Syllabus and effect communication
Making sure organization of the syllabus as well as being articulate in presenting the syllabus in a very understanding manner to the class is crucial. If the student understands his/her tools needed to complete the courses at hand as well as understanding what their assignments are, they will feel comfortable and confident in completing their course work. When a student feels confident and comfortable they put forth the effort needed, hence, advancing their skills.
Joye,
Great. Glad you are learning through these courses. I continue to learn as well. That is the key to continuing to be a great teacher.
Thanks.
I am only familiar with the f2f online syllabus. I now understand that there should be some more interactivity as far as the syllabus goes. I personally already see that some changes will have to be made to the syllabus used on the current platform used by myself and my colleagues.
Rick,
The objectives should directly relate to the content and the what needs to be covered in the course. the syllabus is the first point of communication many time; therefore, it's extremely important. Thanks for your input.
The syllabus needs to be concise but have enough objectives and responsibilities that makes it worth the student's time and effort to complete. The syllabus needs to fully explain to the learner what will take place and what the expectations are to gain mastery. The syllabus needs to be written in a tone that gives the student motivation and inspires them to begin.
I like the idea of offering a quiz or some type of grade for reading and acknowleding the syllabus on the part of the student. This is a great form of communication and explanation when the student says later in the course "I did not know that was part of the course requirements."
ANN,
The syllabus quiz and all quizzes can be set up to provide immediate feedback. It is all good!
I think the syllabus quiz is a great idea. Students of the computer generation want answers immediatly. Although they are connected to the world through the computer/phone they take shortcuts to everything they do, hence, giving answers/information without following directions.
Waqar,
Many people give a syllabus quiz and until the students pass that quiz with an 80% or more, they cannot proceed in the class. That's one way.
Very important principle/statement. What I want to understand is how can I better direct my students to read my syllabus? A lot of times I'll receive (repeated) email from students asking me questions already clearly stated in the syllabus.
Lisa,
The syllabus is the first way we communicate with the students. When you say your syllabus is "challenging" what do you mean? You set your standards high? It's not that the syllabus is challenging to decipher, right?
A syllabus is the first tool and way to communicate with the students. I like to make mine their first 'challenging' piece of literature that they will have to decipher and understand. That way, they know what I expect from them and how they should expect to respond in the classroom.
Tina,
The syllabus may become very long, but it must include the necessary details for the course. Students in online courses don't have the benefit (many times) to meet with the instructor and the syllabus is just another communication tool.
Nice job.
