The Two-Purpose Syllabus

Introduction

Explain course importance and teaching methods

• Students' prior knowledge
• Real-life connections
• Delivery methods
• Teaching philosophy

Course Goals/Outcomes

Articulate before designing activities

• Main concepts students should know
• Tasks students should perform
• Perceptions students should have

Course Activities

Methods to help achieve goals

• Purpose of each activity
• Alignment with outcomes
• Match assessment methods

Textbooks & Materials

Justify relevance and necessity

• Supports course concepts
• Helps achieve goals
• Cost-effective choice

Course Assignments

Synthesize concepts and reinforce learning

• Real-world applications
• Staged major projects
• Individual vs. team-based

Grading Policy

• Percentage or point scale
• Team vs. individual weights
• Individual > team component

Course Schedule

Organize topics, readings, assignments

• Week/Date/Topic table
• Readings and assignments due
• Religious holidays consideration

Learner-Centered Approach

Conversational tone addressing student needs

• Use "you," "your," "my"
• Explain course relevance
• Set positive tone

Introduction

First impression sets semester tone

• Connect to prior knowledge
• Explain teaching methods
• Clarify expectations

Course Goals

Help students understand expectations

• What they should know
• What they should do
• Clear learning outcomes

Course Activities

Explain teaching strategies and rationale

• Purpose of each method
• How strategies help learning
• Increase student buy-in

Textbooks & Materials

Justify textbook selection and cost

• Why this specific text
• How it contributes to learning
• Required vs. recommended

Course Assignments

Explain purpose of each assignment

• Learning objectives served
• Connection to course goals
• Real-world applications

Grading Policy

Clear breakdown of grade weights

Course Schedule

Advanced organizer for students

• Keep students on task
• Show relevance of readings
• Prevent due date confusion