The syllabus I chose to use for this assignment is the syllabus I created for FOR242: Elements of Project Supervision in Forestry. The title of the course is highly misleading; however, this is out of my control. If I were to change the title, I would change it to: Wildlife Policy and Current Events.
My syllabus underwent several changes from last year (Spring 2015) prior to the beginning of the Spring 2016 semester. This primarily included formatting of headers and organization of information. Although minute, I changed the font to match that which I require under my formatting policy. I chose to lead by example. Other major changes included an updated office on Dubois campus, discrete office hours (now that I have an office at Penn State Dubois) and the elimination of my cell phone number (I did have students text me questions instead of email me). Therefore, on my latest syllabus, I indicated that email is my preferred method of communication.
At the beginning of this semester, I chose to eliminate last year’s objectives because they were poorly written and include a course overview instead. On my latest syllabus, I have rephrased the course overview and reinforced the major objectives of my course. I believe that the focus and direction of the course is clearer not only to myself but my students as well. Additionally, I have several updated policies:
1. Attendance - This year I added attendance to the grading scheme in hopes that students might be less inclined to schedule meetings with other professors or interviews during my class. While I understand that life happens, it is discouraging to see the lack of value students put on my class. After a discussion with Dr. Cindy Raynak, she suggested changing “Attendance” to “Participation”. My initial policy indicated as long as students were physically in a chair, they would receive a point and students will do anything for a point. To encourage more participation, I should call it just that.
2. Cell phones and Other Electronics - Last year I did not even think to have this policy, but it quickly became clear that I needed one. I struggled with the language I wanted to use, but I needed students to see how serious I am about the policy.
3. Examinations - Somehow I missed including this policy in 2015 and at the beginning of 2016. However, I wrote a short statement to cover the single exam I have in this course. It was difficult to find examples of this policy online as a basis for my own. However, I think this covers what I need.
4. Formatting - Last year I received a barrage of formats for writing assignments. This year, I included a policy for consistency as well as a sense of professionalism.
5. Late Assignments - Last year I did not have a late assignment policy which came back to bite me. Therefore, I was sure to include it this year. This policy was based off of a policy from an instructor who I respect and whose teaching style I try to incorporate into my own.
Another change that I made, per the suggestion of Dr. Raynak, is putting my “Grading” and “Points” sections together. This way, students have all of the information they need in once place. In addition, Dr. Raynak suggested including the point values for the ranges of each grade. This way, students do not have to do the math to see what grade they are getting. Her point was that students should work on the course materials instead of working on the syllabus to see what grade they will receive. With some thought, I finally agreed with this scenario and added the point values under “Grading”.
Another change that I made this year was related to the “Course Schedule” section of the syllabus. The change I decided to make was to include the Taking Sides Topics in the syllabus instead of another document as I did last year. Students had to use too many resources to figure out what chapter they were to read for class. Additionally, I included the corresponding chapters to help alleviate confusion.
Overall, I have become much more confident with my syllabus and my course as a whole. Being able to clearly communicate my goals and expectations to the class will help their performance as well as enhance my overall delivery of the course.
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