{"id":4641,"date":"2023-02-17T09:19:29","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T15:19:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.graduateprogram.org\/?p=4641"},"modified":"2023-05-30T14:08:55","modified_gmt":"2023-05-30T19:08:55","slug":"how-to-structure-a-syllabus-to-avoid-student-errors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.graduateprogram.org\/blog\/how-to-structure-a-syllabus-to-avoid-student-errors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Structure a Syllabus to Avoid Student Errors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everyone knows the importance of making an excellent first impression. This is also true for educators<\/a>. For many students, your syllabus directly influences their first impression of not only you, but of your classroom management style as well. It\u2019s important to set the right tone, while still delivering your rules and expectations in a way that students can clearly understand. As educators, we understand that students learn best from teachers they like. Your syllabus is your chance to get off on the right foot with a new group of students and ensure their success throughout your course.<\/p>\n

Use Positive Language<\/h2>\n

The first thing to remember when writing your syllabus, is that the language you use will set the tone for your classroom and the relationships you will form with your students. Many educators<\/a> make the mistake of using a detrimental tone in their syllabus. Whether that be sarcastic remarks regarding your homework policy<\/a>, digs at student effort, or negative talk regarding previous classes, students will notice, and they will quickly form the impression that you either: 1. Don\u2019t like them, or 2. Don\u2019t believe they will be successful in your class.<\/p>\n

Rather, you should structure your syllabus<\/a> using positive language that lets students know you not only believe they can be successful in your class, but you expect they all will be! Your students need to understand you are working as a team, and your syllabus is your first chance to impress this upon them. Use your syllabus as an opportunity to let your students know that you are on their side, and you are here to help them. You don\u2019t want students to fail in your classroom, in fact, you will work with them in whatever way they need to ensure they do not.<\/p>\n

Outline Classroom Expectations Clearly and Simply<\/h2>\n

The outlining of classroom expectations is the most important part of your syllabus. Your students’ minds should be clear about how your classroom works, how to earn full credit for assignments, or what to do in case of late work or a missing assignment. Your syllabus is your chance to cover everything they need to know, but it\u2019s important to do so using clear and simple language that students can easily understand. A simple syllabus is usually the way to go. Not only that, but make sure your syllabus is inclusive of all that enter your classroom. Students should feel that your classroom is a safe place<\/a>, and your syllabus is your first chance to ensure all feel they are welcome, and all feel that they can be successful.<\/p>\n

Make sure to lay out exactly how you expect things to run in your room. Make sure it\u2019s clear.<\/p>\n