Syllabus Development

Syllabus A tangible guide or blueprint to the

educational experience Arranged from general to specific

Institution objectives

Program objectives

Course objectives

Unit objectives

Uses of Syllabi in Higher Education Syllabi are public descriptions of

courses Often are used in grievance and judicial

hearings Used routinely to determine course

equivalency in transfer situations Forms a contract between the student

and the university (Bers, Davis and Taylor, 1996)

Uses of Syllabi (Continued) Review of syllabi can be a means to

evaluate curriculum over time Serves an organizational role in course

development Makes clear the responsibilities of the

faculty and students Provides security for students in

knowing the expectations of a particular course

(McKeachie, 2006)

Course Description An expanded version of the course

description than in the college catalogue. Also includes:

1. Course title2. Prefix and number3. Credit hours4. Course description5. Prerequisites/Co-requisites6. Course purposes

Necessary Contents of a Nursing Course Syllabus

Contact information for the faculty1. Instructor’s name2. Office hours3. Office location4. Work and/or home telephone numbers5. E-mail6. Classroom location

General Program Objectives

These objectives delineate the overall expected learning objectives of the program.

Program Objectives Identification Program objectives met in a course can be

depicted at the end of the course objectives by Roman Numerals. For example:

Objectives:1. Apply knowledge from nursing and related disciplines to professional nursing practice in all levels of prevention. (I, VIII). In this example, I and VIII are Program Objectives.

Course Objectives

The list of course objectives may begin with: “Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to…”

Methods for Accomplishing the Course Objectives

Weekly readings Specific projects with due dates Papers with due dates

Teaching/Learning Strategies Include strategies to facilitate learning

Online instruction Discussion boards E-mail Lectures Group projects Small group discussion or collaboration Sites on the World Wide Web Simulation

Methods of Evaluation

This section may include deliverables for the class: projects, tests, and expected class participation.

Should correlate to the learning objectives

Grading

Includes the grading scale Provides criteria for each learning

assessment Specifies overall criteria for

assigning a course grade including percentages for course assignments and tests

Textbook or Software Required

Specifies the required textbooks and software packages student must purchase

Attendance Policy If the course faculty require attendance

this is stated in the syllabus. Consequences of absences must also be included.

e.g. Students are expected to attend all classes. A student’s grade will be decreased by one percentage point for every unexcused absence after one absence.

Disability Services

Provide list of services available Include contact information

Academic Integrity

Definitions of plagiarism Using another student’s work Define cheating

Student Support Services

Library services Learning resource center Tutoring Open laboratory hours Computer lab hours Online resources and services(http:www.curriculumworkshop.com.yc/syllabus/

required.html)

Course Outline Specifications

Topical outline of course content

Course Calendar

Dates the class meets Due dates for assignments Dates for tests Topics or content areas

(http:www.curriculumworkshop.com.yc/syllabus/

required.html)

Assignment Topics

The instructor’s wording of assignment topics can “convey excitement and stimulate curiosity”.

McKeachie, W. J. & Svinicki, M. (2006). Teaching tips: Strategies, research, and theory for college and university teachers. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Presentation

Positive and professional tone Easy to read Thoughtful organization Visually appealing

(http:www.curriculumworkshop.com.yc/syllabus/required.html)