A syllabus quiz acts as a contract to verify the understanding of essential elements of the syllabus. The purpose of a syllabus quiz is to familiarize students with the syllabus content and give students a chance to reflect on questions asked by students from previous terms. This step helps the instructor avoid answering the same questions repeatedly, and a syllabus quiz can ensure that students are responsible for their learning.

A syllabus quiz helps to clarify any misconceptions about course content or policies, such as late work. Students can review the necessary procedures and check technical issues, the course structure, locate due dates, and the instructor’s preferred communication method. Providing immediate feedback after completing the syllabus quiz will minimize confusion.

It’s an excellent way to see who’s engaging with the course right away and who might need extra encouragement. It’s also an easy way for students to be successful on their first assignment and perhaps lessen their anxiety over grades (particularly true in subjects that are anxiety-producing or viewed as intimidatingly tricky).