Our school tries very hard to standardize the syllabus so that students get used to seeing how courses are set up. It reinforces the school polices and procedures. The important thing to students are the content and the grading system.
Hi Dana,
Thank you for sharing how your college approaches the use of the syllabus. As you know a well prepared syllabus can do much to set the stage and well as inform the students about what is going to occur. This reduces frustration and anxiety so they can focus on what they must do to be successful.
Gary
I view the syllabus as a contract between the instructor and the student, which informs the student what is required of him or her in order to complete the course. At my college, we have a standardized 11-page syllabus for students. The syllabus gives the instructor's information, the requirements for the course (in detail, along with the percentage points), and a calendar which details what happens each day in class, as well as the assignments for which the student is responsible.
I go over the syllabus thoroughly on the first day of class so that we are all on the same page regarding what will happen in the course and what's required to pass. If the student forgets information we discussed on the first day, s/he can just look back on the syllabus. For each assignment, on the syllabus there is a clear breakdown for how it will be graded. Because our syllabi are so thorough, the syllabus is an empowering document for students--they're not in the dark about anything regarding the course.
So the students know what to expect. This in turn helps them to feel comfortable and more motivated to learn.
I have not used a sinature page in the past but I am going to start. It is a great idea.
It helps the student understand the content and direction of the course. It can also keep the intructor on course.
A well prepared syllabus provides the student information of what well be covered in class and is a contract between the student and the instructor. If a signature page has been added this page can be kept on file so that that is proof that the student read and understood what was in the syllabus
Using a well-prepared syllabus explains how the students can contact the instructor as well as their availability to meet with them. In addition, the syllabus describe the prerequisites that are required for the student’s readiness to succeed in the course. It also gives an overview of the goals and objectives of the course to provide and give details to what the course is about and how it fits into the program.
I really like this idea! Students know what you expect from them and they know what to expect from you as their instructor.
A well prepared syllabus helps the students to know what is expected of them at a glance. It states the assignments and when they are to have them done. But it also states what you require of them in the class itself. It states what your policies are when it comes to late assignments, attendance and even what will happen to them if they cheat.
Hi Maria,
Good point. A syllabus can only be as strong as your ability to coordinate the activities and progress students are making. By doing so you are keeping them engaged and forward focused.
Gary
I know first hand how important it is to have a well written syllabus. The first class I taught was an excellent lesson of what not to do. I do feel the syllabus is part contract but for culinary part of it needs to be flesible to a point. If the students can't or don't finish some of their daily assignments the day to day work needs to adjust for each class. The grading system and expectations should not change.
Hi Al,
This is a great example of relevancy in teaching. When great opportunities like you had to bring in the Attorney General you take them. This shows the students you are working hard to offer high quality instruction that has application to their careers.
Gary
A well written syllabus helps the students understand what is expected from them and helps the instructor stay on topic.
I believe that a well prepared syllabus allows the student to understand the flow of the course as well as understand what is expected of them. It is imperative for the syllabus to be well prepared as this is the students' first opportunity to learn about you as an instructor and to make a first impression.
Exhibits professionalism and gives student clear picture of course.
When I meet with the students the day we go over the syllabus, this tells the students what we are going to do in this class. If for nany reason that I will not teach fron the subject on the syllabus, I will tell the students a class or 2 so they they know what we are going to do in the class. I had to stray from the syllabus because I had the Pennsylvania Attorney General come to my class room to inform the students about the subject we were talking about, and when I called to ask the Attorney General to come in to speak to the class, he said Al I will be in your area Tuesday and I will stop in and speak to the class.This is why you tell the students, so they know what is going on
The syllabus is already prepared for instructors where I am teaching, and it is such a helpful and much needed tool. This allows me to stay on track and use the outline for more important areas of learning.
This gives the student a sense of what the course is about and what is required to complete it. It is also a contract between you and the student so both of you are taking responsibility in their education.
It is just as important for the instructors as for the students in making it clear what the expectations are for the course. A clear and concise syllabus gives the instructor a document to refer to adn be consistant with when students question things such as attendance, grading processes, or when assignments are due. However, if the instructor veers from the syllabus too often or does not enforce their statements in areas such as attendance or grading, the credibility of the "contract" declines and you lose an important component in the student and instructor relationship, namely trust.
