalism, and work setting familiarity.
Barry Westling
I think working with a syllabus is helpful but, not the all of what the course entails. Adding experience as well as, hands-on with students adds to the content of what should be taught.
Francisco,
We want our content to come across fresh, informative, immediately applicable and delivered with panache and confidence. I don't think I've ever given the same lesson exactly the same. Like "yesterdays newspaper", we need to keep our content delivery alive if we want to maintain student attention.
Barry Westling
we have the same system where I teach, but we always improvise if needed.
Frank,
A good syllabus will provide all needed details for students.
Barry Westling
Johnnie,
Yep, and that's why you were hired, to bring your unique training, education, experience, and work knowledge to the classroom.
Barry Westling
I am going to be covering for an instructor who will be out on leave for a portion of the course. Fortunately, he has a very detailed syllabus that will be very helpful in guiding me. I have been using the syllabus to prepare for the topics that I will be responsible for. It has relieved some of the anxiety I have over stepping in midcourse for this instructor.
I find that I "must" put my spin on every course I teach.
if I get materials from someone else I still have to change it to fit my style.
Ann,
Great. Students need continuous directions, often lost in the details. This is a great way to keep everyone up to date on where in the lesson the instructor is.
Barry Westling
I like the "bones" specified in the syllabus. To stay focused, they are included in the header of every project assignment in my graphic design courses. The goals are always up front.
Jason,
The basic content may be a requirement, but how you teach it, your creativity, your individual spin is unique, and that's what will make your classes successful.
Barry Westling
