ERIC Number: ED268911
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1986
Pages: 17
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
What Does Your Course Syllabus Communicate?
Brodeur, Doris R.
Elements that might be included in a course syllabus are discussed, and reasons for a well-written syllabus are briefly noted. The following syllabus elements are covered: course description, course objectives, course structure, textbook and required materials, recommended optional materials, course schedule, deadlines, evaluation methods, policy on re-tests, attendance, statement on plagiarism and cheating, and resource and reference lists. Included are examples of course descriptions, which provide in two or three sentences an overview or general purpose of the course. A list of possible course objectives, which need to clearly communicate expected performance, is also provided, along with an example of how to describe a course structure, which may involve many formats (e.g., lectures, laboratory, contract plan, field trips). Advice on developing the course schedule and on setting and specifying deadlines addresses difficulty students often have in pacing themselves. The following evaluation methods are considered: assignments, examinations, and the grading system. Use of weighting or percentage systems for grades is briefly addressed, and policies on tests and ways of evaluating students are noted. (SW)
Descriptors: Assignments, Course Content, Course Descriptions, Course Objectives, Course Organization, Educational Objectives, Evaluation Methods, Grading, Guidelines, Higher Education, Student Evaluation
Illinois State University, College of Education, 232 De Garmo Hall, Normal, IL 61761.
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A