An Effective Syllabus

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An Effective Syllabus

A well-structured syllabus sets the tone and demonstrates a commitment to student-centered learning. As a helpful tool and guide, the syllabus toolkit encompasses many strategies, actionable items, and examples of suggested wording. Except for the Required and Recommended ISU Statements, you do not have to list every numbered item in your syllabus. Instead, choose which items will help you and your students to make your syllabus matter (toolkit, p. 2) and foster engagement with the syllabus; consider incorporating sample syllabus quiz questions, group discussions, scavenger hunts, Top Hat quizzes, etc. 

Required and Recommended ISU Syllabus Statements
Mindful and Learner-Centered Syllabus Toolkit (PDF)
Sample Syllabus Quiz Questions (PDF)
Make Your Syllabus Matter (PDF)
  • Accessible Syllabus website (Tulane University)
  • Cullen, R., & Harris, M. (2009). Assessing learner-centeredness through course syllabi. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 34(1), 115–125. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.iastate.edu/10.1080/02602930801956018
  • Cullen, R., Harris, M., & Hill, R. (2012). The learner-centered curriculum: Design and implementation. Jossey-Bass.
  • Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses (Rev. ed.). Jossey-Bass.
  • Gannon, C. (2018). How to create a syllabus: Advice guide. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from https://www.chronicle.com/article/how-to-create-a-syllabus/ Accessed on May 22, 2019.
  • Harnish, R. J. & Bridges, K. R. (2011). Effect of syllabus tone: students’ perceptions of instructor and course. Social Psychology of Education, 14(3), 319– 330.
  • Harnish, R. J., McElwee, R. O., Slattery, J. M., Frantz, S., Haney, M. R., Shore, C. M., & Penley, J. (2011, January). Creating the foundation for a warm classroom climate: Best practices in syllabus tone. Observer, 24(1). Retrieved from http://bit.ly/33aQlwm
  • Nilson, L. B. (2016). Teaching at its best: A research-based resource for college instructors (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
  • Palmer, M. S., Bach, D. J., & Streifer, A. C. (2014). Measuring the promise: A learning-focused syllabus rubric. To improve the academy: A journal of educational development, 33(1), 14 -36. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1002/tia2.20004
  • Richlin L. (2006). Blueprint for Learning: Constructing College Courses to Facilitate, Assess, and Document Learning. Vol 1st ed. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
  • Richmond, A. S. (2016, September). Constructing a learner-centered syllabus: One professor’s journey. IDEA Paper #60. Retrieved from https://www.ideaedu.org/.
  • Richmond, A. S., Boysen, G. A., & Gurung, R. A. R. (2016). An evidence-based guide to college and university teaching: Developing the model teacher. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.proxy.lib.iastate.edu
  • Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TiLT) Higher Ed website (https://tilthighered.com/).
  • Vai, M., & Sosulski, K. (2011). Essentials of online course design: A standards-based guide. Routledge.
  • Winkelmes, M.A., Boye, A., & Tapp, S. (2019). Transparent design in higher education teaching and leadership: A guide to implementing the transparency framework institution-wide to improve learning and retention. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
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