The syllabus give a student basic knowledge about a course. Ti gives a description of the course and an outline of the lessons. It provides expectations the instructor has, both of classroom behavior, competencies expected and course evaluations. It may list assignments and due dates. It provides information about the resourse and supplemental materials used in the course. It states policies and the grading scale used. In short, it is a brief outline of how the student will be spending their time learning the subject matter.
Shelley,
Yes, it is. A well prepared syllabus can reduce student frustration and enhance their engagement because it explains the policies, requirements and assignments for the course. They have it in their hands, online and have had it reviewed for them verbally. They know where they are going.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A well prepared Syllabus is a complete road map for the students. They will know what topic is covered on what day and when exams are taken. It also should cover late assignments and how they are handled. It is a contract between the student and the instructor.
I believe that if you lay out define ground expectations for the students, what they can expect to learn from you and what you expect from them, and it makes the learning enviornment question free and direct.
Just for general all-around being prepared and self confidence,as well as covering material in a timely fashion.
Anthony, You hit on an important aspect of the syllabus (for me, anyway), and that is the student taking responsiblity for time management. When they have a clear understanding of goals, assignments, due dates, they will have a better understanding of how to "juggle" other classes and personal lives and meet class expectations for the semester.
Having a well developed syllabus make it easier to develope and lead the class
Lori,
This experience will help you to develop your own. In addition, ask around and try to get some samples from your colleagues. This will help you to save time in figuring out exactly what you want to put in your syllabus.
Gary
I feel it is very effective to have a well prepared syllabus.It is a great guideline and back bone to the to our presentation and projection of the curriculum.
Yes I agree I always want to be fair to the students because I can relate I as in their shoes once.
This way your students know exactly what is expected from them and you as an instructor are better organized.
While just starting as an educator I have not had to prepare a syllabus yet. However, I realize the importance of having a thorough and concise syllabus. When I was a student I relied heavily on the syllabus so that I would have a clear understanding of exactly what was expected of me as a student, a calendar with assignments and test dates and especially the grading policy. The syllabus was our "bible" for the course!
Lori
Lisa,
When faced with such a situation I create an addendum. In it I put all of the critical information needed for my students. This way I am using the administrations syllabus in addition to giving the needed information for my course.
Gary
I agree that using a well-prepared syllabus will give you a guideline what you need to teach, however what do you do with a syllabus that was prepared by an administrator that is not in the classroom and does not know what our students need to sit for a Certification exam such as the CMA or RMA?
A well-prepared syllabus is very important because it gives students an idea of what the course is about, what is required of them, policies on grading, and methods to reach the instructor.
James,
Right you are. The students need to go through the syllabus so they can see the value of it as a resource tool for the course.
Gary
Clearly the Syllabus is the bible for the student. The student should be able to understand what to expect from the course, what the instructor's role will be and what they need to do. I've found that at career schools the syllabus is pre-prepared. I supplement it with course outline material, easily read and clearly scheduled.
This is huge with me. I have a wonderful DOE that has made the sylladus so perfect.. The students cant say well you said this or that and I also always go by it as if it is the law. If not the students could feel that it could be changed for any reason and not held to the needed rules that the state holds us to.
Hamm
Having a well-prepared syllabus for the course you are teaching is important to show the students what and when they will be learning. It can also help the instructor stay focused and organized.
Taylor,
It is the road map or maybe better yet the MapQuest for the course. It shows the students where they are going and how they are going to get there.
Gary
