Quiz on Orientation
In the quiz on School Orientation we were asked to select some choices of things to hand out, one choice was to hand out a syllabus. The program indicated there was a preference to handing out the syllabus over information about the community. While information about the community may or may not be the best answer I think a class syllabus should be left to the individual instructor and the information discussed was about a school orientation. Perhaps something like a map of a student’s educational path would be a better choice, or something directed at services on campus or in the community for the student.
allowed for the students personal direction & goals to "get to their destination" during the course
The syllabus is a very important tool. It sets the stage for success and lets each learner know what is expected of them to be successful.
Rony,
...and it would serve as a handy reference as well! Great idea.
Susan Backofen
A brochure with all necessary information for the student in conjunction with the syllabus are perfect for the orientation, the student needs to have all the information you need to not feel lost or frustrated.
It's very important for our students. Syllabus is an excellent tool tht shows the students what is expected from them as well as the requirements for course completion
While all is important for our students, also it is essential to be able to create students friendly envirement to engage them with the class room metarials will contribut to our student to be intresting
William--
That is an excellent point about the terminology. We tend to be very comfortable using academic terms that might be very intimidating to our students.
Susan
With all of my students already attending, a syllabus is a very valuable tool that works as a reminder of what the class is about and the requirements for course completion. I think sometimes as I am going over it that I should simplify some of the terms in so as not to overwhelm them with unknowns.
I also agrere with Dave and it should be added about discounts to the students for thing suchn as food or local merchants that give discounts to those students
David--
Your idea of giving/showing students where resources are...on and off campus...is great. There are many things students need assistance with that are not available on our campus, so making them aware of community resources is also important.
Susan
John--
Those are all great ideas/enhancements. There is, as you point out, often more than one way to the goal. Guides (tutors, faculty and staff)... perhaps 'hints' to the next clue...many fun and interesting ways to make this helpful.
Susan
I had not thought of a including a map or something like a map. It certainly seems appropriate and useful for a student from the outset of their course work.
I think that a map is a great idea. You could actually give out multiple maps. Perhaps a map of the school or campus. A map of the surrounding community and the local businesses and resources available to them. When students feel comfortable about their surroundings they much more likely to succeed.
While the syllabus is one of the "standards" we ensure the students receive and have explained to them, I like Val's idea of the map. An educational "roadmap" or even "objective map" could prove both fun and helpful. Also, if the map had guides, but allowed for the students personal direction & goals to "get to their destination" during the course, it may prove to motivate students. Interesting.
I believe a syllabus is important because it will present the students with what is expected from them throughout the program. I made an entry regarding a future orientation for a program here at our school and was wondering how to present to the students what the expectations of the program are. I believe the syllabus to be a good idea.
In Oregon they do Pathways which is an interactive website that guides the students from high school through the community college and up to a bachelor's degree. It was successful when used their.
Val--
All of this is important, so that's a tough decision. The syllabus is important so students know what is expected and the pace of the coursework. Internal and external resources are also important since these are issues that often get in the way of academic success.
Susan
