Effective teaching is all about cultivating relationships. One of the most important steps instructors can take in establishing relationships with both students and parents, is to be inviting.(Wong & Wong 2009). An inviting disposition opens doors just as an invitation to partner in learning through use of a syllabus fosters collaboration and shared ownership. A clearly organized syllabus serves to define the classroom procedures, rules, learning targets, grading system, policy on absences and make-up work, while at the same time, projecting an image of an organized and competent instructor.
Example
1 depicts an inviting, clear and concise syllabus. We liked the use of
bright colors and visuals. Parents and students are more likely to pay
special attention to bright colors and visual representations when
reviewing and more importantly, remembering a syllabus (Medina, 2014).
We appreciate that it includes teacher contact information, a supply
list, and learning targets. It fails however, to establish classroom
rules and procedures, an element we believe is an important first step
to effective classroom management.
 |
| Example 1 |
 |
| Example 2 |
The syllabus serves as a guide that students and parents may reference throughout the year. Before school begins, a letter is sent home inviting parents to attend the school open house at which time the syllabus will be reviewed. This offers a face to face opportunity to review objectives, homework policy, grading, discipline, procedures and classroom rules. The syllabus need not be lengthy if it covers the necessary points.
Example 2 also offers visuals and graphic interest, but in addition, it clearly establishes classroom rules, expectations and grading policies. It carries an invitational tone and gives a clear nod to the importance of positivity. It specifically speaks to both students and parents. We believe a marriage of the two syllabi would create an effective guide. Moreover, we believe the document could benefit from a second page outlining discipline and offering an opportunity for parental signature in order to avoid future misunderstandings. The goal is to create a partnership between instructors, parents and students all working towards the a common goal of effective learning.
References:
Wong, H. & Wong, R. (2009) The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.
Medina, John. (2014) Brain Rules. Seattle, WA. Pear Press.
Syllabus example 1. White, Jennifer. Retrieved from: http://www.teachingteensinthe21st.com/
Syllabus example 2. Retrieved from: Pinterest at http://pin.it/z_ZKiv2
No comments:
Post a Comment