A well prepared syllabus acts as a guide and road map for both the instructor and the student. By establishing the course objectives and outcomes the instructor can give the students direction as to what to focus on. By giving the student’s direction as to what to focus on, the instructor can develop lessons and presentations to guide the student to the attainment of course terminal learning outcomes.
Ketly,
Well said and the reason that the syllabus has to be clear and concise.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
G.,
How do you give your students direction? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I can't imagine teaching without a well-prepared syllabus. Adult learners are more motivated to understand the subject and the syllabus is the perfect tool to let the learners to achieve their goals.
Without one there would be no structure in the class.
I am not sure we can agree with Lynda. Especially with the part regarding moving deadlines forward or eliminating assignments as compensation for attendance.
We all want excellent attendance. But we also have to consider that the degree program has a course flow with one course building upon a previous course. If we don't acheive the objectives of a prerequisite course, we impact many other courses. The same about corequisite. Consider the example: I teach an Electricity class and when I reach the topic of solving for currents and voltages I need to use a method of solving linear equations that my colleague pushed back in a corequisite Math class.
Because it allows you to start the class with all of the information need it. It also shows the students the sequence of the class and the different perspectives that wil be cover during the duration of the course.
The class syllabus represents a GPS that gives direction and leads to the road of success. It maps out the entire organizational structure of the class. It is also an agreement between the institution, teacher and students, which spells out all relevant information about the do's and dont's in order for both students and teachers to meet each other's expectation.
students must have direction to stay focused
Jean,
What are some of the strategies that have worked for you in sharing the content of your syllabus with your students?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Jean,
So true. Knowing the course expectations reduces student frustration and fear. When these two are removed then the students can concentrate on learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
also lets the student know what is exspected of them.
It's important so students know what they need to strive for and know expectations to pass the subject.
Gayle,
Good point about this additional value of a syllabus. It does help everyone to see where the course is going.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think for me, not only does a syllabus help my students stay on track, it helps me manage my time.
Jeffrey,
This type of standardized syllabus presents a challenge because it is more of a policy manual and resource list than a syllabus. If possible the resource section should be removed and given as a supplement. This way the polices, expectations, and requirements of the course can be laid out in the syllabus in a concise and clear manner.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The key issue here is what is meant by "well-prepared". In a managerial economics course I teach the basic syllabus is already prescribed. The syllabus runs on for 10 pages and floods students with information on supplemental resources. I have found that students find it difficult to extract the key requirements from the content.
The planning stage of instruction is very important, especially for a first time instructor such as myself. One of the most important reasons to have a well-prepared syllabus for first time instructors is to have something to reference when a question about anything from class rules to curriculum comes up. As a first time instructor one will not always have experience in a situation or formulated answers or actions to fall back on. Therefore having a well prepared syllabus would be imperative should an unforeseen event arise.
Christal,
A good reminder of the value of a clear and concise syllabus. The students need to see the value of the syllabus as a resource and reference throughout the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Having a well organized/prepared syllabus will give students a place to look while at home or out of the classroom and questions about the course come to mind. Ex. A student forgot when an assignment is due instead of stressing about it the student can go look at their syllabus and obtain the information. It will help students any their own questions once away from the classroom. On the first day most students are nervous and only remember part of the information given to them, but a syllaubs allows the information to be in writing and the student has it for their reference.
