When to hand out the syllabus
In grad school, several of my professors thought it was a good practice to hand out the syllabus at the end of the first class. I always felt that this was an attempt to play mind games rather than demonstrate their support of student learning. In every class I have ever taught I always made sure the syllabus was an early handout with ample explanation and discussion. This document and what it represents should never be the basis of a power struggle!
Hi Heather,
The order for starting the class should be based upon your comfort level and how you want to introduce your students to the course. Sounds like you have a good system working for you.
Gary
In the classes that I have taught so far, I have introduced myself and then handed out the syllabus. After discussing this 'contract,' we proceed to student introductions and other icebreaker activities.
Handing out the syllabus at the end of a class is crazy. The syllabus is the contract, and so not having it before class starts, or soon thereafter, puts the student in a very bad position of not knowing what to focus on.
Hi Rosie,
You experience with the handing out of course syllabi is unfortunate. I agree with you and follow as practice to get the syllabus in my students hands at the beginning of the class. This helps to give them a picture of the course requirements and expectations from the very beginning. They have enough stress just starting a new course they don't need us to add to it.
Gary
