Using a Well-prepared Syllabus
Why is it important to have a well-prepared syllabus for your course?
So that the students will understand what is expected of them.
Claire,
Right you are about the value of having a well developed syllabus. A good syllabus will reduce student questions and frustrations because of the information shared in it. This sets the stage for students looking forward to the coming class sessions because they know what the course expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus is a course-planning tool. It helps the instructor prepare and organize the course. Taking the time to construct a detailed syllabus will help you define the course goals; plan the course structure and assignments, exams, review sessions, and other activities; and determine how much time you should devote to particular topics.
John,
Your explanation of the value that a well prepared syllabus contributes to starting a new class off well is a good one. This document is so important to have, share and refer to so the students know what the policies, expectations, and requirements are and can work toward them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus sets the stage for the course. It provides the student with the pertinent information needed to understand the relavance, requirements and goals of the course. It also provides the student with the daily and/or weekly calender of class subject material being offered during the course. The syllabus can be seen as a contract between the student and the instructor, in that it outlines the "services" that will be provided to the student and what is required by the student, in turn, to receive those "services".
Gurkan,
Well defined in terms of the value of a well prepared syllabus. This is why the effort is worth the investment of time and effort. The pay off in terms of student satisfaction and comfort is well worth it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michaelle,
A well prepared syllabus is so important to have for every class but your point about how it impacts the planning and success for adult learners is something that we must not overlook. Just as you mention in relation to your own education pathway the syllabus helps with planning of time and study efforts. It is a service we must provide to our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a well-prepared syllabus enables student to have a clear understanding of the various goals/objectives of the course along with the expectations/consequences of particular actions. A well-prepared syllabus also defends the instructor in a time of intentional/unintentional ambiguities of a particular subject matter. Most importantly, a well-defined syllabus sets clear guidelines on how to achieve ultimate, intented end-result. Thus, in order for both students and instructors to achieve such an anticipated result, the "roadmap" to success should be clearly defined and interpreted as intended.
In my experience as a student, a well planned syllabus clearly outlined what was expected of me, offered a deadline/due date to help me manage my time, and how much the assignment was worth in terms of grading. This was helpful because I could also anticipate my challenges. I too completed part of my education as an adult learner. With the challenges of working full-time and raising a family, the more I could control by planning, the better. I want to offer that same peace of mind to my students.
Tracy,
Good points about the value associated with a well prepared syllabus. Yes, it does act like a contract between the teacher and student. It contains the elements of information needed for success by the students as well as reduces many questions about how the course is going to operate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A well prepared syllabus is like a road map for the students. It gives the student an idea of the goals and objectives of the course. If the syllabus is thoughtful and thorough it can create a sense of enthusiasm for what lies ahead. It can also eliminate confusion about policies, assignments, and due dates. It should serve as the go to place where students can answer many questions they have about the course.
The syllabus acts like a contract between the teacher and the student. Utilizing the syllabus for grade breakdown and grading criteria, gives the student benchmarks to strive for.
SHIVA,
Good point because there always seems to be several students that claim "they don't know", "weren't told" or "lost the assignment sheet". This way they have been given a copy of the syllabus and they have been informed of the requirements. From there on it is a matter of reminding them that they certain things due or a quiz coming and they need to be prepared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always say that students need to know what is expected of them in order to succeed. This is included in the syllabus. I always include due dates and review the syllabus as well. This will prevent the "I didn't know we had to do this" excuse later on.
Tamatha,
How do you share this information from the syllabus with your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jeanette,
Right you are and this is why after going to the effort to prepare a syllabus an instructor needs to cover it with the students to they will see it as an informative document that they can use throughout the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Also to give the students what to expect and prepare for!
A well prepared syllabus not only helps the instructor in planning and preparing ahead of time but as everyone has mentioned gives the students a complete undersatnding of what will be covered and what is expected of them during that course.
Bradford,
Well done in terms of your syllabus. This is how a syllabus should be put together and used for maximum return by both the students and yourself. This is what makes it a valuable document.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a well-prepared syllabus is important not only for accountability to the students but it allows you you to focus more on the students learning and retention. I have seen many teachers that have not prepared or improperly prepared a syllabi and have dragged their class of track to the point where it is a mad dash to finish all of the required training. I prepare a syllabi based on making sure that we cover the required information, but also to make sure we have plenty of lab time to preform the skills that are being taught and build upon the basic to the more advanced.
