Syllabus Signing on the Last Page
I understand the syllabus is an "unspoken contract" between the student and the Instructor.
I am curious to know how many Instructors have their students sign the back page of the syllabus. I am a new Instructor and have not heard of that before. I think it's a good idea. However, I wonder if students will automatically look at the Instructor as someone who does not trust them.
Susanne,
This is a good way to handle both class formats. In each you have asked for accountability on the part of the students in terms of letting you know they have read the syllabus. This puts the responsibility on them to be accountable for what is contained within it and this is how it should be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello All,
It depends on the type of class that you are teaching. I teach online and ground classes. In my experience, I have found success in discussing the syllabus in depth on the first day of class. At the end of the discussion, I do refer to the syllabus as the contract for this class and ask each student to sign their syllabus. I have found that this alleviates all issues of "I did not know about that assignment" or "I was unaware of the in-class presentation". It also communicates to my students that these are the requirements of the class and to manage their time wisely.
As to my online classes, I do not have my students sign their syllabus. I do ask them to acknowledge that they have read the syllabus via email.
How do you handle the signing of the syllabus in the online classroom?
Susanne
I also have my student sign the last page of thier syllabus on the first day and keep it on file.
I have been a vocational instructor for over 5 years and was not aware that you should have a student sign that they have read and understand the syllabus.I now believe this needs to happen because it would reduce the possibilty of a student during the course saying that the information was not provided when the student did not preform as expected good idea.
As long as you provide syllabus to students that is suffiecient. You do not need a signature page.
Hi La 'Keisha,
This is a general practice by all instructors here at LCB Miami. On the same form, we also ask for students to let us know of any special accommodations that they may require, ex. reading, hearing, or seeing issues.
Hi Judy,
Out of curiosity, is this something the University requires of you?
Why do you think that is valuable that the students sing an acknowledgement page?
If you as the instructor go over the syllabus and verbally make sure everyone understands it, what liability are you facing if a student forgets to study for a test and then says they weren't informed?
Hi La 'Keisha,
I do have a syllabus verification page at the back of my syllabus. When we have reviewed the syllbus and the students have had time to look at it on their own, they sign this page, detach it, and return to me. I note on my roster when they are returned and by the end of the first week, I remind all to submit their signed syllabus verifications.
