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Learner-Centered Syllabus

The purpose of a syllabus is to clearly communicate the value, purpose, and process of becoming educated in a field of study. A good syllabus is a road map to student success, carefully laying out a sequence of learning experiences, assignments, and requirements necessary to accomplish clearly articulated learning outcomes. It should include information, expectations, and policies in a way that welcomes all students into the learning process. (Please see CETL's Syllabus Checklist). Critically, the syllabus—like the first day of class—is the first chance we have to establish shared value, to engage in a collective and purposeful effort to accomplish learning goals. A good syllabus "…is more than a description of a class and an articulation of faculty expectations; it is an essential building block for a successful learning experience."

But what does that mean? What does that require from the faculty and the students? How do we build it and what should it look like?

A syllabus should be learner centered (noting the diversity of learners) and goal oriented (a pathway to success). It can also be viewed as something akin to a contract—a formal agreement between all parties, agreed to on the first day of class. A good contract protects both sides, and the expectations of professors and students alike should be clearly articulated. Students respond favorably to syllabi that indicate what they should reasonably expect of their professor—presence, accessibility, timely and meaningful feedback, etc. Students also respond favorably to unambiguous statements academic integrity, civility, accommodations, attendance, participation, assessments, and grading policies.

When you take a look at your syllabus, put yourself in the student's seat. Does it connect with students and inspire them, or does it look like a sterile set of rules and expectations? Does it convey the importance of what will be studied in a way that makes sense to students? Does it relate to your students and the rest of the curriculum? Think about flipping the value proposition and designing a syllabus that does more than convey rules and what students need to know and do. Explain the how and the why of their work—how and why specific assignments and activities are used to help students accomplish specific learning goals.

Because the syllabus is the initial point of contact between you and your students, your presence matters—and so does theirs. CETL can help you create video content, low-stakes engagements, and other interactions that foster community in your classes and Canvas spaces.

Just as you should use the written word carefully to reveal your commitment to student learning, you should take the time to discuss the syllabus with students on the first day of class. Don’t just read the document; talk about it. Share your commitment to their success and what that looks like. Discuss the intentionality of readings, exercises, activities, and assignments. Take the time to write and talk about:

• Why the course matters to students
• How the course relates to the curriculum
• How the learning activities relate to the course and their intellectual growth and development
• How the assignments and assessments relate to the student learning outcomes
• What the student's roles, rights, and responsibilities are
• What your role, rights, and responsibilities are

QUICK TIPS for the first day of class

• Encourage/require students to "know the syllabus" and the mission of the class.
  
• Encourage students to get to know one another—and you.
  • Consider using tools like Padlet, that allow students (and you) to post an image of themselves and something about themselves.
    
• Share the floor and be open to input (but remain in control).
• Are there better ways to address/accomplish certain learning goals?
• Break up into small groups and have students address the clearest and muddiest points about the syllabus.
  
• Ask them to share—anonymously, if they prefer—any concerns or aversions to the material and discuss potential solutions.
• Consider asking them about their goals and what you, the instructor, can do to assist them in accomplishing those goals.
• Talk about what learning looks like, and how you will try to teach to that.
• Consider, and talk to CETL about, how active learning can be integrated into the course and the curriculum.
  

The point is to communicate. Think, write, and talk about the class, the material, and the expectations in a way that includes, and does not alienate, your students. Keep that conversational presence with you beyond the first day of the semester.

RESOURCE MATERIALS

• The First Day of Class: A Once-a-Semester Opportunity (pdf) (Faculty Focus)
• Syllabus Checklist
• Suggested Syllabus Resources for Students (pdf)
• Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Courses and the Curriculum (DEIA)
• Inclusion By Design: Survey Your Syllabus and Course Design--a Worksheet (pdf)
• Words of wisdom for the first day of class . . .
• Flexible Syllabus Example (docx)
  Create a nimble/learning-centered syllabus—it is students' roadmap to success. Yours, too.
• How to Create a Syllabus (Chronicle of Higher Education)
• Visual Syllabus, Slides by Dr. Katrina Eichner (pdf)
• Visual Syllabus, Example by Dr. Katrina Eichner (pdf)

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