how to review a course syllabus

by Miss Kelly Funk 4 min read

What should be in a syllabus review?

Syllabus review is an opportunity for structured inquiry and reflection, providing a safe space to assess aspects of teaching as reflected in syllabi, for example, course goals, class norms and rules, expectations for and evaluations of student learning, and forms of assistance and support.

How do you review a course?

How to Review EffectivelyReview Your Information Immediately. Spend a few minutes reviewing new information as soon as you've learned it. ... Schedule Further Reviews. ... Test Yourself. ... Rewrite Your Notes. ... Teach Someone Else. ... Put Your Learning Into Action. ... Know When to Take a Break.

How do you read a course syllabus?

2:123:07How to Read a Course Syllabus - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRead details carefully and highlight or make notes within the margins. Use your syllabus to guideMoreRead details carefully and highlight or make notes within the margins. Use your syllabus to guide your learning throughout the semester. And refer back to it often when questions arise.

How do you make a syllabus review fun?

Activities to Engage Students in With the SyllabusSyllabus Scavenger Hunt. A syllabus scavenger hunt is my favorite way of getting students to engage and interact with the syllabus. ... Syllabus Icebreaker. ... Open-Note Quiz. ... Syllabus Stations. ... Syllabus Escape Room. ... Get Social.Jul 3, 2021

How do we write a review?

​8 tips for writing great customer reviewsProvide useful, constructive feedback.Talk about a range of elements, including customer service.Be detailed, specific, and honest.Leave out links and personal information.Keep it civil and friendly.Feel free to update your review if needed.More items...

How do I give feedback on course content?

Be specific and provide examples when commenting on the course or the instructor. Speak based on your own experiences, not on behalf of your classmates. Focus on observable behaviours of the instructor or on specific aspects of the course. Describe the situation you are commenting on.

How do you read and understand a course?

Be prepared to READ material twice.Decrease your pace and read actively. ... As you read, look for answers to the questions you noted down earlier.Question the author's reasoning. ... Compare diagrams and illustrations with the written text. ... Make sure you understand what you are reading.More items...•Dec 23, 2019

How do you use a syllabus?

Carefully read the syllabus for clues as to what s/he expects. Your syllabus contains the important due dates for exams, assignments, papers, and problem sets. Add the dates to your calendar to plan your semester. Set personal deadlines to avoid procrastination and manage your workload.

What is syllabus example?

The definition of a syllabus is a summary of what will be covered in a course of study. An example of a syllabus is what a college professor hands out to his students on the first day of class. A summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or a text or lecture.

How do you present a syllabus?

To do this, a syllabus should include the following:Basic course information (course by number, section, title, semester, meeting times, days, place, format)Instructor information (name, title, rank, office location, office phone number, e-mail)Description of the course content.More items...

How do you introduce a class syllabus?

Syllabus icebreaker: You can roll exploring the syllabus into an icebreaker activity. For example, you can assign students to become an expert at one portion of the syllabus, then ask them to move through the room, introducing themselves to one another and learning about the syllabus from their classmates.

How do I make my syllabus more interactive?

A Guide on How to Build an Interactive SyllabusInstructor records self. ... Interactions as sections of the syllabus. ... Table of contents. ... Assign to learners. ... The learner experience. ... The learner experience after completion. ... Monitoring the interactive syllabus.Jul 30, 2020

What is a course syllabus?

Academic Success Services. A course syllabus is one of the most important documents you will receive from your professor. Believe it or not, your course syllabus will play a vital role in the overall success of your course.

Why is a syllabus important?

If properly utilized, a course syllabus will help you plan your semester efficiently and help limit confusion and stress. In short, a course syllabus will indicate what you as a student will be expected to do in a course, and how your performance throughout the course will be evaluated and graded. Common questions about a course can often be ...

How many hours does Suffolk University take?

For a 3 credit course, you should anticipate a total of 135 hours, and for a 4 credit course, you should anticipate a total of 180 hours.

What is Suffolk University's ethical standards?

Students are expected to practice ethical behavior in all learning environments and scenarios, including classrooms and laboratories, internships and practica, and study groups and academic teams. Cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, use of unauthorized electronic devices, self-plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, and other types of academic misconduct are treated as serious offenses that initiate a formal process of inquiry, one that may lead to disciplinary sanctions.

What is textbook material?

Textbooks can refer to print or digital books and course materials may refer to different items such as calculators, clickers, computer software, etc.

