A well prepeared syllabus will be the guide for the students on what to expect to learn. It also helps the instructor be able to follow the learning objectives for the student.
I agree. You will have control of the classroom with structure.
A well-prepared syllabus provides a structured format for both the student as well as the instructor to follow in order to provide all inclusive information for that course.
A well prepared syllabus allows the students to be prepared for all course requirements. In addition it is a contract between the faculty and students in regards to attendance, professionalism, goal setting, etc...
Kimberley,
Students are concerned about what the requirements for a course are and how they can fulfill them. So the quicker they know and understand them the quicker their anxiety starts to fade away. Your point about getting this information to them quickly is a good one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that a well designed syllabus helps to minimize the stress involved in the "unkown" of courses. By having a well prepared syllabus the student and the instructor begin the course knowing what is to be expected of each other. It also helps the student plan for upcoming assignments and learning opportunities.
A well prepared syllabus allows for the instructor to teach effectively and efficently. I also feel that a well prepared syllabus allows for the instructor to be well prepared for coarse materials and hands on assessment.
David,
Thank you for these comments as you have taken the value of a well prepared syllabus beyond just a document but have explained it as being an instructional development tool as well. This greatly increases the connection between content and application for students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Because all courses benefit from a syllabus in a variety of ways. Just the act of preparing a syllabus helps you to decide which topics to cover and at what pace. It really sets the climate for the class and helps the students to organize their time to get everything done on time. It really is an operating manual for the course and will help the students understand both the expectations and the learning outcomes.
Virginia,
You are right on target with your assessment of the value of a well prepared syllabus. A well prepared syllabus not only informs the students but also is a form of protection for you as you can show you shared via the syllabus the requirements, polices and assignments for the course. Reduces problems later should a student say they didn't know or never received any information about an assignment being due.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Taking the extra time to prepare a good syllabus will not only remind students of what assignments are due and when exams will occur, but also help me in keeping to the schedule in order to cover what I said I was going to cover. The syllabus, I feel, is more important for me as a checklist because I'm not sure how often students use it after the first day. But as long as I know that I gave them a syllabus, I feel that they are more prepared for the class.
A,
This is what gives value to the syllabus. This information reduces student misunderstandings and frustration. They know the expectations, requirements and policies of the course and how the course is going to be managed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The most important part of a syllabus is that it provides the student with clear guidelines to the students expectations for the course. If a class topic is disputed, the teacher and student can see clear statements in grade expectations, attendance, participation , etc.
Rana,
Right you are. A well prepared syllabus answers questions and gives direction. This sets the tone for a positive class to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you do not have a well prepared syllabus, you may be teaching on the wrong material for that week. Also, students like to know what material is going to be covered at that time. You need to show organization for the class too, if you expect them to be organized.
Debra,
Well describe in terms of the value and pay off of having a well prepared syllabus for both the students and you the instructor. A syllabus can reduce student frustration and questioning because the information is there for them to see, internalize and process. This sets them up for class success if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lauren,
Well said concerning the value of a well prepared syllabus. This is a guiding document that students can refer to throughout the course to reinforce what they are covering and what your expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus because it serves as a contract between student and instructor. The syllabus informs the student of a description of the course, requirements for the course, objectives that will be covered, additional resources to enhance learning, grading scale, instructor information, contact, and availablility. The syllabus also serves to let the student know about policies and procedures.
A well constructed syllabus helps to elevate questions and allows the instructor and student to refer back to a documentated item if issues arise during the course that may be in question.
A well prepared syllabus provides structure for both the students and the instructor in the course. While the instructor comes in with an understanding of the flow to a class and how he or she is going to get there, the syllabus provides that information to the students. If the instructor has put together a good syllabus, the students will feel comfortable that there is a structure to the course and that they will get the most out of the class.
Amy,
Right you are because a well prepared syllabus sends a clear message that you are prepared and that you are going to be the learning leader for the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
