modifying a syllabus
How many times is too many when altering a syllabus after the course has begun?
John,
This is important information for instructors to know when they are required to use a standardized syllabus. I follow the same format as do you with my addendum. It enables me to personalize the course requirements in a much better way plus the students see through the addendum how I am putting my personal touch on a standardized course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
An addendum is a great idea when needed. At our institution, each course has an official syllabus, but instructors are encouraged to add a supplement to them, so that each (the "official" one, and the instructor's one) is given to students the first day, and a student portal is often used to give any updates needed (and students are encouraged to check the portal regularly). The information from instructors is thus often more detailed, but is designed to fill in the missing pieces from the more general syllabus.
When I have to modify something, or have dates wrong, I make an addendum and hand that out.
Jennifer,
No real set number on this. Too many times and the students will start to think that their instructor is not organized and prepared. It is fine to change dates and lecture topics when something throws off the calendar but try to keep the assignments and tests consistent. Also, if you adjust the due dates for assignments and tests always push the dates to a later time. If you go the other way you will have all kinds of problems with the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
