Syllabus
Why is developing a syllabus so important/
I think a syllabus develops the a climate for the class, give the course organization and structure. It serves as a guide or outline for the instructor and conveys a sense of excitement about the course. The students can look at the syllabus and it gives them a brief discription about what is going to be covered in the course.
Alisa,
A well prepared syllabus sets the tone and gives students information about the polices, expectations and requirements of the course. It is a form and in some cases is a legal document that illustrates the content that will be shared with students. It is more like a road map (or GPS). As you say the delivery part are the lesson plans on how the content will be taught. There is a role for both and each instructor has to find what the balance between them really is.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that yes, a syllabus is needed for some structure but a well prepared class can go on without a syllabus. For instance things change. Things happen. Will you fall apart when things do not go as planned or will you adjust your instruction according to fit the need of the students? A lesson plan is what gives a class real structure not a syllabus. A syllabus will give a student a form of guidance and control over thier education, nothing more
The syllabus provides structure for both the instructor and the students to follow. It is very helpful to have something to refer back to, just in case you find yourself off track. Of course, we all hope to stay focused in the class environment.
Hi Tim,
So true. You have nothing to base your requirements and policies on since nothing is written down or formed into an operating format like the syllabus does.
Gary
Without a syllabus, there is not much credibility to run a class...
