Working within a corporate written syllabus
I work for a career college where are syllabi are written by other people. On the one hand this is helpful because it clearly lays out the objectives they are seeking to cover, but on the other hand it is necessary to make constant adjustments to the syllabus to accommodate the differences in classes and paying attention to their individual needs. I find myself using the syllabus as a guideline more than as a road map. I don't want to downplay its importance but I also trust my judgement once I have taught a class a few times to anticipate objectives that need more time or less time.
I also work for an institution that has a "set syllabus." I am teaching a specific class for the first time and trying to abide by the syllabus, but in speaking with other instructors for the same course, I am realizing that it is a guideline as you say. Certain material is covered much quicker or slower, depending upon the abilities of the students.
I am in the same situation. As someone else said, on one hand, it is very helpful and a real time-saver! On the other hand, the syllabus sometimes excludes material I feel is important to the course. When this happens, I am unsure what to do. Anyone have thoughts?
Stephanie,
That is why it is important to customize the syllabus as much as you can to meet the specific needs of your students and still be in compliance with your college.
Gary
Liane,
I would suggest you follow the overall outline of the syllabus that was given to you. Then take the sub-topics and expand them as needed to meet the needs of your students based upon your own instructional delivery.
Gary
Cambria,
The use of the syllabus as a guide rather than a road map is common for when instructors are given canned syllabi. So take the syllabus and look for how you can make it your own in a personal way and go for it.
Gary
I agree, using ones judgment is the main guidline when it comes to syllabi prepared by other people.
I got so confused with my canned corporate syllabus because I was told I could not change it, yet I am constantly bombarded with the "academic freedom" disclosure. I simply decided to make an attached addendum with a weekly outline of "my" agenda and made sure that the "objectives" of the course remained intact. My students know that the "syllabus" is corporate and my agenda is what we will go by.
In general, it seems the students are less apt to consult with the syllabus throughout the semester if it comes from a generic source.
Vicki,
I like the way you have stayed with corporate requirements while still making the course and its' contents yours. Good plan for other instructors to follow.
Gary
At my school, the objectives, materials, etc. portions of the syllabi are provided and standardized, but the calendar is up to us. I feel it is the best of both worlds because I get both the benefit of a no-fuss, time-saving syllabus and the academic freedom to personalize the weekly schedule.
