I never thought of the syllabus as a contract between the student and the instructor. This makes perfect sense now! I will requiring all my students to sign a copy to ensure there are no issues later. If the student signs the contract they can be held accountable to what is required and expected.
A properly prepared a course syllabus is, easier to understand. I often find my first draft syllabus to be around 11 pages. Once I start drilling down to exactly what the students need, the syllabus is cut down to 5 or 6 pages of neatly organized sections.
It takes time and preparation to make your syllabus succinct.
Kellie,
I think this is a good method to follow as it places accountability on students via the signed sheet. They know they need to look at the syllabus so they will have knowledge of the course expectations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus is the course contract between student and instructor. It is also a guideline of what to expect and what is expected. I review my syllabus with my students word for word to insure understanding and have them sign a paper stating they understand.
Edda,
Good way to enable the students to have the most current information in a place (the syllabus) that they can refer to throughout the course. This way they will be informed and can't say they did not have the information shared with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One thing I like to do is add an extra column to the end of my chart with dates and assignments due. This extra blank column is for any changes that need to be made, or if the student wants to add some notes. This is the part of the syllabus that students interact with the most.
The Syllabus lays out what the class will cover. It addresses course content, how it will be delivered, expectations of students, grading criteria, etc. It is an outline and a reference for the students and instructor.
By constructing a well-parpared syllabus, the instructor will know in general what essays will be assigned. With detail, the instructor will know the support material needed to accomplish the goal of, say, writing a proper Compare and Contrast essay. Sample essays written by noted authors as well as a student essay provide good examples for new students. Details to include: due date, length, number of sources to be used, penalty for late essays, and revisions policies.
A well-prepared syllabus serves to let the students know exactly what is due, when it is due, the length, number of references, and as many particulars as can be described so the student has all the information needed to meet the requirements of the work that is due.
Sharon,
In sharing the approach your college had and now is operating under you have demonstrated your ability to adapt to the situation and still provide quality instruction. This is what being a master teacher is about and you have done it. Under the current set up you can use your creativity and expand your instructional delivery activities even more and I am sure this will result in even greater success for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I started teaching at this college, I was handed not only a syllabus, but lesson plans as well. I thought it would drive me crazy because I've always created my own. However, I worked through my frustration and still used my own instructional style. Recently, our new president said we no longer had to follow these lesson plans as long as we met the same objectives stated in the syllabus. I was thrilled to hear that. As instructors, we always appreciate knowing that we are thought to be competent in what we do.
It adds as a basis for understanding between the Instructor and the student. Gives both a guideline or "foundation' to what is to accomplished in the course. Leaving unexplained portions in the syllabus leaves room for question from the students and the possibility of misunderstanding the material to be learned as well as assignments, grades, exams, etc. Being unprepared shows a lack of confidence from Instructor to student.
Steven,
I wish you much success as a new professional in our field. You have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish with your students and this understanding is going to help you as you work with your students. By bringing your passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it to class each time it meets you are going to be able to engage your students and help them move forward in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a first time instructor, I want to create a clear explanation of how the class will be governed. The idea of having the student sign the syllabus on the last page is a great idea on how contracts work in the real world. In my course, I want to create excitement by initiating the level of stimulating topics and projects that will be included in my syllabus.
Show the instructor know the subject matter, is organized and helps the students better understand what the class is all about.
Laura,
So true. A clear and concise syllabus gets everyone on the same page from day one and from there it is a building process in terms of learning and growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Using a well-prepared syllabus gives you and your students an idea of how the class is going to go. This is the key to show your students that you are prepared from the start.
Cathy,
This is the learning map they will be following so it needs to be clear and concise. From day one they need to see why they need to refer to it so they will be informed of the course requirements, policies, and projects.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a well-prepared syllabus allows my students to know what's coming as far as topic/lecture as well as assignments and exams. We refer to it often throughout the course.
A well-prepared syllabus is an important foundational tool for the course. It serves as a contract between student and instructor, and helps direct students with understanding course elements (description, objectives, textbooks, resources, grading elements, instructor contact information, and policies/procedures, etc.)
A well-prepared syllabus is a good start. Using and following the syllabus is an important key to a successful class.
