Visually Mapping Course Design for Students: The Graphic Syllabus * Jackie Cason, Ph.D. Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence New Faculty Orientation Fall 2006 *Adapted from a pre-conference workshop by Linda B. Nilson, Clemson University, Writing Across the Curriculum Conference, May 2006, and from the UAF Center for Distance Education and Distance Learning Systems based on the work of Grant Wiggins & Jay McTighe, 1998, Understanding by Design.

Reflecting on Current Practice What ‘planning process’ do you currently use when developing a course and preparing your syllabus? Take a moment to generate a response. You can jot notes, create a diagram or flowchart, or write a descriptive paragraph. Just capture your current process!

Identifying Course Goals Traditional ProcessTraditional Process –Curriculum Content Guides –Previous Syllabi Backward DesignBackward Design –Enduring Understandings –Essential Questions –Unit Questions and Activities

Traditional Process Teach, Test, Hope for the Best

Backward Design Stages of the Backward Design Process

Why “Backward”? The stages are logical but they go against habits! We’re used to jumping to lesson and activity ideas first before clarifying our performance goals for students.We’re used to jumping to lesson and activity ideas first before clarifying our performance goals for students. By thinking through the assessments up front, we ensure greater alignment of our goals and means, and ensure that our teaching is focused on desired results.By thinking through the assessments up front, we ensure greater alignment of our goals and means, and ensure that our teaching is focused on desired results.

Curricular Priorities Types of Understanding/Bodies of Knowledge

Levels of Knowledge It’s worth being familiar with if it…  is really interesting and adds value to lifelong learning.  can be a hook to a big idea or theme.  helps in making links to other ideas or disciplines. It is important to know and do if it…  is key to understanding the subject.  is something one might need to know and do throughout life.  links to enduring understandings. It is an enduring understanding if it…  is at the heart of the discipline.  has value beyond the classroom.  is that aspect of learning that will remain for a lifetime

Uncoverage Instead of Covering Material, Uncover It Instead of Covering Material, Uncover It –Find ways to have students do the material, not just learn it. –Focus on integrated performance, not isolated lessons. –Enduring understandings are subtle and unobvious. –Uncover what is vital and revealing. –What is uncovered is a shorthand for results of inquiries, problems, and arguments, not self-evident fact. BreadthBreadth –Unearth, Analyze, Question, Prove, Generalize –Not the same as coverage DepthDepth –Connect, Picture, Extend

Some Enduring Understandings American History Individuals and their varied backgrounds contribute to the diversity of American culture and society.Individuals and their varied backgrounds contribute to the diversity of American culture and society. Tensions are inherent in the principles, values, and ideals of American society.Tensions are inherent in the principles, values, and ideals of American society.

Some Enduring Understandings Composition Studies Communication is contextual and occurs at the intersection of writer, audience, and publication forum.Communication is contextual and occurs at the intersection of writer, audience, and publication forum. Genres evolve, and are always evolving, as a matter of practice; therefore, the “rules” of good writing are descriptive rather than prescriptive.Genres evolve, and are always evolving, as a matter of practice; therefore, the “rules” of good writing are descriptive rather than prescriptive. Citation practices in academic writing are the means of joining an ongoing intellectual conversation and a way of contributing new knowledge to that conversation.Citation practices in academic writing are the means of joining an ongoing intellectual conversation and a way of contributing new knowledge to that conversation. Writing styles arise out of a community’s particular ways of knowing and being.Writing styles arise out of a community’s particular ways of knowing and being.

Activity: Enduring Understandings Use Worksheet 1 Use Worksheet 1

Understanding → Questions From Enduring Understandings… From Enduring Understandings… –Physics: the nature of gravitational force –History: the subjective aspect of the historical record –Literature: the roles of morals, heroes, and villains in fiction –Communication: the characteristics of sarcasm, irony, and spin …Create Essential Questions …Create Essential Questions –What is gravity? –Is history objective? Is it a history of progress? –Must fiction involve morality? –Do we always “mean what we say and say what we mean?” The Essential Questions Endure The Essential Questions Endure –Recur throughout the course (and beyond) –Can’t be answered simply… or sometimes at all Understanding Leads to Essential Questions

Essential Questions Essential Questions--Organizational Framework for Units of Instruction Go to the heart of the discipline—address the philosophical or conceptual foundations of the disciplineGo to the heart of the discipline—address the philosophical or conceptual foundations of the discipline Have no obvious “right” answerHave no obvious “right” answer Recur naturally throughout one’s learning and in the history of the field/disciplineRecur naturally throughout one’s learning and in the history of the field/discipline Raise other important questions, often across disciplinary boundariesRaise other important questions, often across disciplinary boundaries Lead readily to asking research or inquiry questionsLead readily to asking research or inquiry questions Are framed to provoke and sustain student interestAre framed to provoke and sustain student interest

