Inclusive Syllabus Design
The course syllabus is one of the most important teaching documents in our course as it sets the tone for the educational experiences that the instructor and students will embark on together. For this reason, we would like to share with you resources on syllabus design that focus on creating an inclusive, equity-minded, and learner-centered course syllabus. Ultimately, these resources may also positively influence the teaching and learning practices we implement in our day-to-day activities in the classroom.
In this section, please find the following resources on designing an inclusive, equity-minded, and learner-centered course syllabus
•The Syllabus: A Tool that Shapes Students’ Academic Experiences
One resource you can incorporate in your syllabus is a "Syllabus Snapshot." A Syllabus Snapshot is a visually appealing and quick course overview. Often, a Syllabus Snapshot highlights the most common questions students may have about the course, such as an instructor welcoming introduction and contact information, purpose and relevance of the course, feedback and assessment on learning, available resources for learning and growth, and expectations for course modality among others. Most importantly, the tone and language choices in this piece, as in the entire syllabus, are warm, welcoming, encouraging, and supportive in nature as we emphasize the importance of student-instructor collaboration and partnership to ensure success in the course and beyond. Please review the following Syllabus Snapshot examples from our colleagues.
Dr. Tulay Atesin, Associate Professor, Chemistry
Dra. Alyssa G. Cavazos, Associate Professor, Writing and Language Studies
Ms. Denae Dibrell, Lecturer, II Writing and Language Studies
Ms. Erica Giles, Lecturer II, University College
To learn more about creating a Syllabus Snapshot visit this page.
Resources to create a Syllabus Snapshot
The following are recorded CTE Teaching Conversations and presentations that explore designing inclusive course syllabi:
•Teaching a Good First Day of Class: Exploring Learner-Centered and Inclusive Syllabi Design
•Rocking the Syllabus: Innovative Ways to Make Your Syllabus Student Centered and Engaging