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Syllabus

Would you change the syllabus on your own if you thought you could make it better and more effective for your students?

I would agree with most who have commented on making changes to the course syllabus. There are elements of the document such as the learning objectives and college policies that I would be uncomfortable making changes to. But Learning Activities need to change from time to time and if the change will provide a better learning experience for the student, then the change is warranted.

Hi Ralph,
These types of changes help to keep the content current and the syllabus reflective of what needs to be included in the course. Good comments about this.
Gary

I would agree with most who have commented on making changes to the course syllabus. There are elements of the document such as the learning objectives and college policies that I would be uncomfortable making changes to. But Learning Activities need to change from time to time and if the change will provide a better learning experience for the student, then the change is warranted.

I would change my syllabus on my own, but certain things have to be done to get certified. I think some of the labs that are done at the end of the projects need to be explained a little better.

I agree with this wholeheartedly, but for many of us at career colleges the syllabus is provided for us and we can't change it. Faculty members provide addenda to these syllabi that detail things like the course schedule, assignments, etc., but they need to make sure that the Dean of Faculty approves it before giving to students. In this way we try to ensure that a student beginning a curriculum at one campus could complete it at any of our other locations, should the need arise.

Hi Kevin,
You make a good point about making changes to the syllabus if needed to reflect the best interest of the students. Sometimes this is needed based upon the make up of the class and the needs of the students.
Gary

Yes I would and have made syllabus changes to better match my students. Each class is a collection of diversity. An instructor must be able to adapt for each class. It is important for an instructor to read their students and adjust accordingly to fulfill their learning needs as well as the course objectives.

We were given a master syllabus and then allowed to attach an addendum. I wrote my first syllabus just recently. While teaching the course, there was a lot of confusion over assignments required by the course outside of my control. Even after reviewing them with the students and telling them to come see me if they have more problems or questions, I still had a student who turned in a paper saying they didn't know how to do it (in spite of the official handouts I had to provide that I felt were confusing at times).

This quarter, I'm thinking of being much more specific in my addendum on these assignments and writing specifically what is required in each in order to pass. That way, it is in writing and they have a reference and a standard to go by. I'm hoping this will help clear up a lot of confusion. My nursing instructors would do this, and it was helpful because if you couldn't remember something the instructor said about the assignment they were explaining, you could go to the syllabus. And if that didn't help, then you went to the instructor.

Dr. Meers

I agree with you totally. It is very important for all of the faculty to be on the same page.
I also agree about changing the syllabus if it
for the best intrest of the students.

Kevin

Yes I would change the syllabus to make it more effective, because if I don't understand it then the students are going to have a hard time also. It should be effective for everyone to work through.

Yes, I think it is the inclination of any quality instructor to improve a syllabus. But it must be done in accordance with the policies of the college and with the knowledge of the administrator in charge.

Hi Maria,
Yes I would and do but always in concert with my department chair and college. I want them to be aware of what I am doing and for what reasons. This way I am not viewed as a faculty member that is not working toward a common instructional goal.
Gary

We actually can't change the Syllabus per se, but can develop an Addenda which expands upon the base syllabus. If my syllabus were overly specific, I wouldn't hesitate to change it though.

Yes, it is important that the syllabus reflects what make sense for the course, especifically focusing on course activities and deadlines. It's important that the instructor is able to adapt the course objectives to the given timeline and curriculum.

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