Is a course syllabus easy to read?

At a first glance, a course syllabus may seem overwhelming, but be assured that it is actually a very easy to read document. Below you will find a list of sections you will commonly see your course syllabus, the type of information found in each of those sections, ...

What is a syllabi?

Syllabi are a key feature of every academic course, documents that serve multiple purposes. Most often, syllabi are seen as contractsbetween students and the instructor and as records of what courses cover and how student outcomes and performance are evaluated for accountability purposes (Parkes & Harris, 2002).

What is inquiry in syllabi?

As artifacts of practice that capture how faculty see the course, what they assume students should be able to accomplish, and what they will do to advance student learning, inquiry into syllabi has the potential to reveal the assumptions, attitudes, values, and beliefs that shape teaching.

What is the CUE?

Additional resources & Appendices p. 25. Established in 1999, the mission of the Center for Urban Education(CUE) is to lead socially conscious research and develop tools for institutions of higher education to produce equity in outcomes.

What is whoit written for?

In addition, examining the content and language of a syllabus can help make explicit . whoit is written for (e.g., students, faculty, institution ), and thus, whoit—and by extension, the faculty who created and uses it—serves.

The course syllabus has multiple functions

1) The syllabus is a course-planning tool. It helps the instructor prepare and organize the course. Taking the time to construct a detailed syllabus will help you define the course goals; plan the course structure and assignments, exams, review sessions, and other activities; and determine how much time you should devote to particular topics.

Additional Considerations

When preparing the syllabus, pay attention to organization, layout, and typography to ensure that the document is easy to read.

What information should appear on the syllabus?

Note that you can choose to put some information on a course Web site or on Blackboard rather than including it on the written document. It is always a good idea, however, to put the “essential information” listed below on the printed syllabus, even if it also appears online.

What is a course syllabus?

A course syllabus is a document created by instructors to communicate all need-to-know information about how students can be successful in a specific course.

How do you plan a syllabus?

Before you begin constructing your course syllabus, you’ll need to gather and prepare to include a few key pieces of information. From the basic logistics to a weekly breakdown of the semester's schedule, let's walk through the six types of information you’ll need to include in your next syllabus.

What are the main principles of syllabus design?

Writing a syllabus that both prepares and excites your students for your course depends on more than just the information you include in it. Factor in how you include that information as well.

Where can you access a course syllabus template to begin planning?

When you're ready to start outlining your syllabus, first check with your educational institution. They may have a template that you're required to use to maintain consistency across courses. Even if a template isn’t required, they may have one that you can use as a starting point.

What are the questions on the syllabus?

The syllabus quiz is unique to each instructor’s preferences and course, but here are some popular questions that may help get you started: 1 What are the preferred methods of communicating with the instructor? 2 Why is logging in regularly and reading announcements helpful to succeeding online? 3 Where are the assignment due dates located? 4 Is late work accepted? 5 What is the policy for making up an exam, quiz, or project? 6 Where is technical support information found? 7 What does substantive mean in regards to discussion posts? 8 How are the learning materials, such as readings, videos, and lectures, helpful? 9 What happens if a student plagiarizes material? 10 Are there extra credit opportunities? 11 Why is the Online Learner Support page useful to me?

Why do we use a syllabus quiz?

The purpose of a syllabus quiz is to familiarize students with the syllabus content. This also gives students a chance to reflect on questions asked by students from previous terms. This step helps the instructor avoid answering the same questions repeatedly. Further, a syllabus quiz can ensure that students are responsible for their learning.

Can students review the syllabus?

Students can review the necessary procedures and check technical issues. They can also review the course structure, locate due dates, and the instructor’s preferred communication method. Providing immediate feedback after completing the syllabus quiz will minimize confusion.

What should be included in a syllabus?

To do this, a syllabus should include the following: Important dates (e.g., assignment due dates, exam dates, and holidays)

What is a syllabus?

The syllabus as a permanent record. A syllabus should serve accountability and documentation functions. It should document what was covered in a course, at what level, and for what kind of credit. Such a syllabus contains information useful for evaluation of instructors, courses, and programs, and can thus be useful in course equivalency transfer ...

What is a syllabus in college?

A syllabus lets students know what the course is about, why the course is taught, where it is going, and what will be required for them to be successful in the course (Altman & Cashin, 2003). By clearly communicating expectations, instructors can circumvent a whole host of student grievances and misunderstandings during the semester.

