The Key?
We are provided with the syllabus from our parent campus. I believe that the key is even if everyone has the same syllabus you need to make it your own through the use of a perpectus. Also you need follow through, for example don't list activities if they are not really going to be taken place within the course. For instance, don't tell your students you will have a guest speaker and never have one show up or you don't have time for one within the course. Don't set dates for tests and move them to other dates; this will tend to lose the students and thier confidence.
Hi Scott,
Well said concerning the use of the syllabus in the class. It is a informative guide for the students but needs to have the flexibility to be changed based upon the needs of the class. You mentioned how instructors need to be able to make changes as dictated by the course and student needs.
Gary
The prospectus should represent course individuality and follow within the guidelines of the syllabus, but not be inflexible. Students learn at different rates and each class is different. I have no problem postponing a test if I'm not confident that the feedback I'm getting from the students represents a good understanding of the material. Conversely, if I have a small or exceptionally bright class of students, then I will try to work ahead of the timelines so we can explore additional topics of interests to the students. However, communication in advance is a key component if any changes are to be made and never promise a field trip or special event and not do it. If the event cannot be done due to reasons beyond the Instructors control then he/she should substitute another learning experience so the students don't feel cheated.
Scott
I agree with you. I think that as instructors we all have our own styles and ways of approaching information. When we teach the same overall topic, we still have our own way of doing things that make it different from each other.
Hi Dwayne,
You make a good point about following the syllabus but also being flexible with it. By informing the students of the change they will have no problem if a quiz is shifted a day or something like that. They like it when they see an instructor that can make changes as needed while still following the requirements of the course.
Gary
The syllabus must be the instructor's own however, the instructor must accomplish the set objectives as the institution warrants.
I believe small shifts are acceptable such as postponing a quiz one day because the class is not completely ready as observed through on-going assessments.
Overall, instructors should follow the syllabus and if changes are made, do not make that a secret; inform the class of the change(s) and why.
