Characteristics of an Effective Class Syllabus:
- Provides my contact information: name, email, phone number, office hours
- Offers information on the course: name and description of content covered
- Demonstrates objectives for the class
- Shares reading material list
- Establishes classroom policies expectations: electronic device policy, attendance policy, social and behavioral conduct, plagiarism agreement, etc,.
- Proposes accommodation strategies
- Supplies academic calendar/ assignment list (with due dates)
- Requires parent involvement and feedback
I found this syllabus model on the Cult of Pedagogy website, which is a great resource for educators! Jennifer Gonzalez shared this syllabus in her article, “How to Write a Syllabus”, and I loved the simplicity and the specificity of this example. As a student myself, I found academic calendars and assignment lists to be the most effective and useful feature on any course syllabi. The assignment list with due dates shown in Gonzalez’s example is a great tool for students to practice self-management skills, as they will be accountable for holding on to this list for future reference. In addition to the assignment list being a great resource for students to remain accountable for their tasks, by providing classroom policies and expectations within the syllabus, students will know from the first week of school what will consistently be expected of them throughout the school year. Reviewing the policies regarding electronic usage in the classroom, respectful social and behavior conduct, and grading systems on the first day of school as a class, as well as requiring students to take the syllabus home for their parents to sign will promote classroom management so all three parties involved are aware and acknowledge what I expect to help my classroom be a positive and effective learning environment.
Parent Questionnaire:
In addition to sending home class syllabi for parents to review with their students, alongside this class syllabi, I plan on sending home behavior contracts and parent questionnaires to help me get to know their students better! Ultimately, I want parents to know that I am excited and honored to teach their students. In hopes of getting to know how I can best serve their children, this parent questionnaire that I will send home for parents to fill out will give me more information that may not be provided by IEPs or 504 plans but could be vital to their student’s learning ability.
References:
Gonzalez, Jennifer. (2016). How to Write a Syllabus. Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/course-syllabus-how-to/
Ms. Tapia's Classroom Management Plan 