Yes, A well planned Syllabus is very inportant,because it gives the student a perfect guidline for the course, I also like to review the Syllabus page by page with the students on the first day, maybe someone may have a Language barrier, slow reader, or slow to comprehend completely,remember everyone learns and understand on different levels. We are teaching different age groups as well. It is important for the student to feel at ease.
It is very important to have a well explained syllabus. this is used as a guide for students in many aspects, from them being able to see schedules of test and also allows them to follow any grading scale that teacher has expected for the class.
Hi Willie,
Thank you for the comments about the role the syllabus plays in instructional planning. Your comments make perfect in relation to student centered learning.
Gary
Hi Willie,
You make a number of very good points. The one point I would like to draw out for reinforcement for other instructors is the one about having a well developed grading rubric. As you know this will save you so much grief later on when questions come up about your fairness or consistency in grading. By having the rubric and providing it in the syllabus you will be in a much better place to defend your evaluation of the questioning students.
Gary
I agree with everyone here. However, I do not like to refer to my syllabi as “binding contracts†or in any kind of contractual manner. In essence, a contract is something that is signed, agreed upon by the parties involved. Syllabi should be subject to change, which mine usually are. Some people may view subject to change as showing weakness, and you always want to be strong, or at least have a strong presence in your classrooms. However, I don’t think subject to change illustrates weakness. I think it illustrates variety. What happens if I am teaching a lesson, and my students aren’t getting the gist of it? The next day in class, do I continue with the syllabus, regardless of how my students reacted to the previous lesson? Continuing with what is one the syllabus it not a “student-centered†approach. I may want to do something different to ensure that students understood the last lesson. I hope this makes sense!!! :-)
Having a well-prepared syllabus is of utmost importance because it outlines for the students what the course will about. Students find out what assignments are due, when they are due, and other important information. The syllabus also ensures that the students will be as successful as possible in the course if they follow the guidelines imposed in it. Well-prepared syllabi are also important because they help to defend the instructor. For example, if a student claims he/she did not know something about the class (i.e. when assignment was due), the instructor can ask the student to refer to the syllabus. Also, if a student feels that he/she was unfairly graded on an assignment, having grading criteria on the syllabus can help protect the instructor. Another reason why having a well-prepared syllabus is useful is because it just plan professional!!! :-)
Hi Rachel,
What are some strategies that you use to get your students to come to class prepared to discuss the day's assigned content?
Gary
Student will be able to prepare themselves appropriately for the next class period. There will be no surprises and they will be ready for discussions if there is any.
Students will have a directional understanding of course policies, reqirements and expectations.
Students will be familiar with requirements, policies, and direction of the course.
This is very important to inform students about the key objectives and content of the course but allows them to be informed about what is expected of them in regards to grading and course policies.
It becomes a safe guard for the instructor as well when students do not hold up to these expectations (ie. submitting late assignments or missing exams).
Hi Lisa,
Good point. This is what the syllabus is all about. You make a key point when you mention that syllabus is an ongoing work because of different student dynamics and informational needs.
Gary
A well prepared syllabus is important because it clearly outlines your expectations of the students and provides necessary information for the course, policies and procedures.
I too think of my syllabus as a binding contract, and I often answer students' questions with "What does the syllabus say?" I also find that the more detailed the syllabus, the better. Every year, I add to my syllabus because every year, a student tries to come up with some exception that I then need to cover in my syllabus.
A well prepared syllabus puts everyone at ease; instructor and students. Expectations are known and the instructor has a guideline for lesson planning leading to a more organized classroom setting.
It is important so the students have a clear understanding of where you are going in the class. It also gives them what your expectations are from them. It is a great way to really get everyone on board with the class. They know what I expect from them and what they can expect from me.
A well prepared syllabus leaves no doubt about the classroom culture - what is to be expected from both parties, student and teacher.
Besides that is required by accredidation, you need a well-prepared syllabus to answer the basic questions and concerns students might have about your class and hold students accountable for the information listed in the syllabus as well (e.g. class policy, late assignments, plagiarism, etc.)
First impressions are important. A well prepared syllabus provides the student with course expectations, content to be covered, learning objectives and goals to be attained, an effectively sets both learning and behavioral standards for the course. I believe this sets the committed student at ease, but also places non-committed students on notice of what the expectations of the class are. The syllabus establishes the initial educational tone of the class.
I can remember in both my undergraduate and graduate degrees feeling extremely anxious before the first class meeting. Much of this anxiety was due to the fact that I had no idea what to expect of the course. A well-prepared syllabus relieves so much anxiety for the students. By letting the students know your expectations, you are setting them up for success.
