Syllabus Flexibility
Since I'm involved with a relatively new program I've had to design most of my classes from scratch. I am familiar with the text and materials and overall goals from a Master Syllabus- but have to adjust the course content based upon time. Is is ok to communicate up-front that the Syllabus is "flexible" as part of a schedule (grading and other things are not) and the schedule may be adjusted based upon the learning progress of the class? Or, is this confusing to the student?
Hi Celia,
You make a good point about adjusting the syllabus. At times you have to do this to keep the class on target. I have done the same thing when class dynamics create such a need. I have also it when we missed an extra week of school due to a blizzard. Things happen and we have to adjust. The point about not adding to the workload is a good one. By keeping the students informed acceptance will be there.
Gary
I have adjusted a syllabus a number of times and if you decide on this together with your class, they see the reason or need for it and it is much less confusing. They may also greatly appreciate the flexibility. I revisit the adjustment the next class meeting or two for clarification and usually hand out a new modified syllabus that is clearly marked as a reissue with changes.
However, I always make sure I am not adding to their work load mid-course but readjusting it or subsituting something we've agreed upon.
Making it clear that the syllabus is a guide with goals in mind. But can change depending the grasp of the subject matter.
one of the things working wit hte sylabus is that you have to be flexible in the time you spend in each lecture some time you cover everithing and some times you have to give yourself more time to cover this lectures,in case there are questions that are needed to answer
Hi Cheryl,
Your style is a good one. No matter how many times you have taught a course nor how well prepared you are to teach the dynamics of the course can spin you off into a number of different directions. By being flexible you are not taken out of your game but are able to make the changes and keep the students on course.
Gary
I prefer to provide a syllabus that has room for flexibility, especially when teaching a new course. That way, I can make changes as a result of what is actually happening in the class. Did we have to spend extra time on a topic I thought we would cover quickly? Or did a topic I thought would take a long time go quickly and now I have extra time. I can add detail after each class period as to what we will be covering next class period. I can do this in response to what actually occurred in the classroom that day. So, my style in general is to provide flexibility in the course.
I have always given my students a heads up that I will be making changes depending on how the class is progressing at the end of presenting the course.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for sharing the good advice on course planing and the development of the syllabus. In teaching as you know instructors have to be flexible in their approach to the content. This is often a bit hard for new instructors due to inexperience and their worry about sticking to their lesson plans.
Gary
I have changed syllabi through the course to better help the students in their learning. If you feel that students need more time on a subject, extend it or vice verse.
Adding or taking away from a syllabus can only help students in their learning process. When you are a first time teacher, it is unknown how students are going to react to the material until they have done so. In this sense, I can imagine many changes to a syllabus in teaching a first class.
I've done the same thing (putting a side note in the syllabus about being subject to change). I've found that as long as you give students enough prior knowledge about any changes (at least one week in advance, preferably two), they are amenable to any change you'd like to make - as long, of course, as you give sufficient reason for doing so.
I've also had to adjust the syllabus to better parallel another course. I added a disclaimer on the syllabus stating that the contents were subject to change with sufficient notice.
Hi Michael,
It is fine to share with your students that the syllabus is a guide of what is going to occur in the class. As you mentioned you are set on the expectations, requirements and policies so the flexible part comes with the delivery of the content. By being flexible you can actually get more interest from your students because you are tailoring the course for them as you go along.
Gary
