Agreed. I've used poorly prepared syllabi before, and it was ugly.
As a recent student who also worked full-time and was raising 3 children, I really appreciated a syllabus which laid out the reading assignments and assignments for the whole semester. I could then work ahead if I had upcoming commitments in my "other life".
A Well-prepared Syllabus will take the mystery out, and set the course content, requirement and expectations right from the beginning. Both students and teacher should follow it closely.
A well prepared syllabus sets forth the regulations of the college, helps guide my efforts to attain students' learning outcomes, and lastly provides all with a road map on how we are going to get from Point A to Point B.
To avoid confusion for students and give them a clear understanding what the course is about, what is expected from them, and what they should expect from the instructor. Have a clear understanding of the due dates to help them manage their time, pace themself, and even prepare ahead of time if they are able to.
As discussed in the first module of this course, an instructor will play several roles including a model, manager and a motivator. I think having a well prepared syllabus reinforces these roles of the instructor as it will provide clarity to the students, and it will show them that their instructor is well prepared.
Having a well prepared syllabus informs not only the students, but the instructor as well, with a guideline for which the course will be taught and what it will consist of. Without this, your students wouldn't know what to expect and you as an instructor, wouldn't know what to prepare for next.
Hi Edwardo,
Good point about having a well developed syllabus. It can answer many student questions and help to get them focused on course outcomes.
Gary
By, Edwardo Mojena
The Syllabus is a great tool to inform the students on how or what the lay out for class will be. This will inform the students a head of time how and what kind of objectives will be for the class.
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus for your course because you know what you are going to teaach your students and what are your expectations.
The syllabus is a to do list for class. The students should refer to the syllabus anytime they have a question about what is due, what will be covered and what to study. I believe a well written syllabus should outline the class objectives and what the student will obtain from the class. A well prepared Syllabus will reference what is expected and leaves no questions as to what needs to be done.
Hi Cristina,
A well prepared syllabus reduces student frustrations because many of their questions are answered in the content of the syllabus. The syllabus also sets the tone for the class because it outlines the expectations for the course and students are eager to know them.
Gary
A syllabus is a contract with your students; what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. The more explicit the syllabus, the easier it is for the student to understand what they will learn, how they will learn it, the method of evaluation give them a clear picture of what they can do to be successful in the course. It is a reference piece that they can refer to throughout the course to assist them in making the most of what they are trying to learn. I also like to make sure that the document is aesthetically pleasing and to make sure there is an electronic version online, just in case.
The syllabus lays down the framework for the entire course. It clearly defines the expectations and requirements of the students. The course outline is referred to often, and allows students to plan ahead and to appropriately budget their time to ensure academic success.
Hi Warren,
Well said. Good example to share with us. I like the way you craft your words about how we need to perform as instructors and communicators of knowledge and skill.
Gary
Hi Janae,
Right on with your comments about how important a well developed syllabus is to course success.
Gary
Students need a written document explaining the goals of the course and what is expected of them during the course. Also, they need to see week by week what will be covered in class.
The Syllabus is the most important document for me.
A syllabus allows students to plan ahead and hopefully coordinate time and resources in order to maximize their potential achievement. As an instructor the syllabus keeps me focused and then I can look for other resources which may help further the understanding of the material.
The syllabus, when detailed enough, will answer many of the questions the student may have with respect to what can be expected from both the instructor and the student. Not only does this get everyone started off on the right foot with a detailed presentation of the course and its expectations, but holds both the student and the instructor accountable for meeting those obligations as communicated in this "contract".
Misty Walker
