Hi Angela,
You make a good point about how you need to set the ground rules and polices for the course so the students know what the expectations and requirements are and how they can achieve success in the course.
Gary
Hi Sarah,
You are following a good strategy in not providing excessive detail in your syllabus as you proceed through a new course. The syllabus lays out the expectations, requirements and polices of the course. You can use a calendar to lay out what you are going to cover and when you are going to cover it. This way when you are teaching a new class you can prepare a syllabus that is informative for the students but you have the freedom to make schedule adjustments as needed as you move through the course. You haven't changed anything in the syllabus so you are being consistent but also are being flexible in your planning.
Gary
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for sharing this example of how a syllabus can become a integral part of your instructional delivery. You are very fortunate in being given a well developed syllabus to start your teaching career. This gave you a solid foundation from which you could expand your teaching expertise.
Gary
If everything is explained properly in the syllabus, the students know what topics are covered when, how many tests and quizzes to expect,how the grading scale works, and what the course policies are.
I was hired at the last minute and had the Syllabus handed to me as I was walking into the classroom. To be honest at the time I didn't understand how important a document it was. It has become my bible. It is clear and concise. It reminds me of what my responsibilities are as well as letting the students know what they can expect and what is expected of them.
I would have to say I am even more impressed with the syllabus I was given after finishing this module. It made me appreciate how well it was written. Cudos to those who went before me.
As a student myself for many years, I definately know how important a concise & detailed syllabus is. I used it as a reference for the grading system, the assignment and important due dates. It is definately a contract between the instructor course & student and should always include a signature page to omit any problems in the future.
I've found it difficult to prepare a great syllabus the first time I'm teaching a class. I don't have the ability to know what I will be doing for 12 weeks prior to the class starting. Because of this the syllabus does not give great detail as to what will be covered on a weekly basis.
I find that it eliminates a lot of questions on what is allowed and not allowed. It also provides a "fairness factor" in stating what is accecptable and holding ALL students to it, as well as yourself.
This provides the students and the instructor the flow of the class.
Hi Margie,
This is a good example of how the general items of a course can be handled while the specifics can be targeted by the addendum. This way the students receive accurate and comprehensive information.
Gary
I really like that idea, Margie. I will make that suggestion.
With a well prepared syllabus we can all be on the "same page." The students will know what is expected thereby (hopefully) reducing some of their anxiety!!
In a way the syllabus is a security blanket for both the student and the teacher. It gives the parameters and roadmap of the course. They are assured you will cover the material and you have a checklist!
That is so true-- unfortunately, a lot of the time, students don't read the syllabus thoroughly so they end up asking a lot of syllabus related questions. The school I'm teaching at incorporates quizzes on syllabus content to ensure that students have read them. It appears to work well. Have you ever tried that?
We have a Master Syllabus provided by the curriculum administrator for each course, but are encouraged to create an Addendum that addresses specifics as we see fit. It works well.
As Valentina stated, it is a contract between the instructor and the student. I really wish our syallabi were more detailed. Ours are created by someone else and I think they definitely could be improved.
In hindsight, I have found that a well-prepared syllabus can answer a lot of the little questions that can end up taking a lot of time during class.
Certainly the syllabus is the basis for a mutual agreement between the teacher and the student regarding course expectations, grading standards, etc. I have found that it is important to highlight and thoroughly discuss the following topics during the first class meeting:
- Content of each class (reading, handouts, research requirements, etc.)
- Grading criteria for individual and team assignments
- Importance of timely submittal of all assignments, with penalties for late work
- Need to understand all the facets of plagiarism to avoid issues of questionable authorship.
I see it purely as a clear and concise written "contract" with your students. It's they're scope of work required to complete the course noting what they are entirely responsible for and the tools "resources" necessary to complete the course.
Hi Victor,
What a great compliment to you and your fellow instructors on the development of your syllabi. An 80% success rate is a strong indicator of the effort being put forth to ensure your students are getting what they need to progress along their career pathways.
Gary
