Rochelle,
You make a good point in terms of the protection aspect of a well prepared syllabus. A well prepared syllabus gives information to students about how the course will operate and what the expectations are. So if and when a question arises the instructor will be able to show that that information has been covered in the syllabus. This puts accountability on the students because they have in their possession course syllabus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus provides the student with a clear concise understanding of what is expected during the course.However, I also think it provides a measure of protection for both the faculty and institution regarding policies and course achievements.
Too many times have i entered a class gone over a syllabus and nothing on it comes close to the actual class. Having a well -prepared syllabus will help you have well-prepared students coming into class. There might be an issue where someone has to miss and their only guidance is the syllabus. Staying on track and proper syllabus directions will jeep everyone ion the class inline and on track.
Daniel,
A document like this reduces student anxiety and reduces their questions because the course requirements are spelled out clearly and concisely. This way you can help them move forward in the course rather than spending a lot of time wondering what they need to do next.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that a well structured syllabus with all relevant material shows the students up front from day 1 what the assignments are, quiz or test dates, all due dates, and everything they need to be informed with no hidden surprises. The students know up front everything expected of them so they too can map out a plan of action to complete their work.
This helps students access information and answer any questions about where the course is headed at any time throughout the semester.
The syllabus actually explains the requirements of the course in an understandable manner to the student, but also the instructor. Clear concise communication results in a contract that is a tool for the instructor and student to understand and meet course requirements. Standards, expectations, requirements and course information should be avaialble here. Text books, meeting locations, time and all other admin information. It's not just the course overview.
Brenda,
Good point and you are right about the value that a well developed syllabus brings to a class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a well plan syllabus helps to have a well structured class. Everything is organized with little addendums from the instructor.
Joshua,
I have the same situation and so I prepare a handout to highlight the key elements that I think are overlooked in the standard syllabus. Also, in the handout I list due dates and the grading rubrics which helps the students to review the course requirements and polices more in-depth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, it is the contract and road map for the students. Unfortunately, my syllabi is given to me and I feel it is inadequate. It does not seem tailored to each individual class enough. I would rather have the option to create my own.
I think working directly off the syllabus is a great way to begin each class. It can set the goals for that day.
Maria,
A clear and concise syllabus is valuable for everyone as it informs and keeps everyone on the same page throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Haing a clear syllabus is a great way that we can keep students on schedule. I make my syllabus with detail that students can follow easly.
The syllabus provides students with information about textbooks, course objectives, grading, and school policies. It also helps the instructor focus on what he/she needs to cover during the course in order to be in full compliance with school requirements.
Curt,
You do have a great resource in your syllabus for your course. By having such a plan you can concentrate on how you are going to personalize the lessons based upon your instructional style and the current group of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus provides both student and instructor a form of contract if you will for the course. All the information required to understand what will be presented, how it will be presented, additional resources, and expectations are covered. This way there is no confusion in the expectations department. They syllabi used by the Joint Special Operations University provide lesson objectives, classes to be covered, course pre-readings, testing requirements, notes to instructors to shape the instruction, and the learning environment requirements (computer, projector, white boards, etc.). This document is essential to ensuring the instruction is conducted properly and in a manner that meets the learning objectives (or outcomes).
Katie,
I support your separation between the course syllabus and course outline. I have a standard syllabus I use that covers all of the major policies, safety issues, grading rubrics,etc.. Then I develop and handout a course outline and calendar that is based upon how we are going to operate in that specific course in that specific session. You make a good point about how there is a need to have some flexibility in the outline to respond to student needs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that I struggle with answering this question in that I feel that there should be a separation between the syllabus and the course outline yet it seems to me that the two are clumped together when discussing what to plan and what to give the students. there are aspects of the syllabus that, for me, are set in stone and do not change. such as the grading scale, late work policies, supplies needed and what not. the course outline of our daily activities and what is due and when - well that I feel needs to be a bit more fluid - at least in my experience, teaching design software classes. I submit a packet to the students day one and go over it with them with the stipulation that the day to day outline my change based on the progress of the class and if there are any changes, they will be posted and emailed.
A well prepared syllabus keeps student on task as well as allowing them to know what will be expected of them. Instructors have a set path to follow
