As I look back to my own college experience I recall the excitement of looking over the syllabus for the first time. It seems kind of silly, but to me it was like getting a glimpse into what my semester would be like with that instructor. This memory sticks with me as a reminder of the first impression the students have of me as their instructor. The syllabus provides the opportunity to view the course assignments, the breakdown of individual and group work, and the overall structure and plan for the course. An organized and well developed syllabus shows the students that the class itself will be organized. Above all, a well developed syllabus can minimize anxiety and uncertainty and therefore creates a more comfortable environment for learning.
Like any contract it needs to be well thought out and clear. Any unclear issue causes confusion in the class. Plenty of carefully preparation help prevent misunderstanding and frustration.
The syllabus allows the students and the instructor to have a mutually agreed upon and understood set of rules and expectations. This takes any confusion and guess work out of the class.
At the school where I teach the syllabi are prepared with the aid of all instructors involved in the teaching of the program. We take into consideration the textbooks we are assigned, the type of students that we cater to, the needs of the industry we serve and the requirements of the National Certification agency our students will test with. These syllabi are updated at least once per year based on input from our externship sites and from surveys mailed to our graduates. So far I can say that the syllabi currently in use by our institution meets all state, federal as well as industry requirements and the end result is that more than 80% of our students receive job offers during their externship rotations.
I agree with Alexandria. While a well prepared syllabus is absolutely crucial to teaching a successful course, I think you have to be careful at getting to "attached" to it. If there are certain subjects that students are taking longer to pick up, for whatever reason, then, as an instructor, you should have the ability to shuffle things around in order to address the confusion.
Dr. Meers,
Like Valentia, I also see the syllabus as a contract between the instructor and the students. My difficulty in the job I'm in now is that the syllabus is "pre-packaged" for the entire college. I teach online and I have to use a pre-designed course. It does save me a lot of preparation time, but it also means that if students have difficulty with a particular process, I have to go through a protracted process to request a change or clarification to the syllabus.
It feels a bit like I'm working under someone else's contract and I'd love to know your ideas on how to work well with a pre-established syllabus.
Thank you.
Alexandria
Not only does a well-prepared syllabus give the students and idea of the content of the course, but it also is my week by week guide of what I will be covering in class. It also lets students know; what I expect from them in the course, where they can get help if needed, my contact information, books, pre-requites, learning outcomes. It is essentially a FAQ for the class.
Two main reasons--for the student and for the teacher.
For the student, the syllabus details the objectives of the course, important details regarding the text, meeting times, assignments, etc., how grades to be determined and the policies and procudures of the course. This document is a reference throughout the course and particularly valuable when question arise over procdures.
When the teacher writes the syllabus, it is a reflection of the course. A well prepared syllabus means a well prepared teacher--one who has a excellent grasp of the course in its entirety and the particulars that make up the course.
A thorough syllabus sets the tone for the course. It defines expectations and accountability in a professional, comprehensive format. I do my best to support students in their educational growth and life skills competency. Working with a contract grounded syllabus is a step toward working in their future profession. A syllabus also reduces the
“unknown” factor of a new class and students appreciate knowing what to expect. Using a syllabus supports holding them to a high standard raises their own expectations for themselves.
Hi Deb,
You are right about the syllabus. It is a valuable document for both the students and yourself. By having a well developed syllabus you are giving your students the expectations, polices and requirements of the course. This reduces frustration and concern on the part of students as it is laid clearly for them.
Gary
The syllabus is a contract between you and the student. By taking time when developing the syllabus you can clear up many questions that students may have during the course. I always include timelines and expectations of each day or week that I am covering. My syllabi are almost a book in themselves but the more detail I put in the better for both the student and myself.
I use the syllabus as a reminder and a guide to make sure that I cover all of the Learning Objectives for the class.
Valentina, the syllabus IS a contract between the student and instructor so it is best to avoid any ambiguities when it comes to class policies including the late policy.
Lisa, what part of your document is "living"? Does your syllabus contain verbiage that you retain the right to change the syllabus?
Mariela, you provided a nice comprehensive post for this discussion topic. You are right about the syllabus serving as a tool to lay the ground rules for a class. I read and have students read the syllabus aloud on the first day of class to ensure that all students have covered the entire document. I, also, post a syllabus in an easily accessible location online in the event that a student misplaces their document. Is your weekly outline a rigid outline or do you maintain some flexibility to allow yourself extra time to cover complex topics if the students are unable to grasp concepts within the planned timeframe?
A well prepared syllabus removes the gray areas that include information about late policies, supplies needed, the textbook needed, etc for the student to successfully complete their class.
It helps remove questions and ambiguity about expectations and timelines. Can also help instructors stay on task.
It is important for the instructor and the student. For the instructor it sets the expectation of the course and serves as a document to maintain that expectation. For the student it gives them the neccessary information that they need to understand the basics of what is required of them during the course.
Hi Bob,
Well put. The syllabus can be a very valuable teaching tool if developed and used properly. Many instructors view the syllabus as something they have to write and give to students. They don't see the contributions the syllabus can make to reducing student frustrations and stress. As you say it removes a lot of misunderstanding and gives the students the requirements, expectations and polices of the course. This to me is forward focused in terms of planning and providing direction for and to students.
Gary
To make students feel they have this carved in stone contract on a class is to put unnecessary pressure. Each student has the right to flunk if they so choose. If they make that choice I have to accept I failed to meet their needs somewhere. I need to know they knew what was expected and the responsibiltiy is then on them. My job is to make the subject matter appeal to their sense of learning, aplicability, and desire to learn. Teachers do not often take enough responsibiltiy for what the students do in class. If my class is doing poorly then I failed to communicate expectations, material, or goals well. I can't expect my students to read my mind. Thus, a great syllabus linked with a caring, professional and motivating attitude is paramount.
