The Course Syllabus: A Learning-Centered Approach

by Judith Grunert O'Brien, Barbara J. Millis, Margaret W. Cohen

When it was first published in 1997, The Course Syllabus became the gold standard reference for both new and experienced college faculty. Like the first edition, this book is based on a learner-centered approach. Because faculty members are now deeply committed to engaging students in learning, the syllabus has evolved into a useful, if lengthy, document. Today's syllabus provides details about course objectives, requirements and expectations, and also includes information about teaching philosophies, specific activities and the rationale for their use, and tools essential to student success.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I read this as I prepare to rewrite my syllabi. Lots of great insight into reworking my courses to accommodate today's students and help myself become more of a facilitator than a lecturer.

[Lars De Richter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but overall the information was very general and it did not really answer my questions on this subject.

The bibliography has an interesting overview of books on curriculum and syllabus development, a pity it had very few annotations.

[Michael Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you write your syllabus as this book suggests, prepare to drop a tome on students' laps. The book contains many great principles, but doesn't do a good job of prioritizing them.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent place to begin to create the change in your classroom to move to serious active learning and teaching.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one hour. It gives a good overview of how to write a good syllabus. But what made me give it 4 stars was all the examples included in the book.

[Sergio Uribe]

Permite sacarle el máximo provecho al programa del curso, al convertirlo casi en un contrato entre el profesor y el estudiante. Lleno de recursos y ejemplos.