Syllabus use
I have found in addition to the syllabus, an expectation sheet from the instructor detailing; communication, assignment turn in, and so forth, outlines a responsibility to the student.
I make a calender with all the activities and assignments on it and the students love it.
Hi Sherry,
Absolutely, mistakes should be used to make things better! Revising to make things better is always a plus.
Patricia
I agree; the syllabi are fairly structured for our courses.
Each instructor attaches an addendum for each syllabus which goes into detail as far as course material, classroom style and rules, tests and grading criteria.
Each student then signs an acknowledgment for having received and read the addendum.
When we are given a standard syllabus that must be used for a course, a separate course expectation allows an instructor to put special emphasis on details that may not be stressed in the syllabus. I'm getting ready to teach my second course. I just modified my course expectation document to emphasis areas that the students were weak in or seemed to have missed during the first course. I guess this is kind of like the Harvard clip we watched regarding course reflection. Learn from your and your students mistakes and make it better.
Darsha - My syllabi tend to be very detailed and inclusive, but I always include in my syllabi the "Intructor's Prerogative" to add or subtract from anyting contained in the syllabus. But, prior to doing so I always have a class-wide discussion presenting the issue and my rationale for doing so. I will at times even rescind my prerogative if enough students are opposed to the change. - bill arbes
Hi Darsha,
Great idea! I fully understand because students will surely hold your feet to the fire when it comes to changes.
Patricia
I like to view my syllabus as a "minimum to-do list." This way it outlines my expectation of the class, AND it reserves my right to add additional assignments without the shock response.
I look at the syllabus as my "to do list." I look at it as the goals for the day and as each goal gets completed, I check them off as I go.
