Elements of a Syllabus Writing an effective syllabus

Elements of a Syllabus Writing an effective syllabus!

What is the function of a syllabus? It makes a first impression. n Tells what the course is about n Indicates what will be required of the students to get a passing grade n It sets the tone and expectations for your course. n To be effective it must be read by the students ~ not just signed by a parent. n

Elements of an effective syllabus The follow are required elements of a syllabus. n In your groups you will come up with a template of an effective syllabus. n

Required Elements n n Official Course Title, Term, Industry Sector & Pathway Instructors name, certification as appropriate (R. N. ), contact information including classroom phone number and email address. Course Goals and Objectives (purpose and learning outcomes) Learning & Teaching Environment Methods n n n Primary teaching method (lecture, discussion, research, online) Assignments, required activities Required texts, materials, student attire Attendance Behavior

Required Elements Assessment, Evaluation and Grading Policy n Statements that are course specific n n n Netiquette, Theft, Attendance, Academic Honesty and other “No Tolerance” issues and their consequences. Safety

Required Elements n Course Calendar and Schedule. n Detailed class-by-class breakdown with dates/times for lecture/content topics, assignments, quizzes, tests, mid-terms, finals, projects (with due dates), holidays, non-students days OR chronological list of topics/content by week.

CC/CVE Course Elements Meeting times/variations. n Philosophy, purpose, length of CC experience. n CC specific activities, types of assignments and projects. n How CC activities are assessed, graded. n Details on CC day, times, control days n

On-Line Course Elements n Required. An explanation of: n n n n Communication – teacher to student and student-tostudent. How online participation will be assessed, graded. How the standards of appropriate online behavior will be maintained. The level of technical competence required by the students. Alternative procedures for submitting work in the event of technical breakdowns. Details of the in-class meeting requirements. How academic honesty will be enforced.

SCE Course Elements n Required. An explanation of: n n Suspension, drop and change policies, nonpayment issues. Statement of “Syllabus subject to change. ”

Goal n Each group to create a sample syllabus incorporating required and suggested elements. Please save on flash drive and email to those in your group.