Making course requirements clear to the students.
A well developed syllabus helps solve this problem. The students should have in writing all that will be covered in the course and how it will be covered.
Where I teach they want us to use outlines for the modules. The students are expected to utilize these outlines in preparing for class and knowing when their midterms and finals are being held as well. This way there can be no misunderstanding as to the schedule of assignments and there is a disclaimer as well.
Hi K. C.,
It is always a good idea to have students keep a copy of documentation to refer to. They have what they need at their disposal, and it would be almost impossible for them to play the "I did not know card."
Patricia
Marie,
I agree. It is always a good idea to make students responsible for the course they are about to take. If I have any additional pages that requires the student's signature, I make a separate copy to keep for my records. That way, they can keep the original that they signed for their records.
Hi Marie,
The syllabus is your proof that students should know what is expected and required of them. Most students will never read the syllabus on their own; this is why it is important to go over the syllabus on the first day.
Patricia
