What is the primary purpose of a Syllabus?

The primary purpose of a syllabus is to outline course goals and assessment methods. A syllabus serves as a foundational document for both instructors and students, detailing what the course aims to achieve and how student performance will be evaluated. By clearly stating the learning objectives, required materials, and methods of assessment, the syllabus helps students understand what is expected of them throughout the course. This guidance facilitates student engagement and provides a road map for both teaching and learning, ensuring that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the course's purpose and structure.

In contrast, tracking student attendance is an important task but does not encompass the overall scope of what a syllabus provides. Managing classroom behavior is related to classroom dynamics but is typically established through classroom agreements or rules and not the syllabus itself. While providing resources for students is beneficial, a syllabus primarily focuses on course objectives and assessment rather than being a comprehensive resource list.