Syllabus
Does the content match the syllabus?
The most important aspect is to confirm that what we want to teach is relevant to a students' future. Combined with their ability to perform in the work force.
@JohnQuiles
Making a connection at times is difficult. You have to understand the student's online personality.
Agreed making the conection for are students may somtimes be challanging. It is very inportant the syllabus with course content.
Walt,
So true. We have to include everything we can in the syllabus to cover all basis. Thanks for your input.
I think this especially true for an online course, because the instructor is not available face-to-face to answers all questions. The student needs to be able to rely on the syllabus not changing during the term.
Kenneth,
Right on. The content and syllabus should go hand in hand. Thanks for your input.
I agree. I think it is very important for the content to match the syllabus. We should be constantly evaluating our syllabus to see that we have relevent and important in formation with it.
Ken Rosa
Donald,
Definitely. The content, syllabus, learning outcomes, etc. all have to match. Thanks!
I would hope that the content of a course would match what is said in a syllabus. I do not believe that a syllabus should be dynamic in given term, but should be dynamic over a series of terms. If a syllabus is dynamic within a given term, then the student expectations become variable, and that is not necessarily a good thing. A student should know where he or she stands within a term. This is my opinion.
Nicholas,
The syllabus is the first piece of communcation, many times, the students get. It definitely sets the tone.
I agree the syllabus needs to match the content and tone of the class.
Jesse,
:Jesse,
Thank you. Communication and the syllabus are is the key.
Yes I agree with the syllabus being delivered right from the start. It sets the expectations for the class and it helps the student see what they will be learning and why it is relevant to their future careers.
Bobbe,
The syllabus is your first method of communication with the students and is very important. Some online instructors even give a quiz over the syllabus to make sure students have read the information and understand the learning outcomes. Thanks for your input.
Going over the syllabus with the student is very important from the gate. They can actually visualize and comprehend what's expected of them as students, what they will need to do to accomplish their goals and where that syllabus is going to take them as far as learning objectives.
Here's where expectations are set. The syllabus itself is a communication tool to the student what is expected of them and what they will get in return to help them along the path to success regarding the objectives of the course and specific goal they might have in mind.
After reading a dynamic syllabus (or any sullabus)in black-and-white print, a student also realizes whether he is headed in the right direction or not -- chose the right field. He or she might conclude that the course is too comprehensive, not comprehensive enough or is not relevant to their goal or expectations.
Susan,
Thanks for adding to Beth's posting. It's essential for online instructors to develop these connections.
It sounds like you are invested in creating good citizens from students in your classes. Keep up the good work.
Beth, I really like your philosophy that what we teach should be relevant to the student's future! I teach in a vocational/technical post-secondary school. Our students are preparing for a career in a specific field. Our syllabus MUST be relevant to their future. In evaluating the course, then, we need to look at the syllabus to be sure that the objectives are still meaningful and then be sure that the lessons meet those objectives. One way to do this is to meet with peers (other instructors) to review the subject content. Another person in this discussion thread mentioned that we should also try to remember that we are helping these students become the best PEOPLE they can be; we call that professionalism in our school and we continually emphasize that, as we teach them the information they need to succeed in their careers.
Emily,
Right on! Helping students see the big picture and becoming a better citizen and professional is essential.
I like your attitude! Thanks!
I believe that is correct! I think we do need to set a standard for education to produce a well rounded and professional student. This should relate to work and career but also to be enhanced academically. I think we are giving students a dis-service if they only receive information thats makes them a better worker...they should be better people, learners, thinkers and professionals when they leave an academic institution.
Christine,
I list "tentative course outline" on my syllabus. It's important to communicate that fact. Revised versions of the syllabus are important.
Thanks!
