It is imperative. It not only helps the students know what to expect but it helps everyone else should they need to step in and teach my class for some reason. I give a weekly calendar, subject to change, along with the syllabus and the students/learners use it as a reference faithfully.
Hi Kimberly,
Good point about the syllabus. It is a form of a contract between the instructor and the students. It is the road map they will follow for the next few weeks so it needs to be well prepared and used for the benefit of the students. You are right if the instructor doesn't follow it or use it the students really get upset and comfortable because they feel they don't know what the expectations are.
Gary
The syllabus is akin to a legal document between student and instructor, as it lays out everything from the plan and objectives for the course, study requirements, dates of tests, and the work required to be successful. Because of the specificity of the syllabus, it decreases the chances of misunderstandings from the standpoint of each party.
I have found that students really do follow the syllabus and that if it is not followed then it really can throw the students off course. The syllabus really helps in getting the course objectives met as well.
I have always used it as a guide for the course, a set of expectations, course requirements, policy guidelines, and to inform students of the timeline/course content. If done properly the student and instructor begin on the same page. When it comes to syllabus more info the better, for instance I once forgot to include use of cellphones in class and found that the distration inteferred with the learning environment for all students. Haven't made that mistake again.
By having a well prepared Syllabus, both the student and the instructor know what will be learned from the course being taken.
IT PUTS BOTH THE INSRUCTOR AND STUDENTS AT EASE WITH THE FUTURE OF THE CLASS . IT HELPS THE TEACHER GUIDE HIMSELF THROUGH THE CLASS AND PREPARES THE STUDENT WITH THE CLASS OUTLINE.
Hi Micheal,
Great to hear about your progress in moving your students forward to where they are pro-active learners. This is what we all want to get to with our students as educators. You are right about them being a pleasure to teach. These kinds of students make being a teacher worth the effort of preparation and planning.
Gary
For my students, it can typically provide comfort if I continue to point it out as a destination for important information. After a certain point in time, students begin asking me about assignments before they are actually given, which is pleasing as a pro-active student is very fun to teach.
I think the importance of a well prepared Syllabus shows the students that you are prepared and have defined expectations for the class. It doesn't leave them guessing what you will be doing during class and what to expect throughout the class. It also sets a professional standard that as an instructor you display immediately. Setting the stage for jumping into the course content. Kevin
I believe a well prepared syllabus has two functions.
First, it shows that the instructor has taken the time to properly prepare for the course. Second, it provides clear guidance to students as to what topics will be discussed. By clearly setting forth due dates for assignments, there is no question as to what is required in the course.
Hi Johanna,
Good question. This is a common issue in career colleges. You can take the college syllabus and talk with the administration about what changes you want to make and why. Often they will allow you to make the changes you want.
Another way is to have a course addendum. On this sheet you can outline what you want the students to do or complete in addition to what is outlined in the syllabus.
Gary
Hi Wendy,
You are right about the guideline part. A well prepared syllabus really helps to reduce student frustration and anxiety. It lays out the expectations, polices and requirements of the course so the students know what to expect throughout the course.
Gary
I think its important, but what do you do when you HAVE to use a syllabus that has already been done for you by the organization you work for and you have no say? Especially, when you disagree with some of the content, etc?
Well because being prepared always allows you to correct any issue that would occur.It serves as a guildline to increase the success of student in your class.
so there is no question from the students as to what is required from them and to guide the instructor in curriculum development
I didn't realize the importance of having a well-prepared syllabus at first. What I've learned is that if the class gets off track, I can use the syllabus as a reason to steer us back on course.
A well-prepared syllabus makes well prepared instructors and students. The syllabus sets expectations for the students as well as holds the instructor liable for the content to be covered in the course. I like to include a grading rubric for written assignments so there is never any questions on how I grade a paper. If there are any student questions on grades or the content of the course we refer to the syllabus together.
This is essential to the quality of a students experience when used as guidance for the instructor's lesson planning and such.
Hi Josh,
Good point about the syllabus. It does give us direction, sets the polices and keeps the course on target. This is why it is so important to have a well developed syllabus.
Gary