Why is a syllabus important?

The syllabus as a learning tool. A syllabus should help students become more effective learners in the course. While many of these items are not required for syllabi at Illinois, adding them can greatly improve students' ability to learn the material. To do this, a syllabus should include the following:

What is the purpose of a syllabus?

The purpose of the syllabus should drive the decision as to what content to include. Three major purposes that a syllabus should serve are as a contract, a permanent record, and a learning tool (Parkes & Harris, 2002). In many cases, items are essentially required—especially for General Education courses, according to the Provost's Office ...

What is the process of developing a syllabus?

The process of developing a syllabus can be a reflective exercise, leading the instructor to carefully consider his or her philosophy of teaching, why the course is important, how the course fits in the discipline, as well as what topics will be covered, when assignments will be due, and so on (Eberly, Newton, & Wiggins, 2001; Grunert, 1997).

Is a syllabus a personal document?

The syllabus is, thus, both a professional document and a personal document. When a syllabus reflects the instructor's feelings, attitudes, and beliefs about the subject matter, teaching, learning, and students—as well as setting out the “nuts and bolts” of the course—the syllabus can serve as a guide to the instructor as much as a guide to ...

What are the conditions for a discussion of a case?

Meaningful discussions depend upon five prerequisite conditions: 1) presence, 2) punctuality, 3) preparation, 4) participation, and 5) pertinence. Each student must be thoroughly familiar with the details of the case and be ready to share his/her views with the class.

What is project management course?

This course develops the competencies and skills for planning and controlling projects and understanding interpersonal issues that drive successful project outcomes. Focusing on the introduction of new products and processes, it examines the project management life cycle, defining project parameters, matrix management challenges, effective project management tools and techniques, and the role of a project manager.

What is the case method?

The case method provides a pragmatic framework for the learning process. Its success depends heavily on student preparation and active participation in class discussions. The Case Method of Learning. The case method of learning requires that each person prepare for the case on his or her own.

What is the challenge of project management?

A key and often overlooked challenge for project managers is the ability to manage without influence —to gain the support of stakeholders and access to resources not directly under their control. Special attention is given to critical success factors required to overcome resistance to change.

What are the office hours for Harvard Extension?

Office hours: 1:30-2:00pm on days when the class meets with the faculty member who is teaching on that day. Faculty are also available via email throughout the course. Snow Cancellations: 617-495-4024, 617-496-NEWS, Harvard Extension Website http://extension.dce.harvard.edu. ...

When is assignment #4 due?

This assignment is due on January 7, 2016 so teams can lay this groundwork prior to beginning the final assignment.

Does Harvard Extension School offer credit?

The course may be taken for credit at the Harvard Extension School, but does not offer credits towards outside certification. 2. Course Purpose. This course focuses on project management methodology that will allow you to initiate and manage projects efficiently and effectively.

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The Course Syllabus Has Multiple Functions

  • 1) The syllabus is a course-planning tool. It helps the instructor prepare and organize the course. Taking the time to construct a detailed syllabus will help you define the course goals; plan the course structure and assignments, exams, review sessions, and other activities; and determine how much time you should devote to particular topics. 2) The syllabus is a prospectus that ans…
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Additional Considerations

  1. When preparing the syllabus, pay attention to organization, layout, and typography to ensure that the document is easy to read.
  2. Date the syllabus before you distribute it to students.
  3. Consider putting your syllabus online as well as on paper. As part of a course Web site, the syllabus will be easy for you to modify throughout the semester and will be accessible for stu…
  1. When preparing the syllabus, pay attention to organization, layout, and typography to ensure that the document is easy to read.
  2. Date the syllabus before you distribute it to students.
  3. Consider putting your syllabus online as well as on paper. As part of a course Web site, the syllabus will be easy for you to modify throughout the semester and will be accessible for students who...
  4. On the first day of class, have plenty of copies available—especially if the course is likely to be popular and students are “comparison shopping”—and go over the syllabus carefully to reduce the r...

What Information Should Appear on The syllabus?

  • Note that you can choose to put some information on a course Web site or on Blackboardrather than including it on the written document. It is always a good idea, however, to put the “essential information” listed below on the printed syllabus, even if it also appears online.
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Essential Information

  1. Course title, number, time, days, and location; URL for course Web site, if applicable
  2. Name and contact information of instructor(s) and, if applicable, TA(s)
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