Sherri,
It is the focal point for communication and understanding for how the course will operate and what the expectations are. A well prepared syllabus sets the tone and answers the majority of questions that students have about the course. By doing so it gets everyone off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A well-prepared syllabus provides a roadmap for both the student and the instructor to navigate through each step of the course.
The syllabus is one of the most important documents for students and the instructor.
Olga,
Well said in terms of the value of a well prepared syllabus. It reduces confusion and enhances the clarity of what the course expectations are for students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The student finds the elaboration and purpose of the syllabus as a way to present all those assignments that are part of the course and understand the procedures for creating assessing, and recording such evidence and likewise to show his proficiency in each one of these topics
Lawrence,
This is so important to do. If you don't then the syllabus will not have any value to the students and they will not have a clear picture of what the course is about nor what the expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that a little extra time spent during the first day of class on the course syllabus helps students to have better focus during the course.
Robert,
I would if the rubric helps to clarify grading or projects, etc.. Use anything that will reduce confusion and increase understanding so the students can see exactly what they need to do to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A well-prepared Syllabus should eliminate confusion for students on what they are required to accomplish during the course.
Question: Would you ever include a rubric in a syllabus?
Jason,
You need to be clear and concise in syllabus language to reduce the questions that students raise. This will help to keep them focused on the goals and objectives of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It helps to document how you treat your quiz and final grades to help eliminate students arguing about why they received a zero and why they cannot take a missed quiz
A well-prepared syllabus lets everyone see what is in the course.
Tammy,
The syllabus is the road map for the course so the more clearly and concisely you write it the easier it will be for students to understand the course requirements and expectations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It clearly tells the students what to expect from the course.
My policy when developing course documents, such as, the course syllabus, is NO SURPRISES.
I remember some of the courses I have taken where it took a few weeks or the first month to figure out what the instructor wanted or liked. By then, you could have put your academic goal of a perfect grade for the course in jeopardy.
It's also important that the students put their efforts in learning the topic-at-hand and not spend their learning energy being confused and guessing course expectations. Some students are chellenged enough as it is. I'm just saying...
I find that a good syllabus is imperative to learning. When a student is in possession of a good syllabus, even if they miss class, they should have no excuse for any work that was missed. This should cover chapters, tests, any information that they may need about the course. It allows the student to become more in control and requires them to take responsibility as well.
Marina,
You are most welcome. By have a clear and concise syllabus you will reduce student anxiety and frustration since most of their questions will be answered via the syllabus. In addition, the layout of the course will be covered so they quickly see how and what they need to do to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm new to instructing and I had no idea how involved and detailed a syllabus needed to be. Thank- you for the step by step process.
A strong syllabus will help students to determine how much personal time they will need to dedicate to the course. This will allow them to adjust their schedule if they did not set aside enough hours to study. I like to give my students all the homework assignments on the first day. This allows students plenty of time to study the curriculum.
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus for a course because it becomes an "operating manual" for the course. Students can have a "sneak peak" as to what to expect, policies, assignments, deadlines, goals and objectives, and puts accountability on the students as a result. Students will have an understanding of what is expected, how to prepare and how they will be graded.
