A solid syllabus keeps students focused on the course content, rather than being concerned that they are missing a required task. A good syllabus also incites confidence in students for the instructor.
The syllabus is a contract between the student and the instructor. It is a student guide for all course activities, grading structure, assignments/feedback, quizzes/exams,and other class requirements.
I also think it is important to go over the syllabus during the first class and to stress all important items in it. Although I have never had my students sign the contract or felt it necessary to do so, I discuss it as a contract. Moreover, I find it necessary to refer to it frequently during the course and to re-emphasize some of the key areas. Frequently, during these discussions I discover ways to improve or clarify the syllabus for future students.
I understand where you are coming from; but, I think we need to remember that life gets the the way sometimes: employers set unreasonable demands, troops get deployed, family members get sick or hurt, etc. When the student has a good reason for falling befind, and perhaps even when he doesn't, I think the instructor should do all he can to help the student get back on track.
It is much like the bible, or a contract. It defines the rules by which the student and instructor will operate during the course. It defines: the course number, course title, course description, course objectives, credit hours, meeting times, grading, late work, and attendance policies, contact information for the instructor, graded activities, grading rubric(s), assignments, course schedule, course measurements, defines learning activities, instructional methods, and so forth. It is important because in defines the layout of the course, tells the student what he will be doing, what is expected of him, how he will be measured, and how his grade will be determined. The student knows that if he performs the required work and meets the expectations that he will earn a good grade in the course. Moreover, he knows how that grade will be determined.
A well prepared syllabus provides a written set of guidelines that a student can refer back to when questions pertaining to course content, due dates, assignment expectations, course policies and other things come up. Having a syllabus in place also works as a contract between instructor and students and applies equally to all.
And be given out to the class on the 1st day of classes.
The syllabus should contain a course description, course learning objectives, books and materials needed, assignments, and course schedule for each day of class.
To layout the context of the course, the materials needed, the deliverables, and the schedule.
I believe it is important that the syllabus is a detailed as possible to provide the best overview of what the students can expect to cover during the course of a term. The more information up front the less questions (hopefully) will arise as the term progresses.
Yes, having a well-prepared syllabus is important, like a contract if you will. I like the idea of attaching a seperate sheet of paper to the syllabus and having the student sign it. By doing this the student is aware of their responsibility to adhere to all the requirements stated in the syllabus.
It is a road map for the course.
I find it extremly important to have a well-prepared syllabus because this gives the students information on when the assignments are due and also when they will have a quiz or test. This will in turn give the student an opportunity to prepare ahead of time.By having a well-prepared syllabus there will be no questions on course content or when the material will be covered.
Having a well prepared syllabus functions as a guideline for the students, and informs them of what to expect in the course. In addition, I agree with the other students that the syllabus serves as a contract, and we are all in agreement.
The syllabus is an important document for seting out expectations and requirements. The longer one teaches, it becomes clearer that many questions can be answered by making class goals and expectations clear up front. It is also important to establish class policies early in the course so that students have a clear understanding of what to expect. It is sort of the class contract going forward. This way students are on notice for what they need to do, which fosters a better learning environment for everyone. Of course, there is also the need to ensure students what their assignments will be.
I've been doing very thorough syllabi including all class assignments, test dates, due dates,and reading assignments. It takes a lot of time initially, but in the long run it makes my job easier, go more smoothly, and helps the students know what lies ahead so they can better pace themselves.
The well prepared syllabus is your roadmap to success in your course. It is your "contract" with your student setting ground rules and expectations. It provides your contact information, office hours and sets your expectations for the course.
it also shows the students that you are prepared, organized and serious about the upcoming class.
The syllabus will let the students know what is expected of them and what they need to be able to do in order to be successful in the course.
Sarah,
I agree and I would suspect that some schools provide a working sylabus and class structure. This depends on the school! I would ask your supervisor if there is a chairperson for the subject you are teaching and get data from them. However, when I tried this all I got was the syllabus and a quiz fo r the first weeks lesson, nothing about the lesson itself. I did find the web page from the publisher to be very helpful. They provided me the Power Points, Lessons, Quizs and other information about the subject based on the book. If you do not get the help you need from the work mates, then try this avenue.
Good luck,
John
Thanks Gary,
I appreciate the affirmation that I am doing it correctly. As much as I want to give them the exact information I do not have enough time with a new class to have it all charted out prior to the first class. At this point I have had no student complaints with the syllabus so the flexibility that I currently have with it appears to be beneficial for both parties.
Sarah
