The syllabus is key to start off the class because it provides clear expectations for the course. Students are aware of what learning objectives are to be met and material that will be covered each week. I include any class rules and requirements at the end of mine and have students sign that they have read and understand all the contents of the "contract" we are entering into for the quarter.
Through my own personal experience as a nursing student, i found a well prepared syllabus helpful in reducing anxiety about the course. I had a visual time line for the course layout, projects, and exams with deadlines. It was clear to me at that point, how much time I had to complete projects, reading assignments, and exam dates. As a student taking multiple classes, the syllabus will help you organize and balance your schedule. Otherwise one can easily feel overwhemled.
My school does this, which makes 'teaching' easier; much less time is spent on 'the rules' and complience and more time spent 'learning'. Students know what is expected/ period. Claudia K.
It gives students a good idea of what will be covered in the course and how it will be covered. This way, students will be better prepared.
As the professor, it is vital to ensure that communication is clear. This is how the professor ensures that they establish themselves as a modelf for their students.
A clear and understandable syllabus is able to accomplish this and convey professionalism.
Hi Diana,
You received some good advice and support from your fellow instructor. The signature sheet will save you so much hassle in the future.
Gary
I forgot to add...I LOVE the signature sheet! As a new instructor I'm learning the ropes and there were some things about attendance and make-up work that I was struggling with. After I spoke with a friend he showed me the sign off sheet he uses and it's been easier working through the details I overlooked.
Once the Syllabus is established everything else falls into place simply. It is a clear agreement between student and instructor and answers the Who, What, Where, When, & How's of the term. It puts everyone on the same page so everyone understand expectations and guidelines.
Yes, being prepared is so very important. There are a lot of students out there that will take advantage of the professor that is ill prepared by not completing an adequate syllabus. Details about the course are very important so students feel that they need to be engaged to earn a good grade in your course.
A well prepared syllabus is not only a benefit to the students but also a benefit to me, as the Instructor.
It is a wonderful resource to use when questions and issues arise with regard to what is the responsibilty of the student versus my responsibility as an Instructor, what are my grading expections, etc.
A syllabus has gotten me out of what could have been some troublesome issues by simply having a clear, detailed outline of my expectations.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for these comments. They are a good reminders for all instructors in terms of why they need to have a well planned and comprehensive syllabus.
Gary
I personally get tired of answering the same questions over and over but have found that if my syllabus is detailed and clear the questions either disappear or I can refer my students to the syllabus for the answers. They then learn how to find their own answers and learn that there are no suprises. :)
A well-prepared syllabus also saves you a lot of problems when students challenge you or complain to someone higher up on the food chain. All you have to do is point and say it was on the syllabus and the discussion is over. Administrators really appreciate this as well.
A good syllabus tells the students what the class will be about -- not only the text and the objectives, but what the assignments will be, what is to be expected of them in class, how they will be graded, etc.
It's something that can be referred back to throughout the semester to keep students on track (and I don't mean in a disciplinary way, but in a time-management way).
The students need to know exactly what is expected of them. Having these expectations laid out on the first day of class helps to clarify the goals and objectives in the student's mind. I have also found that this reduces the overall anxiety of the student. If they are not sure what is coming up next or how their paper is going to be graded, then they will be very stressed.
A well prepared syllabus is necessary to ensure that all students know what to expect from the course and so that students know what is expected of them.
Valentina, I agree. As a student and now an instructor I always looked at the syllabus as a contract presented to me as the student of what my class would cover and what the instructor and student were agreeing to cover over the term. As an instructor now the syllabi are prepared for me, but as long as I understand and agree with the information in the content then I can still look at it like a contract.
I think it is important for both the instructor and the student. A well-prepared syllabus points out your plan for the course and what to expect. By following it, both the student and the instructor can be prepared from day to day.
It is a guidance to the students. It will allow them to focus and determine what the course content will entail. The syllacus will also allow the instructor to organize class content and objectives for students.
That is a very good, concise, statement. About the only thing you missed was contact information. Great Job!!
To provide students with an up-to-date course description which includes the following: rationale for the course, course outline with a description of daily activities, evaluation and grading scale, and classroom policies.
