Having a well prepared syllabus lets the student know exactly what they will be doing in class and /or lab, it will let the student know the expectations of the classroom, teacher,grading policy, reading chapters etc.
It's true… It will give you confidence as an instructor as you will be familiar with your material.
like a good comedian really. the better you know your material, the better you control the crowd… you control the crowd, you have their attention…
what does attention result in? retention!
practice you "act" in the mirror? why not!
warren : )
not only will it help the teacher but the student
It is important to have a weel-prepared syllabus for your course because w/o it your whole class can fall apart before your eyes. It gives you rules, guidelines, and what is expected. You can always refer back to it during the course.
I give weekly information in my syllabi, so students know what chapter is going to be covered, what is the assignment they will have that week, when the assignment needs to be turned in and when they will be tested on the material covered that week.
The syllabi also includes the grading breakdown for all tests, assignments, class participation, midterm and finals.
It includes the attendance policies and penalties for coming in late, turning in late assignments and tests.
I use the syllabus and course outline on the first day only. At the end of each class I advise them what we will be doing when we meet again. My objectives need to be more specific when I write them on the board.
This helps the student to follow the outline of the course letcutes and the subject matter.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us and how you are planning your next steps in offering structure to what your students will be learning in your course. This information will be valuable to other instructors as they develop their own format for how they will be teaching. Thanks.
Gary
I have 7 years experience as a classroom instructor with the curiculum and syllabus already prepared and designed. Now I am an embedded instructor in the clinical setting at a hospital, and although the students have course and quarterly objectives that they must meet there is no actual syllabus for the clinic setting. I am developing one as I go along with this first class of mine including lectures, quizzes, clinical practicums and competencies that I expect the students to meet in that environment. Day one was by the seat of my pants so to speak but I am now planning ahead with prepared lecture, quizzes and hands on requirements. I am sure that when the second group of students come to me I will be alot less apprehensive and not have to pull things off the top of my head. It will also help to organize their time in the clinical setting.
Hi Warren,
All three very good points and reinforces why every instructor needs to have a well prepared syllabus. It makes everyone happier by knowing what is going to occur in the course.
Gary
Hi Nastassia,
So true and so important. A well prepared syllabus as you know saves so much time and frustration because it informs the students what is going to occur and what the standards are for the course. With this information the students can focus on doing the work and meeting the deadlines.
Gary
it allows us to to keep check of the different aspects of the course to ensure we cover it all.
It gives you confidence in your class because you are familiar with what is that you have to teach.
it also acts as a safety net, allowing you to fall back onto if required.
It is important to have a well prepared syallabus for your course, because the syllabus is like the foundation for the course. It is the plan. It allows the students to be aware of what is being covered throughout the course. The syllabus includes all covered course material as well as assignments that must be completed. The syllabus also gives dates of when materials will be covered as well due dates. A well prepared syllabus can eliminate alot of confusion, as far what was covered and when, as well as when assignments are due.
Hi Beth,
Do you prepare your own syllabus or is it provided by your college? Are you able to outline your expectations in your syllabus or do you do that another way?
Gary
Because it clearly defines what students can expect to learn and also when test and projects are due.
Hi Stephanie,
So true. A well developed syllabus saves so much time and frustration in getting the class started because the students know what the expectations are.
Gary
I like using a well prepard syllabus to give a very detailed plan as to where this class will be taking the students. In addition, it keeps me on track as well. It also appears that you and the class will be well organized.
Having a well written and organized syllabus can ensure that all students and the instructor are on the same page.
Hi Audrey,
This information needs to be shared right up front because as you mention they need to know what it takes to be successful in the course. By knowing this they know how to set their priorities in terms of studying and assignment completion.
Gary
The syllabus is considered a contract between the students and the faculty. Not only does it give objectives, but also important grading information. Students need to know the weight of their tests and quizzes. The syllabus has this content, so that there are no surprises.
