I agree if your syllabus is well-prepared it enhances the class and allow the student to stay on task and focused during class because they know what to expect and when. For those students that have some free time or difficultly learning they can move ahead to be prepared with question and concerns with upcoming chapters.
A syllabbus provides you and yur students with a road map of the class contents as well as assist the instuctor with teaching materials
A well prepared syllabus sets clear instructions for the students to know what is required so that they can prepare for the class accordingly.
A well prepared syllabus allows everyone to have an understanding of what is expected. Documentation is of the utmost importance for effective communication between teacher and student.
Hi Edmund,
Well said about how to put together the syllabus so it has value to the students. They need to see that it is one of the key communication devices for the course so they need to read it and understand what it contains. This will help to reduce their concerns and frustrations.
Gary
A syllabus is a road map for students. It should include what is expected of the student to satisfactorily complete the course. A timeline, list of assignments, grading, late policy, course description and objectives should be part of a good syllabus. Instructor contact information with the instructors’ office hours should also be included. This way the student has a clear understanding of expectations and can contact the instructor with questions.
Another reason for having a good syllabus is that it forms a contract of expectations between the instructor and student. It should be used to set classroom management and policy between the student and instructor. It also gives the student clear expectations of what to expect from the instructor.
Hi Patricia,
Good way to show the importance of the having a well developed syllabus. It is core to getting the course off to a good start with everyone having a clear understanding of course expectations.
Gary
First, I liked the reference to the syllabus as a contract between the instructor and student. If presented as such, the student will get a clear explanation of what is expected to successfully reach the objectives of the course and feel as though it's a collaborative effort between student and instructor. Also, if the student seeks tutoring, the syllabus can be used as a guide for help outside of the class.
Hi Jennifer,
Good way to use the syllabus as a information tool for the students. By referring to it and guiding the students through it you are letting them know you value the syllabus and that they need to make it a part of their course reference so they will be know what is going on throughout the course.
Gary
I have found from the side of being the student and from being the teacher that the syllabus truly prepares everybody for the course goals and expectations. As a student, I referred to it often to determine my instructor expectations and guided my actions accordingly. As an instructor, I encourage my students to do the same thing. On day one I review the syllabus with them to be sure that everyone understands the expectations for the course. As the course continues, when students ask questions that are outlined in the syllabus, we look at it together to reinforce the need to follow the written outlines.
Hi Janice,
Thanks for the input on answering most student questions through the syllabus. I know when I start a new course it is so much easier to deal with student questions concerning course content rather than constantly telling them about attendance and grading issues. When asked about either grades or attendance I refer them to the syllabus and then move on.
Gary
Hi All,
Great points about having a well prepared syllabus. All of your points have revolved around being clear and concise in how you put the syllabus together in terms of appearance and content. A good syllabus can do much to relieve student fears and reduce their questions because they can see exactly how the course is going to unfold and what the requirements are.
Gary
The syllabus course introduction document. It is the written invitation to the course. It gives all necessary details regarding the course. what is the direction, time and what is to be expected.
This way students will know ahead of time what it excepted from them and what the course entails.
I too have to remind my students that most of the questions they ask regarding class structure can be answered by the syllabus. It is a great tool to refer students back. Eventually the student will read the syllabus before they raise their hands with questions that are most likely answered in the syllabus.
Elaine,
Great response. I too have to remind students to checkout their syllabus for answers to many questions they have.
Sarah,
Very well put---that basically sums it all up!
A well-prepared syllabus not only lets students know where the class is headed but also lets the instructor know. Students want to be able to assess first thing whether this is a course they can handle or not. They like to see what they are getting into. The syllabus lets students know up front what to expect from the course.
It cannot be stressed enough how important a well prepared and clear syllabus is.
It must explain clearly all of the policies and procedures that will be carried out during the class.
Having a well prepared syllabus enables the students to see the overall snapshot in how the class will be structured throughout the quarter/semester. On the other hand obstacles can be encountered - for instance, maybe a topic took longer to lecture over. I like the syllabus to be a guide but it seems as though I have to adjust every now. I've noticed that each group of students do not learn the same - what I used for one class might now work for another.
