I always use a well prepared syllabus because it helps me demonstrate my capability to the students
Peggy,
Right you are about the need to inform students about polices, expectations and rules of the class via a well prepared syllabus. By having a well prepared syllabus we reduce student frustration and concern since they have the information in front of them for their review.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My students have busy lives, they want to be able to plan ahead and be prepared or know what we are covering on a day that they may need to miss. Having a well done syllabus helps me to sit down with them and discuss options for completing all assignments within the acceotable time frame.
I would like to add that as a school we provide much of what the course describes as syllubus information in our orientation manual. After reading this module, I am going to suggest we add some of that information onto the actual module syllubus for the students.
John,
Sounds like you have a very well prepared and informative syllabus. By having such you are greatly reducing the anxiety and frustration of students because their logistical questions are answered in the syllabus information. In addition, they know they have a way of getting their questions answered if they have them since they can contact you via phone and email.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The Syllabus provides the students with the basic information regarding the class such as the objectives of the class, tests, quizzes, research papers and other crucial information. I also list my cell phone and email address in my Syllabus to provide the students with an immediate way to contact me should the need arise. It also demonstrates to the students that the instructor is concerned with their suceeding in the class.
Sharon,
Good points about the value of a well prepared syllabus. Yes, it is a contract between the students and the instructor so it needs to have the essential elements of the policies, requirements and expectations clearly laid out. Also, a well prepared syllabus reduces a lot of the logistical questions that students ask.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brandon,
Good point about how to "read" the preparation level of your students. This way you know how to approach your instruction and to what level certain students will be ready to respond.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus is the course contract between students and the instructor. A well-prepared, thoughtful syllabus will provide students with a clear understanding of expectations both in learning and behavior. Further, should a question arise as to classroom or grading policies, the syllabus provides the blueprint by which those discrepancies will be reconciled.
A well prepared syllabus keeps the instructor in line and also keeps the student busy with information. I have always planned my time with the students in the classroom. I prepare my syllabus with the materials and usually review and study the materials before lecturing to my class. Once again, it prepares the instructor and keeps the student prepares for each lecture. I can usually tell from my student which ones actually went ahead and read the material before the day of class.
Great way to stay on track for the educator and learner
Jorge,
Good point about the value to both the students and the instructor in relation to a well prepared syllabus. The more we can keep them focused on the course by answering their logistical questions in the syllabus the further along we will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Fred,
Yes, it is and this is why it needs to be clear and concise. Also, a well prepared syllabus reduces a lot of the basic questions asked by students about the logistical aspects of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A syllabus helps with keeping the students and myself on track. It help to clear up any questions that the students may have.
I agree with this response. we must set equal standards for the students and communicate these utilizing the syllabus. Students will know what is expected of them and how they will be graded as well. The MORE information is defined in the syllabus, the LESS stress in delivering the material and completing requirements.
The syllabus is like a contract between the students and the instructor, to explain clearly the roadmap of the learning experience and outline the roles and responsibilities of all parties (including the host institution of learning.)
Venkateswaran,
I agree because when multiple sections of a course are offered there needs to be consistency between and among the instructors. A well prepared syllabus gives that consistency. Then the individual instructor can personalize the course to match his/her instructional style and the meet the needs of the current group of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The students get confused a lot with the Syllabus/course sometimes in a school/college where there are multiple instructors teaching the same syllabus or course. I find that the main reason for that is because the Instructors themselves are not on the same page. Hence I believe that a well-prepared syllabus will help the instructors to stick together to the same path thus helping the students also.
Linda,
Glad you had this resource to follow because it would have been tough to come up with a well prepared syllabus on your own as a beginning instructor. This syllabus gave you confidence and direction so you could focus on getting the course off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Erin,
Yes it will. This way the questions that are asked will be more content focused rather than logistical.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Katherine,
Right you are. It is the document that will help the students move through the course while understanding the requirements, policies and expectations that they will be following and completing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At our facility each course syllabus is created from the top so each campus and instructor has consistency. As a new instructor this was what saved me my first quarter.
It gave me structure and confidence when encountering the class the very first day. I knew I had a base to build from and was able to communicate that to the class.
