Great points! It sounds as though we have similar thoughts...it's good to know I'm on the right track! Best of luck to you!
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus because students expect it for one and second, it helps. A good syllabus answers many questions for a student. Questions pertaing to contact info for the teacher, what materials will be needed for the course, what lessons will be covered, and more. As a student I would look over the objectives to see what is expected of me and what I will be learning. I have yet to write a syllabus since my college prepares one for me in advance. However, I do add on a few pages with statements as to what I expect and some ground rules. Even though I teach adults, some still have a way to act like teenagers and I must keep that in mind when I write my added information. I choose my words carefully and read it aloud several times before I print it off and run copies. Wording is eveerything in today's word. I must be sure that the words I chose go hand in hand with the prepared syllabus.
It is a huge resource for both the students and instructors. It keeps both parties accountable for what takes place over a term or module. It helps me as an instructor know how I should plan my time and organize new material I want to include as part of an activity or presentation. It allows the students to know what is "up and coming" and the students can also manage their time.
I know a well prepared syllabus is important for several reasons - all mentioned by others in the discussion. However, I think a mistake that I have made, is making them too detailed (too long). In general, my experience is that a large majority of students do not read the syllabus anyway. Therefore, my recent strategy is to make the syllabus as succint as possible, and as short as possible. I would appreciate hearing any opinions.
Marilyn
Students need a fixed point of reference in writing once they get over first day jitters of a new class, especially for a course topic they are afraid of due to previous difficulty with the subject.
Hi Diana,
Thanks for the reminder about how a well prepared syllabus can really help to get the class started in the right direction while reducing frustration. It is worth all the effort in the long run as you mentioned.
Gary
Per my department chair's advice, along with examples I was provided, the first syllabus I ever wrote was quite detailed. I admit to feeling, at the time, that it was overkill but as the course progressed, I was glad I had clearly outlined information regarding attendance, late work, missed assignments, etc. Time spent in the beginning absolutely saves time...and headaches...later!
I use the syllabus like I do a road map. It guides my daily activities and provides both an overview of the course and expectations as well a day-by-day map for students. In essence, we all know where we are heading and how to get there!
Students need to know what they are going to learn and a teacher needs to be prepared with what they are going to teach
I think this helps so the student is fully aware of what is expected of them...
a syllabus outlines the objectives for the day and week,giving the student a clear road map if you will of expectations and students respondsibilities to met his or her goals
A well-prepared syllabus,conveys all the information that students need to succeed in the course.
A well prepared syllabus is important because a syllabus gives a clear understanding of what the students are expected and what the students can expect from their instructor. A syllabus is an instrument to have students and faculty on the same page and starting point in the course. A good syllabus also can set the tone of learning of the class, plays a role in student perception of instructor, student motivation and performance.
It allows students to have a set expectation of the course as well as giving us a guideline to follow as we prepare our lesson plans.
To know exactly where you and the students are going. You know what is going to be covered and the work that will be required.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for making this great point about the need for a well prepared syllabus. Your expansion of the syllabus beyond just your course in terms of helping students to see what is required in your course so they can plan their time in relation to other courses is good. This is so important in keeping students engaged so they don't become overwhelmed with life and leave school.
Gary
I've made the mistake of not having a well prepared syllabus. It will only lead you and your students to confusion and time consuming questions.
Having a well prepared syllabus makes the flow of the class much more smooth for the instructor as well as the students. Students want to know from day one what is expected of them and when it is expected of them.
I also have to constantly remind myself that my course may not be the only course the students are juggling. and by having a well laid out syllabus I'm making their lives more manageable.
By having a well planned syllabus. The student will know what to expect of the class ahead of time.
Thanks, Valentina. I agree with you in regard to it being a contract even though some students strongly try to convince you to break the contract. I have a recent incident that is a clear demonstration of that.
Every instructor should go into the classroom well prepared for the term, and creating clear objectives and goals will enable better communication between teacher and student.
