A well prepared syllabus will help the students to know what is expected of them throughout the duration of the course (e.g., instructor contact info and office hours; scheduled coursework, quizzes and tests; course texts; school policies on cheating, attendance and safety; etc.).
It gives the students a clear understanding of what to expect and what is expected of them.
Kenneth,
We have to help the students to see that this excuse will not work in the real world. About the second time we say we didn't know a task was due by a certain time we will be looking for work because they will get someone that will meet deadlines.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kenneth,
I like this idea. It promotes individual learning and exploration while moving each student to the common goals of the course. Thanks for sharing this example with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kevin,
Common problem. Many students today feel entitled to a good grade because they have paid tuition to attend college. If they are not successful it is not their fault or they weren't told. Holding them accountable for having received the syllabus is one way to help reduce this excuse.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Agree with the you "did not tell me" what is due and when it is due.
The syllabus sets the stage for the student work and also the expectations: learning objectives, projects and timelines. One of the best syllabus that I encountered in my own education provided us with choices of work that supported the learning objectives. We had 35 points of work that included internet searches, 10 page papers, book reports ect. with each worth different points. Enjoyed the options for choice.
Yes. I wish I did not have to do this, but experience has taught me that "you didn't tell me" syndrome needs to be trated.
Angie,
This is one of the challenges of using a standardized syllabus from your school. Hopefully you have the opportunity to reconfigure the time lines to the point they are more realistic.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kevin,
I like your idea of taking the picture of what you have posted on the board. This reduces the "you didn't tell me" syndrome.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kevin,
Glad to hear the good words about the syllabi section. A well developed one sets the tone for the upcoming class and reduces students concerns. I wish you the best as you complete yours.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
If you have a syllabus that is well prepared it is mush easier to stay on topic. The students will also know what to expect and what content will be covered.
I think it helps to relax the student once you go over the syballus with them, because they now know what to expect, and how they will be graded.
I think a well prepared syllabus gives you the foundation on what to teach and when to teach it. Although I find the syllabi we are given present a very unrealistic time line in which to complete the listed activities.
Going over the syllabus on the first day of class is a great opportunity to address expectations and how as an instructor we handle certain things.
Yes. One of my quotes that I use is "It is on the syllabus". This often ends discussions when students claim they did not know what was expected of them. In addition, at the beginning of my course I write on the board expectations and take a photo of it. If they were present that class they were present for that info.
It gives everyone a game plan.
I enjoyed the information on syllabi, as I will be creating a couple this next week.
Nisha,
Good point and one all of us instructors need to remember.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree with Deborah. Being new to career college teaching. I found that it not only sets expectations for the students, but helps me prepare better for each class in terms of the timelines to complete the course and assessment.
Michael,
So true and such an essential part of teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
