Using Existing Syllabi
As a first year instructor, I have been somewhat limited to using the existing syllabus for each of the classes I am teaching. This method somewhat limits what my world experience in the field has taught me and constrains the creative solutions that I have gained through on the job pressures and problems.
Can anybody offer advice as a workaround to this dilemma?
Thank you Leean. I am a new instructor and starting off, I will use the syllabus already in place. I will use that to learn from and be better prepared to create my own syllabus in the future. I love your idea of the timeline..
Mary
Pamela,
This is an excellent plan. The result is going to be a syllabus that is the best collective thoughts of many experts in education along with your input in relation to what you are going to require for the course. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have used the existing syllabus, but it does not reflect the level of learning for our particular students. I have done much research, and have decided to gather other instructor's syllabus to create one that is best for our students. The current syllabus will be used as a guiding template, then edited and reformatted, then sent to other instructors for critique and input.
Mark,
So true and so important in the development of critical thinkers. The more we can help our students become proficient at problem solving the greater value we have attached to our instruction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
How many times is the term "thinking outside the box" used. Your Syllabi is the base of your classroom requirements. You as an instructor must find different ways and methods to get your point and lessons understood, go to other classrooms and go online to get new ideas and classroom interventions. That's what makes a teacher "special" and remembered for years to come
Use the current syllabus that is provided like I have to but I let my students know that this is to give them an idea and incorporate your own style.
Carol,
This is an important part of instructor planning. Being able to supplement the syllabus or develop your own will enable you to zero in on your current students and customize how you approach the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
hopefully there can be flexibility in the syllabus so the class will be interesting and various presentation methods can be utilized. There should be space for adding in what the instructor thinks is important in their field.
Tracey,
I have to use a standardized syllabus as well so I prepare a supplemental handout to include the specifics about the course that reflects my teaching style and content selection. This works very well for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We are encouraged to use existing syllabus. You can always add your style into the class.
Joseph,
I can understand your frustration at having to use a "standardized" syllabus, it almost feels like you have to use a "canned" product and puts a damper on your "creative abilities". The upside is, you don't have to re-invent the wheel!
Joseph,
To stay compliant with the requirements of my College I use their standardized syllabus. However, I have created a timeline that I give to the students. It is an outline that tells the students what we will cover in class everyday. The students love to be able to work ahead, and I have found they come to class prepared. Our class discussions are so much better.
Joseph,
Use the standard syllabus in relation to college requirements, etc. so you are in compliance. Then create a supplemental handout that is specific to your class and what you want your students to do. You can customize it as needed and will provide the additional information that is needed by your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
