a well prepared syllabus is extremely improtant. I like to give them to my students because i am constantly placing myself in there shoes. I'm a "Planner" myself... I like to be as prepared as possible (when life allows). Therefore; by knowing a Professors expectations, you know whats expected of you as a student. I beleive this is a very important tool as an instructor.
Mariann,
It is essential to have such a document for your students. This way questions are reduced because the syllabus explains how the course is going to operate and what the expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A well prepared syllabus is the contract between the Instructor and the Students, it outlines the course and the methodology for achieving the goals. It should be well written and clear so that all can understand it. It will be the reference point for Students and the Instructor.
Elida,
Yes it is and that is why it needs to be clear and concise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lora,
Yes it is and this is why it needs to be clear and concise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Allison,
Good way to lay out the class and make it ready for the students. A positive first impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Syllabus is an essential key between and instructor and student to set rule and expectation.
The syllabus is a road map for your students. Not only does it give them a clear outline of objectives, course materials, etc., but should also give details on how to get a hold of the instructor. Lastly, class rules and expectations should be included. If the class is online, then there should be a paragraph on what is proper etiquette for the online classroom.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so it is important to have a well-prepared syllabus in order to set the tone for the class. The syllabus should clearly define the rules, expectations, and goals for the class. My class syllabus will provide a concise outline of the term. The outline will consist of the dates needed to cover each chapter, quiz/test dates, dates for field trips, project due dates, etc. The syllabus will be reviewed on the first day of class and there will be a sign-off sheet for student accountability. Ideally, the syllabus will eliminate chaos/confusion regarding course expectations.
The syllabus is a map or guide for the course. It should clearly state when assignments are due, and how the final grade will be determined. More importantly, the syllabus should also state what the student should be able to do upon completion of the course.
Frank,
This is a key point to remember. It is viewed as a contract so the syllabus needs to be clear and concise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not only is this a contract but can and will be either used as a tool or possibly used against you if not followed to a T . Students must follow the syllabus but the instructor cannot stray from it at all . It makes all parties accountable.
Shannon,
Right you are. It gets everyone on the same page and understanding where the course is going in the coming weeks and what the expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lisa,
How do you account for them in terms of it being a contract?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's essential because the students know exactly what to expect AND what to look forward to!
It is a contract between instructor and student.
Cynthia,
Yes, it does. Having many of their concerns addressed in the syllabus reduces their anxiety and answers questions they might not have even thought to ask. This gets everyone off to a good start with the same information and understanding of expectations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with the roadmap,expectations,and requirements as mentioned by others. I would also like to point out that a good syllabus takes away much anxiety for the learner~ anyway, for me as a learner it does, and I suspect others as well.
MorningStar,
So true and so important. A well prepared syllabus gets everyone on the same page at the beginning of the course and then questions can be raised and answers given so there are not surprises for anyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus is one of the most important documents for students and the instructor. It is an outline for everyone to follow and keep track of what has been completed throughout the course.
