I find a well-prepared syllabus is great for the students, but also good for the new instructor. It keeps them focused on the topic at hand and helps with time management on a particular subject.
I had to create my first syllabus myself this term and it was harder than I thought to sit down and organize all of my thoughts and outline the entire the semester. However, once this was completed, it made it easier to focus each lecture outline.
A well prepared syllabus describes the plan for the course, provides an overview of the course, provides timelines, goals, objectives, due dates.
By having a well prepared syllabus, it gives not only the students but also the instructors a guide throughout the course. It keeps everyone on track. Also, it allows the students to see what is expected and how to be prepared for classes.
A well-prepared syllabus is the most important document and resource for ensuring the success of students as well as being a guide for instructors. As an instructor, a syllabus can serve as a guide for fairness; it is a contract between students and the instructor covering course policies including but not limited to grading. A syllabus, when used as a tentative plan can also serve as a tool to increase student engagement, autonomy, motivation by allowing students to be critically prepared for each class. When students know topics of discussion before the class, they can bring with them reflections on prior knowledge, new learning, and critical questions for consideration. Individual student participation can benefit all members of the class as well as help instructor focus on what students think is most important or relevant.
Edward,
I agree with your assumption about the value of a well developed syllabus. A quality syllabus as a number of outcomes that benefit both students and faculty. We need to remember this as we prepare for our courses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel like the creation of a good syllabus not only helps the students by providing a good idea of what topics will be covered and if they are interested in taking the class, but it also benefits the instructor by really forcing you to think about the flow of the class, logical progression of modules and so on.
Kathleen,
Right you are because a well prepared syllabus not only informs it also answers questions and reduces anxiety for students. By having the goals, objectives, requirements, and policies spelled out in the syllabus students know from the first class meeting what the expectations are for the upcoming course so they can concentrate on being successful rather than trying to figure out what the instructor wants.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A well-prepared syllabus when thoroughly explained at the first class meeting puts students' minds at ease. Students know exactly what the expectations are, the goals they are heading toward and really a clear way forward. If there are any required readings some students may read ahead so they are prepared for the topic ahead of time. A well-prepared syllabus also keeps everyone on track with no surprises.
The syllabus is the guide the students will use to identify the requirements of the course. It is the "bible" for that course. Critical and key information should be captured to provide a resource for students to address any questions they may have regarding the course. It identifies the expectations, so students will be aware upfront of what they are responsible for, and the resources to use to help them be successful. It is important the syllabus be reviewed by the instructor and the class to make certain there is a clear detailed understanding of its content.
I also agree that a well planned wellstructured Syllabus is extremely important to both the teacher and the student. I always pass out 2 copies of my Syllabus to my students on the first class. One copy is to be signed by the student and returned to me so that no problems arise in the future. They keep the second copy for their own reference.
Ruth,
You are welcome. I am excited for you as you prepare this supplemental information sheet and get ready to inform and direct your students next term.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus for each course so that the students can have an idea of what is to come in that class.
I, too, am new to teaching, and have had trouble developing my syllabus. We have one that is prepared by the school, but I find it a little confusing. I attempted to create my own supplemental information sheet, but I'm not pleased with the result. Thank you for the step-by-step instructions for creating a readable and informative syllabus. I'll have it ready for next term!
Benedict,
This is a tough setting in which to start a teaching career. You came into the game late and the composition of the students made it almost impossible to reach them all. Sounds like you have worked very hard to make adjustments to reach your students in a way that brings value to their course work. Hopefully the situation has worked itself out via the dropping of some students and the arrangement of schedules so you can provide the instruction needed for them to become proficient in the HVAC area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is imperative to have a well prepared syllabus to guide you through your class. although the best laid plan will usually go aria. I was hired to teach the high school HVAC class 3 weeks before school started. I spent 3 week preparing what we would do in my syllabus. it was well thought out and organized. on the first day of class I found out I had 1st year and 2nd year HVAC students in my class. I had only planned on 1st year students. Now I am trying figure out what to do with the 2nd year students. the next issue I faced was 5 or 6 of my students were Math students and they would not be in class for the first hour. I reworked my syllabus trying to work out a plan to keep everybody happy and keep the students learning. this went on for about 3 week, to the point I was ready to quit! I finally came to the decision that I am sorry you have to take math but my lecture starts at the beginning of the hour and you will miss out on that part of the day. It is not fair to the other students that did well in math to make them wait for the math students. the second year problem sort of fixed itself. 3 of the students dropped and the last student is working through the 1st year program. All of the second year students had told me that they were only thought duct work the year before.
Miguel,
Good suggestions for how a syllabus should be developed and shared with students. The idea of getting the syllabus early to students is a good one because as you say it helps them with their planning in relation to time and effort needed for course success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
it's improtant for the student to know what to expect from the course, it should be able to answer any questions or doubts that the student may have about what to expect from the course. After reading the syllabus, students should know; the material that they are going to be covering, days and times that the class will meet, when and how to contact their instructor, material to be covered in this course, tools required to finish and pass the course, and haow are they going to be assesed to determine if they passed the class or not. Many times is very helpful for the students to have this information in advance, this way they can plan their lifes around the required time that they are going to be investing in this class.
Roberta,
This is why it is so important for the syllabus to be clear and concise. It is the document that lets students know what they need to do to be successful in the course as well as reduce their anxieties about course requirements.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus helps alleviate any questions as to grading, how and when assignments and tests will be given.
Laura,
This is the major value of a clear and concise syllabus. It gets everyone off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
