I have found that using a syllabus helps to keep the students aware of upcoming course activities. By reviewing it at the beginning of the course gives them a chance to have something to use to allow to them ask questions pertaining to the specific training and time line involved in the course;ie: What are tests based on, how are we graded, etc... I have also noticed that sometimes a syllabus can hinder some students education though. Due to a timely pre planned layout they sometimes feel that their not going to miss much if they miss a certain day within the syllabus, but unfortunately in my experience is not always the case.