A syllabus is used to communicate information. Broadly this communication conveys what the course is about, why the course is taught, how it will be taught, and what will be required of students to successfully complete the course.

The course syllabus also sets the tone for the class. Creating a learning-centered syllabus versus a traditional syllabus can help foster a more engaging and shared learning environment.

In this course you will learn how to construct a syllabus that will engage students. Learn the various sections of a common syllabus, with best practices for making the syllabus a more valuable tool in any class.

Learn how to add policies and grading criteria, and how to summarize exactly what students will accomplish by the end of the course.

An effective syllabus brings together learning goals and objectives, learning activities, and means of assessment, presenting them to students clearly and precisely. The syllabus clarifies the instructor and student roles and has a significant impact on how students interpret the course and how they perceive their instructor. At its best, a syllabus presents a course as “an organized and meaningful journey”

Discuss the syllabus during your first class. Even when your policies are carefully stated, students will often need clarification and will appreciate your openness in discussing your rationale. In some cases, their questions may lead to a beneficial exchange about course goals and philosophies.