A detailed syllabus...
Many have different theories on either having a detailed syllabus i.e. explaining your daily learning outcomes or keeping the syllabus static to give room for changes or being flexible. I myself try to keep a "daily learning outcome" as to keep me on point and keep my students abreast as to what is being covered that day. If something is not covered in class, then I assign an assignment pertaining to the subject matter and it is discussed the following day.
Keeping a detailed syllabus has been a tremendous help to me and my students. We both know what is expected and this leaves zero room for missed assignments or papers.
~Louis
I agree that keeping a detailed syllabus is very helpful not only for the instructor but also for the students. The instructor has structure that will allow him/her to stay on point and the student have clear concise understanding of what is expected of them each and every class session.
Hi Timothy,
That has been my experience as well.
Gary
You know, taking up from my previous post about the photo of Dusseldorf, it has been my experience that visuals are of little use in syllabi. They are quite useful in class, but not especially so in syllabi.
In my experience? People simply prefer verbal syllabi.
I would even put down the date for the midterm, what chapters does the midterm cover and the due date for the assigned projects. Some students appreciate that.
I think that having a fairly detailed syllabus covering assignments, lecture points and testing will not only help keep students on track with were the course will go but also help the instructor to stay focused of what needs to be accomplished through the course on a daily or weekly basis.
Hi Louis,
Thank you for sharing this example of how a well developed syllabus can be of real benefit to students and class management. As you say this way there is little room for misunderstanding.
Gary
