The syllabus is important because it lists the expectations of both what the instructor expects of the student in the course and what the student can expect from the instructor.
A well-prepared syllabus will communicate effectively to all students.
This will inform student of what is expected and give them vial information needed to get started and stay on task in the course
Hi Scot,
Thanks for the heads up on how to prepare a syllabus. There has to be some flexibility built in or one little change in the class flow and you will be off course for the duration. By having a well prepared syllabus outlining the requirements, policies and assignments for the course you will have answered most of the questions raised by students. You can share specifics with them in relation to times and dates with an addendum if needed.
Gary
to stop misunderstanding about due dates and requirements, and also to show how serious you are about the class
In my first semester I handed out a very detailed day-by-day syllabus showing what we would do... since then I have had to adjust it, so I wouldn't recommend that approach, especially for first time teaching.
Giving the students the ability to look ahead also allows them to come to class more prepared for the class and allows for an enhancement in the classroom experience.
Hi Carla,
Well said about the need for a well prepared syllabus. Having a well prepared syllabus reduces the number of questions that are asked about minor things and increases the questions about content and skills. This is where we instructors need to focus our attention so our students can benefit from our experience and expertise.
Gary
A well-prepared syllabus is important to avoid misunderstanding of what will be covered and what's expected throughout a course. The better prepared a syllabus is, the easier it is to make adjustments along the way, if necessary.
Sometimes critical learning activities take a bit longer than expected, especially if a class is large or if many students in a class are completely unfamiliar with a particular type of activity, etc. In these cases, you might need to move a due date to give more attention to one activity than another. Having a well-prepared syllabus gives you visibility on how to best adjust your schedule and still accomplish all your goals. A vague syllabus can lead to a complete derailment of your plans for the course.
The syllabus give the student a clear view of what will be covered weekly and instructor's expectation of the student's abilities to complete assignments on time.
Hi Dorothy,
I like your approach of generating a discussion on the syllabus and objectives. This shows your students the value you attach to both and that you are going to be using them as guides throughout the course.
Gary
A well prepared syllabus gives the instructor the opportunity to establish goals and learning objectives for the students. I spend a lot of time on the syallbus on the first day of class as it sets the pace for the students up front and helps to reduce their anxiety.
I generate a discussion on the syllabus and the course learning objectives as well as attendance expectations and participation exceptations. I have them give examples of classes where they felt they didn't learn anything, and classes where they were well engaged. I believe this method of spending time on my expectations up front lets them know not only what I am looking for in my evaluations of them, but also how important it is to me as an instructor.
A well prepared syllabus allows both student and instructor to feel comfortable with the course outcomes and assignments. Students know what is expected of them before they begin working and instructors have an increased level of comfort in knowing that their policies and procedures are documented before class begins.
The syllabus is important because it is the road map for the student. It is always interesting to me that no matter how much value I attach to the syllabus, many students don't as a matter of fact on their own read it on a regular basis. Occasionally, I have given a syllabus quiz about the 3rd week of class, which I think helps to keep the big picture in their minds.
Hi All,
A well prepared syllabus really helps to answer students' questions and set the tone for the class. Many of you shared the ways you put together your syllabus so you let your students know the course expectations, requirements and policies.
Gary
I think that is is important for the student to have a guide if you will for is expected of them from the instructor and the course.
I agree with this very much. Students will pick at every little thing to see what things they can stretch or dispute. By having a syllabus, this is cutand dry. Here's how it is and that is that.
It is clear and percise goals expected for the course. It can help answer the questions the students may have, and help to squash any issuses the class may have. It also is a clear document of the instructors expectations.
I like this technique of "The Professor's Muddiest Moment". Since I teach a course where the begining of the course is mostly speaking and overlapping new definitions and techno babble along with some math and chemistry some students haven't reviewed recently make for a truly befuddling first week of class.
