Cross-country road trips can be a blast, but without a good GPS or road map to guide you through parts unknown, you could easily find yourself lost in a hurry.
The same thing goes for your college courses. That’s why professors take the time to write out a solid plan of attack for you in the form of course syllabi.
Some syllabi might be more detailed than others, but a good one will include the following crucial information:
Florence C. Magree, a retired vice principal from Montebello, California, notes, “The syllabus sets the organizational structure and pace of the class.”
Don’t be surprised if a professor even asks you to sign a copy, just like a contract, thereby showing that you’ve read it and agree to do your best to meet all of its stated requirements.
Most professors provide a syllabus at the start of the semester. If you can’t find yours, check out the class Web page or contact your professor or teaching assistant.
Leslie Andersen, a librarian and former instructor at California State University, Long Beach, says, “The syllabus serves as the roadmap regarding expectations and how assignments [are] graded. Knowing [this] always seems to be the most important part for [students].”
In a recent Student Health 101 survey, almost 80 percent of students said they received syllabi in all of their classes.
Anthony V., a second-year student at California State University, Long Beach, shares, “Syllabi are like cheat sheets to help me figure out what a teacher is like and might be prone toward, but also, almost more importantly, what they don’t like.”
Kimberly C, a senior at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, explains, “After I read a syllabus I understand the course better and [know] when assignments and tests will take place. I also feel a sense of calm about the class from preparing early.”
Having all the information you need for your entire semester in one place, instead of using several separate syllabi, can help keep you focused and organized.
Create a course chart with the requirements of all your classes in one place. This will offer a visual way to get the info you need at a glance.
Once created, post your chart on a bulletin board or your computer desktop. Also consider creating a smaller version to refer to electronically or in your planner. This can help you stay on top of your daily assignments throughout the week.
Brian C, a graduate student at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, says, “The syllabus helps me remain focused, and answers most of my questions. It also helps me to manage when things are due.”
No matter how you choose to keep track of the information in your course syllabi, just don’t stuff them away in a drawer. Instead, refer to them regularly and you’ll stay on top of your game.
Lisa Ciarfella studies technical writing and is getting her english teaching credential at California State University, Long Beach.
Use all of your course syllabi to your advantage by transferring the information on them into your own unique course chart. Use the easy steps below and then post your chart somewhere visible as a daily reminder. This way you can keep track of all your semester demands in one place.
