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Transcript

Laura Kaufmann and Robin Long

Syllabi at TCTC

What do you consider the most important elements on a syllabus?

Course materials Grading breakdown Due dates for assignmentsWeight of each assignment towards their overall grade Course objectives and learning outcomesInstructor contact information Attendance policy Policy on late assignments Academic integrity

What do students consider the most important elements on a syllabus?

Ummm…why do we have two syllabi?

  • Kept within program/division
  • Archived locally according to division/department policies
  • Divisions/programs may have standards to adhere to
  • Instructor dependent information
  • Easier to edit and update

Syllabus Addendum

  • Pulled directly from WIDS
    • Viewable by all TCTC employees
  • Archived at the College level
  • Information that requires various approvals to change
  • Information that is standardized across sections
  • Central repository for reporting and compliance requirements

WIDS Syllabus

  • Worldwide Instructional Design System
  • Curriculum management system which houses all official curriculum
documentation at Tri-County Technical College

Introduction to WIDS

Syllabus Staples

  • Course information: prefix, number, title, description, credit hours, class/lab hours
  • Pre or Corequisites
  • Course Competencies
  • Assessment Strategies and Criteria
  • College required statements
    • Course Evaluations
    • Accessibility Resource Center
    • Wellness Programs

College Level Staples on a WIDS Syllabus

A handout will be sent to you with step-by-step instructions to access your WIDS syllabus!

  • Website: www.tctc.wids.org
  • Or through My TCTC in the My Systems tile
  • No account? No problem! Just email me!

Accessing Your Syllabus

Syllabus: Road Block or Road Map?

NEVER FORGET: The world doesn’t stop turning because you choose to participate in extracurricular activities, go on a family trip, zone out for a day, or just not get out of bed in the morning. Whatever else you have going on in your life doesn’t excuse you from the requirements of this class. All deadlines are set well in advance of the due date. Plan accordingly. Accept the consequences of your choices.

From a syllabus:

  • Overly Authoritative Tone
  • Lack of Clarity
  • Focus on Policies Over Learning
  • Negative Perceptions
  • Inflexibility
  • Exclusionary Language
  • Hidden Curriculum
  • Overly Detailed
  • Lack of Flexibility
  • Negative Tone

How can syllabi be a roadblock to student learning?

  • Clarity and Organization
  • Sets the Tone
  • Guides Learning
  • Resource for Success
  • Encourages Engagement
  • Provides a Roadmap

How can a well-designed syllabus promote student success?

  • Fosters Transparency
    • Assignments will be graded using______ and are worth_____.
  • Uses Welcoming and Inclusive Language
    • In our structured and unstructured discussions and dialogues, we also will have many opportunities to explore some challenging issues and increase our understandings of different perspectives.
  • Uses Language of Student Over Content
    • If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, please don't hesitate to come and talk with me. I want to be a resource for you.

A great Syllabus

  • Is Clear and Concise
    • Electronics such as phones and tablets are not permitted during class time because they are not required for class participation and all class notes are provided.
  • Highlights Relevance to the Course and Beyond
    • Welcome to this course about________ where you will be learning_______ that will help you in_______(life) and in_______ career.
  • Shows Firm Flexibility
    • Unfortunately, illnesses, death in the family or other traumatic events are part of life. In the case of such an event, if you contact me within 48 hours of the event and provide documentation where possible, I will be happy to work with you.
  • Gives Information (but not too much information)
    • The materials for this course will be housed on Blackboard. For each assignment you can go to out Blackboard page to find more information about specific requirements.

A great Syllabus

Let’s Practice!