Without a well-prepared syallabus you can run into a whole lot of issues in the course. I find that the syllabus helps students to work and read ahead when they know what is going to be covered in the future. Also, this allows students to keep up with the class if they miss a class because they know what was covered and when. It is very easy to stray of course and when this happens the syallbus puts you back into check so to speak.
Hi Dennis,
Right you are about the syllabus. A well prepared one enables the students and you to get off to a good start because you understand each other in relation to course expectations.
Gary
A well prepared syllabus is crutial to a successful course. I believe a good syllabus gives the student all the requirments of the course, much like a contract with the student and the instructor. I prepare my syllabus with as much information as possible, so there is no mis understanding later and the student knows exactly what to expect.
Hi David,
This is a very good point and one that needs to be remembered as instructors develop their syllabus or even if they use a standard one from the college. It is an agreement that this is what will be provided and the student will complete the work outlined within the syllabus. Simple and straight forward for both parties to understand and follow.
Gary
What's usually not said about syllabi is that it also is a promise from the teacher to the students. It sets an expectation of how the will go, and the instructor needs to abide by it, just as much as the students.
Our institution uses a standardized syllabus for all classes. This gives uniformity and familiarity. Besides the contact information for the instructor, I think the objectives and outline of the 'expected to be covered material' is the most important. The student should know before the class ever begins, what the expectation level will be in terms a amount of material to be covered and how it will be assessed and graded.
In my short time of teaching, it is evident that the students rely on the syllabus. They often ask questions regarding the next class time objectives are.
It is important to have a well prepared Syllabus to be time efficient.
Hi Mark,
These are the little things that we learn from experience to do and then build upon. Just think from now on you will be focusing on something besides the syllabus because you have learned to develop a good one as a result of this experience. Onward to more successful teaching!
Gary
As a new instructor, I made the mistake of assuming the syllabus that I was given was a well-prepared syllabus. I have since learned to use the facility syllabus as a guide and to make changes in response to the manner in which the class responds.
Hi Tanisha,
This is such good advice for instructors. Thank you for sharing it with us. This reinforces the need for careful planning and clear writing on the part of instructors. A syllabus is an effective communication tool of expectations and requirements.
Gary
Having a well prepared syllabus gives the students condidence in knowing what is expected from them.
Students need a clear-cut explanation of what the teacher's responsibilities are and what the student's responsibilities are. A syllabus is a good way to do that. My student's also like to know that they are on track.
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus because students feel more prepared when they have one as well as the instructor.
It lets the students know exactly what lesson we are on each day.
The syllabus clearly defines the expectations of the instructor, the organization, and the environment from the get go.
With a well-prepared syllabus one can include lecture, demonstrations, homework, hands-on (student lab), homework and any additional readings or resources. It is important to vary the requirements to keep it interesting and keep the student's attention.
Hi Sarah,
Yes, it is. It is amazing how often this part of the planning process is skipped over. A well-prepared syllabus answers many questions for students and helps them to get a clear picture of what the course is going to entail. Thus, we need to work hard at making them informative to the best of our ability.
Gary
It is a road map to what the course is all about. It gives directions to students on what need to be done and how to accomplish it. It provides guidelines on projects and grades for each project. If syllabus is not clearly defined, it creates confusion for students and chaos.
It helps the students understand the goals and objectives of the class. They can see informations such as the books that will be used and supplies that need to be brought to class.
It also gives them an outline of what subjects are included in the class schedule and assignments they will have to complete and when they need to be completed.
