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 university or college courses. That’s why professors take the time to write out a solid plan of attack for you in the form of course outlines or syllabi.
Some syllabi might be more detailed than others, but a good one will include the following crucial information:
Bruce Wilson*, a retired professor from Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario, notes, “The course outline, or syllabus, sets the organizational structure and pace of the class.”
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.
Wilson says, “The course outline serves as the roadmap regarding expectations and how assignments are graded. Knowing this information is key to doing well, and referring to it regularly can keep you on track and help you stay organized.”
In a recent Student Health 101 survey, almost 70 percent of students said they received syllabi in all of their classes. The majority of those same respondents said that deadlines, other important dates, and assignment descriptions ranked at the top in terms of the most useful information on a syllabus.
Sophie T., a third-year student at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, says, “I use course syllabi to figure out what the professor expects from me. Everyone grades a little differently, and it helps to know what they are looking for.”
Miguel K., a second-year student at the University of Toronto in Ontario, explains, “Reading the syllabus helps me plan out my workload for the entire semester. As soon as I get it, I am able to make a schedule to keep me on track.”
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.
Kelly L., a fourth-year student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, says, “I always consult my syllabus for due dates and exams. It makes it easy to plan when I’m going to study.”
No matter how you choose to keep track of the information in your course outlines, just don’t stuff them away in a drawer. Refer to them regularly and you’ll stay on top of your game.
* Name changed for privacy.
Heidi is a fourth-year student studying Psychology at the University of Guelph.
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.
