The Syllabus as a Classroom Management Tool

Madison, Wis.—January 16, 2008— Student response systems are great for engaging students in a large classroom. But one of the most effective tools of keeping a large class vibrant is quite simple: your syllabus.

“You don’t have to go out as a faculty member and buy expensive stuff,” said Peter Saunders, instructor of the January 16 Magna online seminar “Survival Skills for Teaching Large Classes.”

During the 60-minute seminar, Saunders stressed that a clear, well-written syllabus sets out expectations on behaviors (such as coming into class late or using cell phones) that can disrupt any classroom but occur much more frequently in a populous class because of students’ sense of anonymity. The syllabus is especially effective when its language explicitly links these expectations to shared responsibility for creating a good learning environment.

The syllabus can also set out expectations for how to work well within and among teams, how to prepare for class, and how to communicate with the instructor when difficulty arises.

During the seminar, Saunders offered sample syllabus language to help participants achieve these goals. Saunders also offered tips on:
• using student teams (with and without student response systems)
• accommodating different learning styles
• implementing assessment activities
• reducing lecture time while promoting deep learning

If you missed the live program and would like to purchase the seminar in transcript or CD format, visit our online catalog.

Magna Publications is a leading publisher of newsletters and other information products in the higher education segment. Magna also manages onsite and online conferences on topics of interest to higher education.

For more information please contact David Burns, Publisher, Magna Publications, Inc., at 608-227-8109, or dburns@magnapubs.com.