Using a Well-prepared Syllabus
Why is it important to have a well-prepared syllabus for your course?
It's important to have a well prepared syllabus, to give the students a opportunity to have a step by step guide of what to expect during the course. As well as assisting them with staying on task with assignments.
The syllabus is a very useful tool for both student and instructor
it important to have a well-prepared syllabus for the course to show the students what is required from them in this course and what they will obtain during it.
Having a well develpoed syllabus not only hepls the Instructor stay on track but it keeps students well knowledged of what is expected throughout the coarse.
the students respect when an instructor is prepared
Whether or not the syllabus is well prepared or not, I believe the syllabus is a necessary tool to introduce the student to the course and to make them aware of the expected "bare" minimum of what they are to learn in class from that instructor. This is important especially if the course is a "build-upon" for another course.
Using a well prepared syllabus allows for the instructor to set expectations while delivering the students a type of road map throughout the course that can be continuously referred. It should clear up and "gray areas" that may arise regarding course work, such as late assignments (are they accepted or not? If so, what is the penalty, if any?).
As already explained in the previous slides, the syllabus gives the students a guided plan for what to expect during the course. They will know what exactly is expected of them in terms of assignments, tests, projects and also how to prepare for class and how to reach out the instructor. It helps them to manage their time more efficiently and also serves as an agreement between the instructor and the students, stating the student does know what is expected of them during that course.
Students rely on the syllabus and will refer back to it when you're not around.
The better you layout and objectives the easier it is for the students to understand what is expected
I think that it will allow the students to stay on track along taking the course. It will also help the instructor stay on track.
It is impotent to have a well-prepared syllabus for your course for a variety of reasons. The syllabus provides a road map of the course for both the instructor and the students to follow. The syllabus also will help keep the instructor on track and organized while delivering the course. The students will be able to visualize expectations (readings, assignments, topics that will be discussed, policies, etc). At an administrative level, it also provides insight to other faculty as to what will be covered in your classroom.
A well prepared syllabus is very helpful especially when you have a new instructor. It is a great training tool and a good way for an instructor to follow if ever lost. It is also a way to make sure you are training everyone the same way
I agree. Having a syllabus that lays out what is expected is very helpful both to the student and the professor.
James,
Your addendum is a good idea. I do the same with my classes. On the addendum I list the projects, activities and requirements for the course in bold print. I even use colored paper for impact. Since it is one page long and a bright color the students carry it with them I and refer to it often as we get closer to a due date or some other requirements. It is like a condensed version of the syllabus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A syllabus is a must every day the student know what to expect and is great for someone who may have missed a day and they can be prepared to do a make up. It keeps me on track and shows I am organized every day.
Using a well-prepared syllabus is essential for each course because it provides a means for the students to gather an in-depth look at what the overall requirements are. Instructors should pair the syllabus with a calendar of quiz/exam and assignment dates so that students have an accurate timeline on when they are expected to have work completed.
While a syllabus tends to cover types of assignments, most do not list late penalties. I have found that by developing a syllabus addendum, I am able to give my students a clearer idea of what my expectations of them are for the course.
It's important to have a well-prepared syllabus so your expectations for the students are clearly defined. It's also important to constantly be updating your syllabus if you're in an ever-changing industry like software technology.
The fast and easy answer is to avoid problems of misinterpretation with the students. Spoken words are made of air and go to the air so unless you have it written in your syllabus there is always opportunity for students to argue about grades, attendance etc.
In my opinion is good to read syllabus from other collegues to make sure you have a comprehensive and complete syllabus
