A well-prepared syllabus is essential for students. It is your catch-all to set the tone for the class with clear information as to when assignments are due, how the work will be graded, along with including the policies and total requirements. It should contain basic information as to the course name, number, and textbook being used; contact information; an overview of the course with goals and objectives and any other relevant information necessary for the class. Most students depend upon and expect to receive a well-prepared syllabus which can also inspire and energize students to learn.
A well-prepared syllabus sets the tone for the entire course. When students have clear expectations and are aware of deadlines, they are more likely to manage their time and resources to accomplish the tasks at hand. You can use this document as a contract-- and as a contract, the more detailed the document, the better!
I have always believed in holding to my syllabus. Many instructors allow students to de-rail the course. If your syllabus is a working document, rather than a "factual" one, you risk getting off task and not completing the required work.
Kelly Jo
so the students know what to exspect and what is expected
I think that a well-prepared syllabus vital to conduct a well-structured course because such a syllabus not only prepares the student for the information regarding the course, it also gives important information regarding what is expected of the student for that particular class and therefore cuts down on misinformation or misunderstanding regarding the course requirements, grading, other activities that the student will be graded on, etc. I have found that most questions posed by a student can be answered with a well-prepared and complete syllabus. It also gives an outline of what the student can expect from the instructor
Dawn,
Good points about what a syllabus should contain. These items are what make up the value of the syllabus to students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Iwayemi,
It is very possible to have an over-loaded syllabus. This is a common problem. You might want to talk to your administration about reducing some of the content because it cannot be covered or is confusing to students. You could take the current syllabus and reduce it down to where you think it is realistic and see if the administration would accept it. If not you might want to develop a supplemental handout that gives students a concise set of requirements needed for course success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Rhonda,
The more concise and clear you can make your syllabus the more your students will be informed about the polices, requirements and projects for the course. I wish you much success as you refine your syllabus for the next course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Yolanda,
Good point and one we instructors need to remember as we prepare our syllabus each semester.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The syllabus not only gives the students a summary of what the course entails, but also holds instructors accountable to their customers, the students, to deliver the goods.
A well-prepared syllabus sets the tone and stage for the course. It establishes a "contract". It communicates the course objectives, content, and requirements. It is important to include a course calendar or schedule so the students know assignment due dates and when to expect exams, etc. Reading assignments will be outlined, which will inform the student more about the expected work load. Policies such as academic honesty, class participation and attendance will be noted. Evaluation methods need to be documented in the syllabus, as well.
What do you do in a situation where the administration's syllabus is loaded and the time allocated for the completion of the course does not look feasible, unless you rush through with it and give out the bulk of the work as assignments and presentations? How effective will the students'learning experience be? Is it possible to have an over-loaded syllabus?
I find with my own children that if they do not know what is expected of them, they tend to get distracted or off track. I feel it is the same with students. If they do not know what is expected and required in this course, they may ten to become distracted or offtrack. Because of this course, I see some areas I need to tweek in my own syllabus. I plan to do that so that things are more clear and areas covered that I had not thought to cover before.
i agree oh so much, and this also helps them prepare for whats a head in the course
Jamie,
Good point and one we need to remember as we develop our syllabi for our courses.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sean,
I think this strategy will work very well for you.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As a current student myself after being out 15 years, I can tell you the importance of a well prepared syallabus is invaluable! If explains all of the course expectations, along with what the instructor expects of you.
HA! Thanks for that post! Kinda had the same issue, but was looking into changing some of the participation grade to have it be 70% each day for showing up and adding on from there for actual participation...
Then figured I would just change it for the next class I teach.
I use it as a schedule too. referring to the syllabus for all class functions...
Since it is a contract between the instructor and the student, it is important that students know what the expectations in this contract are.
This is very important, because covering what is the syllabus is vital for the completion and understanding of the imformation and skills that should be gain by each learner. Some course over laps so following the syllabi Help both instructors and learner to focus on specific content and material.
Michael,
Well said and something we cannot forget as we do our instructional planning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
