A well prepared syllabus for me is the best organizational tool I can use in the classroom. It helps me stay on track and keeps me within my time limits.
I agree too,well prepared syllabus make students learn a lot easier
It gives students a clear idea of what is accepted from them through the entire course .
Hi Eulalia,
Well said. By making expectations clear the students can get settled into the course quicker and feel more confident in their abilities. This will make for a much more learner driven course.
Gary
So that everyone (teacher and students) know exactly what is and isn't expected during the course term.
Syllabus contains important information for a course. It includes the goals so the students know what to expect to learn from the course, objectives so they know what they need to do or accomplish to pass the course, grading criteria so they can make sure that they are following the requirements in submitting their assignment including tests, and all other college policies and procedures to make sure that the students are aware of them. The syllabus also includes the text book, instructor’s schedule, and contact information.
Giving the information to the student upfront will give the student an overall idea about what they will learn, the learning style of the instructor including her student expectations, and how this course will be accomplished based on the college requirement and expectations. Giving the information to the student upfront will also minimized students' questions during the session. In fact, it may generate important questions for any unclear expectations or guidelines.
A well-prepared syllabus sets the tone for the classroom and the student’s success in the class. It serves as a formal contract between the instructor and the student for course delivery and the student retention. A well-prepared syllabus sets the climate for the class. A well-prepared syllabus defines the class policies, assignments and assignment deadlines. A well-prepared syllabus helps establish the course structure and organization. A well-prepared syllabus stimulates course excitement and relays pertinent information about the course.
It sets the tone for the entire course. You have the opportunity/responsibility to explain to the class what will be covered and at what time it is expected to be accomplished.
The well-prepared syllabus sets the overall expectations of faculty as well as students.
Utilizing a well prepared syllabus is useful for the students. It outlines the course and lets the students know what is expected from them.
To optimize the learning process. ~ Sandra
A well-prepared syllabus speaks volume about:
a) The Instructor's organization skills
b) Level of interest in the subject
c) Level of expertise
d) Level of commitment to student's success and his/her vision for their professional growth.
e) Whether the course is going to be engaging and challenging or just another "let's just get through this" class.
To an extent, a well-prepared syllabus sends the message that the instructor demands quality work. Besides such syllabus helps tremendously when it comes to time management. ~ Sandra
Hi Larry,
You make a key point about the development of a syllabus. It has to be a document that students will understand and use. I can only imagine what would have happened with the professor that had the excessive syllabus if something occurred that wasn't covered in the syllabus. As you know an instructor has to be flexible and a syllabus may need to be changed based upon the dynamics of the class or other situations.
Gary
A well-prepared syllabus is important because it begins to clarify the unknowns about the course. It gives structure so students can plan their success.
I note that in order to be well-prepared, a syllabus should also be tailored to the students. One of the most complete syllabi I have encountered was ineffective because of its excessive length. The professor who wrote it seemed to want to cover every event that could possible happen including bomb threats.
It was outside the scope of the course. The students did not read it or use it for reference other than the course calendar. In other words, a well-prepared syllabus should also be digestible.
It is important to have a well prepared syllabus in order for you to plan as an instructor and also so that students will know what is going to be completeed throughout the class.
A syllabus is key it helps you to know what is expected of you as a instructor as well was what is expected of the students. It lets the instructor know what they need to cover.
It is always important to be prepared, but also it shows structure about your school and what you should be learning that will help you in your employment.
Rob, the idea that students have the 'right to flunk' the class if they so choose was a hard and bitter pill for me to swallow when I first started teaching...
I took it personally when a student didn't turn in work or when they stopped coming to class. It took a year or so for me to fully accept the idea that some students will fail the class, for reasons beyond my control.
I do my best in class to make sure they understand the lessons. I have personal discussions with students who are struggling or not turning in work and I make reasonable concessions for unexpected events, but bottom line: the students are responsible for their own learning.
Things happen and some students will blow off my class. As long as I have made my best effort to help the struggling student, I don't take it personally any more.
I fell the syllabus is the life line to a successful and enjoyable course of instruction. By being well-prepare it sets the tone for the entire course. It shows that you are well organized and are concerned that the students have a full understanding of the course, materials, expectations and overview of course objectives.
I agree, it does give a complete outline of what the syllabus requires for class you will be teaching.
I usually read the syllabus to my class on the first day so its not just put in their folder and forgotten.
