Meeting the class
This section was just plain stupid!
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for doing anything in any class room.
The order in which you hand out the syllabus and show the text book isnt important. Providing an atmosphere in which your students feel comfortable and know what is going on is the goal.
Personally, I put the course goals/requirements on the syllabus.
I agree that meeting the class is important to set up understanding, meeting and greeting with students.
Paul,
Not real clear what your problem is about the material and why you think it is stupid but that certainly is your right to think so. I think you may be looking to pick at the material rather than see it as just a guide or list of suggestions of how approach sharing information about the course with students. For example the course goals and requirements are most often listed in the syllabus but I have found that I get great success from my students when I share the goals for each class on the whiteboard and review them as I start class. This gets their minds focused in on what we are going to be doing for the next six hours.
Also, you are right about the order of how things are shared with students needing to be a personal choice. The content was intended to be used as a guide that an instructor can use as he or she plans for the first class. Teaching is interacting with other humans in a way that helps them move closer to their goals, in this case career goals. This needs to be remembered when working with students and we need to convey an attitude of support, kindness and understanding in our interactions. I hope that you are able to do such as you work with your students and enjoy the responses you get when they acquire another bit of knowledge and helps them progress in their education.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
