Syllabus Preparation
One traditional approach to a syllabus is to view it as a “contract” between instructor and students. If a problem occurs with disagreement over how the course is conducted or grades are assessed, the function of the syllabus may come down to just a contract, but in reality, the positive potential in a syllabus is much greater. There are a few things you can do to create a welcoming document that provides valuable information to your students throughout the academic term, and you might be able to lighten your own workload by ensuring common student questions are answered in advance.
Here are some tips and resources for syllabus preparation in the College of Nursing.
~ Start with one of the CON templates.
You will find the templates on the CON N-drive: N:\Course_Information\Syllabi\
~ Clearly state important course policies in positive language.
~ Explain clearly how grades will be calculated using the simplest math possible.
Have a colleague look at your grade calculation explanation and ask them if they would be able to calculate their own grade for your class based on your explanation.
~ Include a course calendar with a topical schedule.
Use Carmen to include details for each week or module, such as specific readings with page numbers and instructions to access content.
~ Lay out your plan and preferences for communication with students.
State how you prefer to be contacted by students, whether you have a preference for how they address you, and what your expected turn-around time is for responding.
Resources
Iowa State provides a learner-centered checklist with some helpful suggestions
OSU’s ODEE has suggested syllabus language related to Proctorio (exam proctoring) and academic integrity
College of Nursing Syllabus Preparation FAQ (required content, what can/cannot be changed, clock hours, etc.)
College of Nursing Syllabi Tips from Barb Price and Andrea Pack
Sample syllabus quiz questions from Arizona State, and an article on the syllabus quiz strategy from Teaching of Psychology (2009).
References
Iowa State University Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. (n.d.). How to create an effective syllabus [web page]. Retrieved from https://www.celt.iastate.edu/teaching/preparing-to-teach/how-to-create-an-effective-syllabus/
Raymark, P. H., & Connor-Greene, P. A. (2009). The syllabus quiz. Teaching of Psychology, 29(4), 286-288.
