Writing the Syllabus Teaching Skills 2006

Purpose of Syllabus Communicates what the course is about Communicates what students need to know in the beginning of the course Communicates what students need to know in writing Syllabus is a contract that shifts responsibility for learning to student

Course Information Course title Course number Prerequisites? Location of class Days and times Hours/lab/lecture/small group

Instructor Information Name, title Office phone, office hours Contact information Other lecturers’ contact information Administrative support in department contact information addresses Emergency contact number

Course Goals and Description Statements that describe overall scope of content Communicate course focus What it is and how it fits into the program How it is organized-lecture, lab, small groups, WebCT, case-based learning, independent study

Objectives Insert at least five objectives State exactly what the learner will be able to do after the instruction State behavioral or performance objectives that are outcomes based and measurable Use verbs in Bloom’s Taxonomy handout

Bloom’s Taxonomy of Objectives Knowledge: define, list, repeat, name, recall, state Comprehension: identify, explain, report, tell, translate, describe, discuss, express Application: illustrate, demonstrate, use, interpret, practice, schedule Analysis: appraise, contrast, debate, differentiate, examine, test, categorize, distinguish, calculate Synthesis: arrange, collect, create, manage, organize, design, collect, prepare, plan Evaluation: compare, measure, review, score, select, value, judge, assess, rate, revise

Text and Learning Resources Reading lists-what is required and what is recommended Library or web based resources- be sure library knows what to have on- hand Materials and supplies - state costs

Policies How will students be evaluated Grading Plan Attendance policies, lateness Remediation Exam reviews Exam challenges Rules of conduct in the classroom

Other Items for Consideration Class schedule Course evaluations Listing of all course faculty with contact information Other resources

Preparing Your Syllabus for WebCT Create your syllabus using MS Word your document to Donna Dobie, IST Donna will convert the Word document to PDF format and upload the syllabus to the appropriate WebCT course If you prefer to upload the syllabus yourself, you can do this as well. Donna will be happy to show you how. Please contact Donna Dobie via or phone for information about WebCT or to schedule training.