Teachers should begin with providing a detailed and well-explained overview of the coursework students will encounter throughout the semester. Here, teachers list what the course is about and the organization of each chapter (or unit) in the book. They also list the importance of the material; show students how they will use the information learned in the course in their future education and even the history of the course. It also lays out basic assignments of tests, papers, projects, field trips and anything else students might encounter during the subject matter. Teachers word these so they give students a positive outlook on what they are about to learn.
Objectives let students know what a teacher expects of them throughout the semester. Here, teachers list what they want students to learn such as dates, information, concepts or even skills. For example, in a math class objectives include how to perform certain numerical problems successfully and the ability to identify solutions to performing word problems. In an English class, objectives include knowing the meaning of words and the ability to identify basic grammatical errors.
A good yearly (or semester) calendar keeps students on target with assignments and coursework. Teachers can be as strict or loose with a course calendar as they want. This keeps students on track with test dates and when students must complete assignments such as papers and projects. Calendars also teach students at the middle school level how to plan; skills needed for high school and the college level.
By providing a section of additional resources in the syllabus, students gain the opportunity to learn more about a particular subject matter. Resources (sometimes called additional reading materials) can be anything the teacher feels appropriate for students to explore; feel free to include books, magazines and newspapers by citing specific titles, articles and even multimedia resources. For a history class, teachers can mention local historical sites and museums to pique a students' interest. In middle school, resources should focus on materials students can easily locate such as the school library or the Internet.
A syllabus gives students the rules of the road when dealing with their coursework. In this section, teachers should address a class attendance policy, lateness, behavior and class participation. Teachers can also include how breaking rules will affect the grade of a student. While many schools already include a handbook, this section also provides teachers a place to include their own rules pertinent to the classroom environment.