I believe students would be lost without a syllabus
its important to have a well prepared syllabus because you can use like a "check off" list too. to make sure that you have taught everything that the students need to get out of the course.
Hi Toni,
Thank you for sharing this example of what can happen when you don't lay out clearly the requirements, expectations and polices of the course.
Gary
It is important for both the student and the instructor. A well-prepared syllabus will help most by alleviating the uncertainty the student feels about the course. One of the comments in the lecture was that students just want to know "What does it take to pass?" I have erred in the past by leaving the syllabus vague (thinking this was on purpose as to not limit myself) and found that I spent the rest of the course "fighting"/defending my grading, etc. It is better to be up front but also let them know that everything is subjec to change so you can adapt along the way.
It is very important that the students are aware of the class content, whats expected of them,the objectives of course involved,and MOST important they sign "The Contract" so they know what is expected of them.
I see the syllabus as a student's safety net. If well-written, it gives them all the information for success in the class. Although, the goals and learning objectives are the outcomes we are looking for; most students are focused on the details when are things due, how many questions are on each test, what type of questions will be on the test. All of this "big" and "small" picture information should be provided in black and white for the students in the syllabus.
I think it is important for everyone to be on the same page and have clear guidance. I think it is possible to alter it mid term only if the students are capable of handling the alteration.
This change must be necessary for the betterment of all involved. Sometimes the best plans are the ones that are flexible enough to be changed.
To ensure that the instructor stays on task with each learning activity.
Hi Eric,
This is a good point about the importance the syllabus plays in the instructional process. Yes, it is a contract between the student and the college. It spells out the expectations, requirements and polices so the students see the sequence of the course and how they are going to need to perform in order to be successful.
Gary
I have found that most of the questions I get regarding policy are already in the syllabus. This tells me that the students either don't read the syllabus or they read it and forgot it (in one ear out the other). So I try to periodically remind the students that many of their questions can be answered by the syllabus so they should reference this before asking me. Not that I mind answering questions, I just think teaching self reliance and the imporance of referencing their information is also a good idea.
I agree. As a matter of fact I have always used that exact terminology, "contract". However, I do teach at a university that has most of the syllabus prepared for the course. So In that case I describe it as a contract between the student and the university and I will enforce the contract. Either way, whether the syllabus is made completely by me or by the school it is an important document that the student needs to know and reference.
Going over syllabus the first day of class, and answering any questions the students may have.
A well prepared syllabus helps students understand exactly what is required of them. Additionally, the instructor can stick to his/her guidelines and not have to make judgment calls each time a situation arises. For example, if there is a “no late homework will be accepted†policy on the syllabus, the instructor doesn’t have to take each situation and evaluate each student’s excuse for handing in late homework.
I could not agree with you more. Going over the syllabus page by page really helps the students to understand your expectations. It also helps you to see where you may need to make modifications to improve your syllabus so that it is crystal clear to students what you expect.
It gives the students a map to uide them thru with confidence
This is your contract with the students. It clearly states what you will be doing and how you will be getting there. It also states how their performance will be judged. This lets the student know well in advance what to expect. It is the unexpected that usually will cause an issue.
The Syllabus sets the climate for the class. It should include the policies, assignments and deadlines the instructor wishes to transfer to the student. It should convey excitement of the course as well as structure and organization of the material.
It helps the students understand the expectations for the course