Activity: Essential Questions Use Worksheet 2 Use Worksheet 2

Essential → Unit Questions Unit questions inform class activities Unit questions inform class activities –Uncover facets of essential understandings –Still not self-evidently true… uncovered –Provoke/sustain student interest Samples of Unit Questions Samples of Unit Questions –Physics: How is gravity related to mass? Explain the basic inverse square proportion (Newton’s Law) –History: How have perceptions of Columbus (and our celebration of Columbus Day) changed? Why? –Literature: Who are the moral centers of Huck Finn? –Communication: Is the Alanis Morrissette song “Ironic” actually ironic? How does it differ in this respect from Mark Antony’s “Brutus is an honorable man?” Essential Questions Lead to Unit Questions

First Impressions: Course Design and the Graphic Syllabus Now that you have taken the time to design your course with enduring understandings, essential questions, and authentic activities and assessments, how do you communicate that to students?

Traditional Definition of a Syllabus The Oxford English Dictionary defines syllabus as “a statement of the subjects covered by a course of instruction or by an examination, in a school, college, etc.; a programme of study” [1889].

How Some Students See Your Syllabus and Course Design Organization of Course, BLAH 300: “Something I Gotta Take to Graduate” Week 1: Overview of Orienteering through ObstaclesWeek 1: Overview of Orienteering through Obstacles Week 2: From Compasses to GPS TechnologyWeek 2: From Compasses to GPS Technology Week 3: Hiking Boots and Knot TyingWeek 3: Hiking Boots and Knot Tying Week 4: Cont’—Untying KnotsWeek 4: Cont’—Untying Knots Week 5: Encountering Wildlife I: Bears and BeaversWeek 5: Encountering Wildlife I: Bears and Beavers Week 6: Encountering Wildlife II: Moose and WaterfowlWeek 6: Encountering Wildlife II: Moose and Waterfowl Week 7: Fur RendezvousWeek 7: Fur Rendezvous Week 8: How to Cure a Hangover and Prevent PregnancyWeek 8: How to Cure a Hangover and Prevent Pregnancy Week 9: Cabin Fever and S.A.D.Week 9: Cabin Fever and S.A.D.

Four Functions of a Syllabus Four Functions of a Syllabus A contractA contract A communication deviceA communication device A plan of actionA plan of action A cognitive mapA cognitive map

A Contract The syllabus is an important legal document that represents an agreement between you and your students. Consider seriously the policies you want to enforce.

At UAA, a syllabus is a student right… “Students have the right to be informed at the beginning of each term of the nature of the course, course expectations, evaluation standards, and the grading system.” (Ch. 5, p. 44)“Students have the right to be informed at the beginning of each term of the nature of the course, course expectations, evaluation standards, and the grading system.” (Ch. 5, p. 44)

A Contract The syllabus is an important quasi-legal document that represents an agreement between you and your students (and UAA): It must reflect the purpose of the course as stated in the Catalog.It must reflect the purpose of the course as stated in the Catalog. It must state your course policies explicitly to be enforceable.It must state your course policies explicitly to be enforceable. By remaining in your class, a student consents to be governed by the syllabus.By remaining in your class, a student consents to be governed by the syllabus.

Instructor Contact Information… Please remember: –Faculty are required to hold office hours –Students need at least two ways to contact you –Say which way is best to contact you

Exercise 1: Enforceability “Papers must submitted in class on the day they are due; no late papers will be accepted.”

Note: Academic Freedom Be aware of the rights and responsibilities of academic freedom: It is your right to use any material, even if it is controversial, if you deem it germane to the subject being studied.It is your right to use any material, even if it is controversial, if you deem it germane to the subject being studied. It is your responsibility to warn students about controversial material at the beginning, so that they can make an informed choice as to whether to stay in the course.It is your responsibility to warn students about controversial material at the beginning, so that they can make an informed choice as to whether to stay in the course. The syllabus should alert students to material that might be offensive.The syllabus should alert students to material that might be offensive. For example…For example…

Sample Disclaimers “The texts studied in this course are intended for adults and may include some disturbing language or situations.”“The texts studied in this course are intended for adults and may include some disturbing language or situations.” “ The writings of the past are filled with ideas, images, and words that contemporary readers may find offensive. ”“ The writings of the past are filled with ideas, images, and words that contemporary readers may find offensive. ”

A Communication Device The syllabus provides the opportunity to anticipate and respond to student questions and to establish a tone for the course.

Note: Clarify boundaries & policies Make your boundaries as a faculty member clear. Don't try to be all things to all students!Make your boundaries as a faculty member clear. Don't try to be all things to all students! List student services that are available for non-academic needs, such asList student services that are available for non-academic needs, such as –Disability Support Services –Information Technology Call Center –Enrollment Services Make your plan crystal clear by avoiding misleading language.Make your plan crystal clear by avoiding misleading language.

Exercise 2: Clarity Attendance Grading Scale A in the class 1-3 absences B in the class 4-6 absences C in the class 7-9 absences D in the class absences F in the class – more than 12 absences Paper #1 = 500 points Paper #2 = 500 points Total points possible = 1000

A Plan of Action A Plan of Action The syllabus should represent the overall plan of action for the semester –Course mission –Educational philosophy –Course strategy –Course goals

Note: Make sure your syllabus is flexible enough Assignments and policies should be realistic.Assignments and policies should be realistic. Policies should be worth the trouble to enforce.Policies should be worth the trouble to enforce. Policies and grading should give room for (fairly) exercising your discretion in unexpected situations.Policies and grading should give room for (fairly) exercising your discretion in unexpected situations.

Exercise 3: Flexibility “If you are minutes late, you will receive half of the attendance grade for the day. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you will receive no credit for attendance for the day.”

A Reference Guide The syllabus is a reference for youThe syllabus is a reference for you The syllabus is a reference for your colleaguesThe syllabus is a reference for your colleagues

Note: Keep a copy of every syllabus for your records Hard or electronic copyHard or electronic copy For Annual Activity ReportsFor Annual Activity Reports For Review FilesFor Review Files For reference when you teach the course againFor reference when you teach the course again Course designation = easy identificationCourse designation = easy identification

Rolling with the Punches Expect to make mistakes—the perfect syllabus is an ideal to strive for.Expect to make mistakes—the perfect syllabus is an ideal to strive for. When students misread your syllabus, give them the benefit of the doubt.When students misread your syllabus, give them the benefit of the doubt. Choose your battles, always keeping your overall goals in mind.Choose your battles, always keeping your overall goals in mind. If you have to make a major change in mid- semester, go about it in the appropriate way.If you have to make a major change in mid- semester, go about it in the appropriate way. Be aware of the process and timeline for student grievances.Be aware of the process and timeline for student grievances.

Handouts: CAS Template Checklist Syllabus Checklist

A Cognitive Map A Cognitive Map Because students need to engage actively in creating their own cognitive maps, you can facilitate active learning by modeling the mapping process.

What is a Graphic Syllabus? Definition: –A flow chart, diagram, or topical organization of the course that complements the printed syllabus.

Benefits of a Graphic Syllabus Appeals to nonverbal learning stylesAppeals to nonverbal learning styles Models a learning tool by encouraging students to map course conceptsModels a learning tool by encouraging students to map course concepts Reinforces memoryReinforces memory Offers the big picture without being over-laden with languageOffers the big picture without being over-laden with language Forces us to tighten our own course organization and to clarify the enduring understandings and essential questions as well as the relationships among various units of instructionForces us to tighten our own course organization and to clarify the enduring understandings and essential questions as well as the relationships among various units of instruction Releases faculty creativity in course designReleases faculty creativity in course design

Examples See handouts with examples of graphic syllabi: – –Social Stratification – –Conservation Biology – –Public Science Writing

Variations in Graphic Syllabi Shape, Shading, and Color of key enclosures, activities, assignments, etc.Shape, Shading, and Color of key enclosures, activities, assignments, etc. Shape, Shading, and Color of Connecting linesShape, Shading, and Color of Connecting lines Type size, face, features (bold, italics)Type size, face, features (bold, italics) Graphic metaphors or symbolsGraphic metaphors or symbols

Verbal & Visual Variations Verbal: “When properly implemented, the case method, problem-based learning, (PBL), service-learning (SL), and simulations all teach students how to apply course material.” Visual: Teaching Application Simulation s SL PBL Case Method

Verbal & Visual Variations Verbal: “When properly implemented, the case method, problem-based learning, (PBL), service-learning (SL), and simulations all teach students how to apply course material.” Visual: Case MethodPBL SLSimulations Teach Applications

Verbal & Visual Variations Verbal: “When properly implemented, the case method, problem-based learning, (PBL), service-learning (SL), and simulations all teach students how to apply course material.” Visual: Teach Application PBL Case Method Simulations SL

Verbal & Visual Variations Verbal: “When properly implemented, the case method, problem-based learning, (PBL), service-learning (SL), and simulations all teach students how to apply course material.” Visual: Case Method PBL SLSimulations Teach Application

Verbal & Visual Variations Verbal: “When properly implemented, the case method, problem-based learning, (PBL), service-learning (SL), and simulations all teach students how to apply course material.” Visual: Teach Application Case MethodPBLSLSimulations

Verbal & Visual Variations Verbal: “When properly implemented, the case method, problem-based learning, (PBL), service-learning (SL), and simulations all teach students how to apply course material.” Visual: Teach Application Case Method PBL SL Simulations

Activity: Exercise in Thinking Graphically Use Worksheet 3 Use Worksheet 3

Final Activity: Designing A Graphic Syllabus for your Course