What to Include in the syllabus
I have only been a college instructor for six months or so. When I began, I was completely overwhelmed with organizing classroom policies. It was especially difficult to communicate these rules on the syllabi. I found it very helpful to view the syllabi of my collegues, and use them as a model. After viewing the various formats in which my collegues used, I felt more confident in constructing, and delivering my own.
Step by step instructions and more instructor notes should be included in the syllabi for new instructors.
Mya,
By being able to add class rules and policies you can personalize the course and start to make it your own while still staying consistent with what is being taught in other classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Our campus provides us with MCO's which we cannot change or modify, however, we can add class rules and policies to it.
This way we all have the same content and information.
One school I teach for had me author the course.. Others hand me a syllabus to follow with the ability to add resource material other than the textbook.
Paulette,
I call that "smart" use of your time and effort. Collect all the resources you can and then create a syllabus that will work for you and your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I strongly believe in not "reinventing the wheel." Whenever I am assigned a new course, I always try to get at least 2 syllabi from the last two instructors to use as a guide.
Megan,
Good to hear about your growth. Like any field it takes time and experience to become the professional you want to be. You are making great steps in this direction. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
