CREATING A LEARNER-CENTERED SYLLABUS Introduction The syllabus is often your students’ first real introduction to your course. It is also the perfect opportunity to set the stage for success by creating a learner-centered syllabus. Alearner-centered syllabus gives students power and control over their own learning. Further details can be found in The Course Syllabus: A Learning-centered Approach by Judith Grunert O'Brien, Barbara J. Millis, and Margaret W. Cohen. You may check out the book from the Kraemer Family Library or the Faculty Resource Center. Defining a Learner-Centered Syllabus A syllabus sets the tone for the entire course. The main purpose of a syllabus is to provide information to assist students in successful completion of a course. A learner-centered syllabus provides an overview of the course, outlines expectations and policies, and highlights resources that promote a quality learning experience. Your syllabus is a reference guide that defines course expectations, communication structure, and logistics. A learner-centered syllabus shares the power and control of what is learned and how it is learned. An effective learner-centered syllabus should define: intended goals and student outcomes role and responsibilities of the instructor and learner communication between instructor and students course logistics including deadlines, grading, and late assignments college and instructor policies standards and procedures for assessment The Components of a Learner-Centered Syllabus Syllabus Component* Relevant or Required Course Description and Purpose Course title and number, description, credit hours, prerequisites, and technical requirements This statement should explain why your course is important and simulate student interest and motivation. This section may include an overview of how you plan to conduct the course and the students’ need for commitment and participation. Instructor Information Name, contact information, educational background, and research In this section, you will define who you are and how to contact you. Consider introducing your educational and research background. Provide a link to your web site. Quick Tips Provide as many different contact options and indicate the preferred method of contact. Teaching Philosophy Provides insight on selection and rationale for instructional strategies and assessment. Course Goals or Objectives A single paragraph of the instructor's overall goals of the course. Generally course objectives are broad statements concerning what will be addressed in each unit of course content. Course objectives are instructor-focused; they specify the direction and goal of instruction. Textbook(s) Title, author, edition, publisher, publication date, ISBN, and web site This section should include all required textbook and how to purchase. Indicate whether textbooks are required or optional. Include reference to publisher's supplemental textbook web site if one is available. Assignments List all assignments for successful completion of the course. This section should include all assignments and activities for the course. For each assignment, provide a brief description and include specific criteria for how you will evaluate students' work and how it is tied to your grading policy. Supplemental Readings and Resources List all supplemental resources which students should consult/utilize during the course. Specify whether supplemental resources are required or optional. Course Schedule May include: topics, dates, assignments, due dates, schedule quizzes or exams Include topics covered, assignments, due dates, and exams. Class Policies* This section should include course and campus policies such as participation, late for class, "netiquette" for online discussion, email, and other forms of communication; academic misconduct/plagiarism and other department, college, or campus policies related to online courses including statement of academic honesty and disability statement. Explain procedures and policies for accepting late work and/or missed exams. Include a specific list of drop/withdrawal dates. Disability Services Statement and the Military Statement Grading Policy Support Services* Detailed explanation of the breakdown of grade by requirements. Indication of points/percentage required for final course grades. Library, Blackboard support and Excel centers Assists students in seeking additional assistance. *Sample statements and links for components with an asterisk are included in the Appendix. Composing a Learner-Centered Syllabus A few items to consider: A syllabus for an online course should be designed as a reference guide with table of contents, headings, short paragraphs, and bulleted points as needed. More is better but not too much - Be specific - If your syllabus is not detailed enough, your students will email you for additional information. Provide specific details about assignments, participation, and other expectations and consequences. It should be an entry point of communication with you and provide the necessary level of detail. Make sure to post an announcement detailing any changes and revised document. Maintain a friendly tone - A syllabus should not have excessive warnings or threats. A syllabus which clearly lays out policy but maintains a friendly tone will make students more comfortable from the beginning. Identify Learner-Centered Language in a Syllabus The language you use in your syllabus should clearly state your and your students’ responsibilities. Learner Centered Language Not Learner Centered Language If you (the student) choose not to attend classes, you will be removed from the class after the third absence. I (the instructor) will drop you after three absences. To be successful in this course, you must submit your assignments on or before the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted. No late assignments will be accepted. You (the student) may choose to withdraw from your class. Please note the last date for withdrawal is October 5, 2012. Please email me prior to your withdrawal as I am concerned about your progress in this course. The last day to withdraw is October 5, 2012. No excuses! Review Checklist As you begin to develop your own syllabus refer to your department requirements for syllabi in addition to the information contained herein. Some colleges have their own required template. Use this checklist to review your syllabus: Is course information and instructor contact information clear and accurate? Are course objectives explicitly stated in terms of the course goals? Does the calendar or schedule include activities and due dates for each week? Are all assignments listed and suitable for students to reach the course goals? Do assessments accurately reflect student mastery? Does the syllabus include policies and procedures to assist students in completing thecourse? Does the syllabus provide adequate information to assist students in successful completion of the course? Your syllabus sets the stage for your entire course. It is vital that you provide the details necessary for students to be successful in your course. APPENDIX – SAMPLE SYLLABUS STATEMENTS AND LINKS Disability Services (or Accommodations) If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to register with Disability Services and provide them with documentation of your disability. They will work with you to determine what accommodations are appropriate for your situation. To avoid any delay, you should contact Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and disability accommodations cannot be provided until a Faculty Accommodation Letter has been given to me. Please contact Disability Services for more information at Main Hall room 105, 719-255-3354 or dservice@uccs.edu. Military Students If you are a military student with the potential of being called to military service or training during the course of the semester, you are encouraged to contact your UCCS course instructor no later than the first week of class to discuss the class attendance policy. Please see the Military Students web site for more information. Policy Links Student Code of Conduct and Behavior Policy Discrimination and Harassment Withdrawing See the Course Schedule guidelines for withdrawing from a class prior to census date or after the 10th week of a regular semester (5th week of summer semester). After census date the course may not be dropped unless there are circumstances clearly beyond the student’s control (accident, illness), or the student is in good standing (not failing) and chooses not to continue. Library Information Kramer Family Library Off-campus access to Library resources Excel Centers The UCCS Excel Centers include the Language Center, the Mathematics Center, the Communication Center, the Science Center, and the Writing Center. These five academic centers are designed to provide critical academic and individual support to all students in the University in all major academic areas, both within and beyond the classroom. Or refer to individual centers pertinent to your discipline: Communication Center Language Center Mathematics Center Science Center Writing Center Testing Center The University Testing Center is a proctoring site for students who are making up an exam, taking an exam early, taking a proctored exam, or taking a standardized exam. Please schedule appointments at least 24-hours in advance. Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 719-255-3354 or dservice@uccs.edu. Technology Requirements Review the UCCS Technology Requirements to determine if your personal computer meets the standards. Students are expected to check the course on Blackboard and UCCS Student e-mail account daily Students are expected to have the following computer skills: Word processing including formatting documents E-mail including sending, receiving and e-mail attachments Internet searches UCCS library database searches Students must keep their anti-virus definitions up to date For Blackboard support, call 1-877-654-8309 or visit the Blackboard Online Support Center For technology assistance related to logging into campus computers, determining your UCCS email address, visit the IT Help Desk or call 719-255-3536