In most of my classes the students are the same way, so I review the syllabus at the start of every week.
Hi Jeff,
Right you are in terms of the value of a well prepared syllabus. It is a contract between you and the students so it needs to contain the essentials of the course so everyone starts the course on the same page.
Gary
Hi Kevin,
Good example you give in relation to a course syllabus being a road map. Without a road map no one will know where the course is going to a syllabus needs to be well planned and organized to make sure everyone on the educational journey knows where they are going.
Gary
Hi Kara,
Good explanation of how a syllabus is suppose to work for a course. If well developed the syllabus does a great job of helping students getting settled into the new course while answering many of their questions.
Gary
A well prepared syllabus gives students a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
The syllabus explains the expectations of the course, gives the goals and objectives, policies and procedures, grading and content. After the first class when the student leaves, he/she should have a clear view of what is expected of them throughout the course.
A wellp repared syllabus is your road map expectations of the class, what is expected for the students assignments,tests,due dates,expectations,grading scale. I always have my studnets sign off on the syllabus so there is no question about where we are going and what is expected this is our contract for the course. I live up to it on my end and I expect the same from them
Creating a well written syllabus is extremely important for the facility as well as the students. It is documentation and a guide line, that provide the student with informative information of that particular course. It is a breakdown of the accomplishments that is plan to achieve. This gives the student immediately notice of the instructor's expectations, rules and regulations, grading rubrics, special assignnments and more. Preparing a course syllabus to the students the first day of class is exceedingly important.
So the students will know whaat your expections are for the class
The syllabus sets the objectives of what the student will learn and shows the student relevancy toward their ultimate degree goal in their field of choice. The syllabus also acts as a road map for the instructor and is a useful tool to keep the instructor on track so that all students who take the course are moving along at the same pace. It can avoid learning overload if an instructor has to hurry to reach the requirements before the class ends. With the syllabus setting the pace the instructor just needs to concentrate on giving the students the required materials and follow the mapping in the syllabus.
It is important to have a well prepared syllabus for the course because it contains all the information regarding the plans for the course. It contains detailed information about what will happen from day to day in each class as well as the instructors expectations.
When students enter a class for the first time, they are filled with uncertainty. A syllabus, not only acts as a guide for meeting objectives for the instructor and institution, but also relieves anxiety most students have about course content. A syllabus that makes connections with how each lesson relates to the next and can paint the overarching goals and objectives for the course engages a student on the first day.
Using a Well-prepared Syllabus sets the stage, elimates surprise,gives organization and structure so the students understand the expectation & outcomes in a clear way.
Hi Wendy,
Good point. Good planning and organization will take you far in setting the tone for a new class. The students will do just as you say and appreciate the effort you have put forth in getting ready for the new class.
Gary
To have a well prepare syllabus in class is ideal as this will allow the student to see on the first day what type of environment the class will be, it defines policies for the class, maintains structure, and entices the student to get excited about the course. In addition to this the student will realize how much the instructor cares about their success and helping them meet their goals.
Thanks for the advice. I will make sure I start the class with the week's reminders. If I place a list on the board it may motivate those who feel less compelled to do the assignments.
Hi Jennifer,
Yes they do. The more clearly you can lay them out the more comfortable they will be in the class. I also give the students reminders, on the board, verbally and with a handout throughout the course so they don't have an excuse that they didn't know about a test or assignment.
Gary
I spend a large amount of time creating the syllabus. It is almost like a security blanket. I spend the first class going over the expectations but I need to be more attentive to reinforce due dates and expectations as the class progresses. I believe students want to rules spelled out clearly.
Hi Lois,
You are fortunate to teach in such a setting. This lets the students see the big picture in terms of other courses that are being taught, in this case during the day. Even though the day classes don;t directly affect them it is good for them to see how the school operates. In addition, it sounds like you have a good communication system with your students through the syllabus.
Gary
We are fortunate enough to have a dedicated classroom shared by the day and evening instructors. I am the evening instructor and in order to have a weekly "look ahead" for the students every Monday, we have a portion of the dry erase board taped in block style with "Day" and "Evening" lettered. We each outline the weeks' goals and events for our respective classes.
I also hand out copies of my weekly lesson plan which is also posted outside the classroom and lab. I often add pictures of the class performing their lab techniques on the lesson plan which enhances their attention to it.
Naturally, at the beginning of each Module the class receives and signs for their Syllabus and we review extensively.
It has been beneficial with my students to bring the Syllabus to a weekly format and I find my students making very good use of personal calendars and day runners for their time management.
