Can a syllabus include too much detail?
We often are encouraged to add more and more to our syllabi such as detailed summaries, assignment descriptions, etc. Isn't there a point where this becomes problematic and may even create anxiety for students? Doesn't it also limit the degree of surprise and anticipation they have for class? or may it even make them think about classes they could miss because they feel they already know about that or have done that before?
Kimberly,
That is how I have my syllabus set up and it works well. The students need to see highlighted the key elements such as due dates for assignments, etc.. They quickly use the syllabus as their ongoing reference as you pointed out when the syllabus is well developed.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Yes it can become confusing for the student if there is too much information in the syllabus. I like to do bullet points and put in bold when something is due with date and exactly what is due or italics to make it stand out. When a student asks me when is this due? I reply, "let's look at our syllabus". Most students I have had experience with rely on their syllabus daily, so short and to the point is best.
I agree. The more concise, the better. It should be a quick reference to the entire course.
Courtney,
It does. The syllabus gives the needed information on the policies, requirements and assignments of the course. It is not intended to be a day by day guide. A course outline can be developed for this purpose.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It seems there has been a trend to include more of a day by day guide to the class in the syllabus. I completely agree that the syllabus serves a different purpose then a schedule or a class break down.
Eric,
Good point. I go big time on the clear and concise part. The syllabus is the guide for the course and needs to reflect that when it is shared with the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kisha & Dr. Meers,
Some of the information simply inflates the syllabus and students seem to lose interest when you leave too much repetitive material in. The student wants to know "Why am I in this class, what is it about, and what are you going to teach me? A clear and concise syllabus should answer all these questions without intimidation or boredom.
I agree the simplier the better. The students will not have to dwell on it to much.
Gino,
You gotta have backup. The syllabus is that. With a clear and concise syllabus that contains the critical information needed for the course your students cannot use the old excuse they didn't know. Without it there are going to be challenges all the time.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find that syllabus detail has enabled me to enforce the rules of the college when a student does not adhere to the basics: deadlines, attendance, format and so on.
Dana,
True. The syllabus should be clear and concise so the students can quickly see what they expectations are going to be for the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A syllabus can include too much detail and information which may in turn cause intimitation before the class even begins. The components of a good and well-rounded syllabus were perfectly described in the module.
Mark,
Yes, there is a point where in my opinion the syllabus is not longer effective due to volume. A syllabus needs to be clear and concise. I try to make my syllabi that way after I have included the "legal disclaimers", etc. required by my college. I have the students review the required text and then walk them through the specifics of my course and what is expected. This way I know they are clear on what I expect of them and how I will be evaluating their efforts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think that the syllabus should stay fairly simple. If there is too much information, it will overwelm the students and they will not be as likely to refer to it. It should serve as an outline and the details should be presented in the classroom.
