Syllibus as a contract?
As a degree plan sets the requirements for a student to achieve a degree, many instructors believe that the syllabus should serve as a contract between the instructor and the student as to what's needed to pass a course. What say you?
Hi George,
I do not feel the syllabus needs to be treated like a contract, but they need to realize the importance of it, and they need to understand in order to meet the requirements of the course the syllabus outlines what needs to be done.
Patricia
Hi George,
You are 100% correct. A syllibus is our contract with the student that we asan instrucor or college will teach this and when you have finished this class you will have been successful. Everyones expectations are out in black and white for all to see, question and agree to.
Hi Albert,
The syllabus certainly makes everything clear! Students see in clear black and white exactly what is expected of them.
Patricia
They do but have a hard time understanding there must be deadlines.
What about the students who miss the first day? How do we put them on the same page without repeating ourselves for the rest of the class?
I do not think that the syllabus acts as a contract. I think it stands more for guidelines to follow. I have my students not only sign an agreement stating that they have received a copy of the syllabus, but I also have them sign a professionalism contract, thus binding them to act in a professional manner compatible to that which will be seen in the real world.
I also account 10% of the final grade as "participation" points, which includes professional boundaries (ie arriving on time and in uniform, etc).
Hi Sarah,
I like how you have the participation points included. Students need to learn how to be held accountable, otherwise consequences will be granted. In the real world student must take responsibility.
Patricia
I post the syllabus on the student portal, as well as email every student an electronic copy of the syllabus. That way no student in the course can say he or she did not receive a copy as they will have 3 places to have seen it: their email, the portal, and a hard copy in class.
Hi Sarah,
They have no excuse as to say they did not know. You have covered all bases.
Patricia
