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.
The syllabus keeps the instructor on track. It assures that the objectives are met. It assures that textbooks are being used. It provides all pertinant info such as instructor polices, contact info. It provides all the info the students needs such as grade breakdown so they can always determine where they stand in class from a grade prospective
To enhance students ability to follow course outlines
It is important to have a well-prepared syllabus because it is the contract between you and the student regarding the terms of the course. It should lay everything out for students so that they can always turn to it for clarification. They should view the syllabus as a tool to help them succeed in the course (because it outlines goals, requirements, etc.) and their ability to succeed is therefore dependent upon a strong, clear syllabus.
I like to include detail couse outline with syllabus. In the detail couse outline, I made class plan for every week.
Using a well prepared syllabus will provide you with a road map to preparing a lesson plan. And also provide you with the tools you will need to create confidence in the students of your knowledge and ability of the field of study.
In my mathematics class I find it important to include in the syllabus a complete copy of the table of contents of the textbook so that students can get a bird's eye view of the course contents.
A detailed syllabus including term paper grading criteria, reading assignment outline, gading scale etc. help the student to have a clear idea of the course requiremnts and later to help them to clarify why a particlar grade was earned.
Gives students an overview of what to expect
I think it's important because the student knows exactly what is expected of them. For instance, I give specific guidelines on whether missed exams or quizzes can be made up and, if so, what the particular guidelines are for them. I think nothing is more frustrating then when the rules of the game are constantly changing. A syllabus also helps the instructor when it comes to enforcement of the rules if they are clearly stated in the syllabus.
By having a well-prepared syllabus allows the students a level of comfort to know what is expected of them, to plan accordingly for the demands of the course, and to achieve their goals for completely the course successfully.
Having a well-prepared syllabus for your course is essential. First of all, as some have already commented, it is essentially a contract between teacher and student. Also, having a well-prepared syllabus keeps both the students and the instructor on track with learning goals and objectives.
Certainly to prepare the student for instructional expectations and to set standards for learning. A good syllabus also anticipates potential learning challenges observed over time and addresses them beforehand.
Having a syllabus for them to refer to is good so they know all the time what is going on, what is expected, and when it is going to happen.
Because it provides a contract between the instructor and students. If expectations and consequences are clear, it will minimize disputes about what is and is not acceptable.
Having a well prepared syllabus gives the students an opportunity to review the subject to better prepare themselves.
Although I agree with student reinforcement of expectations I also think that the syllabus grounds the instructor and reinforces continuity and completion of curriculum content and goals.
Not only is it a contract between the instructor and the student but it serves as a guide to the student lettng them know what they should be learning as well as it also holds the instructor accountable to the student.
Hi Thomas,
Good point concerning the syllabus. This is why it is so important to have a well developed and comprehensive syllabus. This will reduce much student anxiety as they will know what the expectations, polices and requirements are from the very beginning.
Gary
A syllabus is not just a contract between the instructor and student regarding course objectives and requirements and policies, but is a valuable tool for the instructor in planning out the course.
