Designing Learner-Centered Syllabi

by Jessie L. Moore

August 30, 2022

60-Second SoTL – Episode 1

This week’s episode explores how syllabus design can impact students’ motivation and their perceptions of the course and instructor. The episode features two recent publications from the open-access International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning:

  • Kaur, Angel W. 2021. “‘Dope Syllabus’: Student Impressions of an Infographic-Style Visual Syllabus.” International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 15 (2): Article 6. https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2021.150206
  • Merchán Tamayo, Jully Paola, Meredith Rocchi, Jenepher Lennox Terrion, and Simon Beaudry. 2022 “First Impressions Matter! An Experiment Comparing Autonomous and Controlling Language in Course Syllabi.” International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 16 (2): Article 7. https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2022.160207

View a transcript of this episode.

The episode was hosted by Jessie L. Moore, Director of the Center for Engaged Learning and Professor of Professional Writing & Rhetoric. 60-Second SoTL is produced by the Center for Engaged Learning at Elon University.

Read More about Designing Learner-Centered Syllabi

  • Gurung, Regan A. R., and Noelle R. Galardi. 2022. “Syllabus Tone, More Than Mental Health Statements, Influence Intentions to Seek Help.” Teaching of Psychology 49 (3): 218–223. https://doi.org/10.1177/0098628321994632
  • Harnish, Richard J., and K. Robert Bridges. 2011. “Effect of Syllabus Tone: Students’ Perceptions of Instructor and Course. Social Psychology of Education 14 (3): 319–330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-011-9152-4
  • Howton, Amy, Mandy McGrew, Liyuan Liu, Lauren L. Staples, and Herman E. Ray. 2020. “The Influence of Syllabus Tone on Student Engagement in a Wellness Course.” Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education 3 (1). https://doi.org/10.36021/jethe.v3i1.25 [Open Access]
  • Jenkins, Jade S., Ashley D. Bugeja, and Larissa K. Barber. 2014. “More Content or More Policy? A Closer Look at Syllabus Detail, Instructor Gender, and Perceptions of Instructor Effectiveness.” College Teaching 62 (4): 129-135. https://doi.org/10.1080/87567555.2014.935700
  • Lightner, Robin, and Ruth Benander. 2018. “First Impressions: Student and Faculty Feedback on Four Styles of Syllabi.” International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 30 (3): 443-453. https://www.isetl.org/ijtlhe/pdf/IJTLHE3074.pdf [Open Access]
  • Ludy, Mary-Jon, Tim Brackenbury, John Wm Folkins, Susan H. Peet, Stephen J. Langendorfer, and Kari Beining. 2016. “Student Impressions of Syllabus Design: Engaging Versus Contractual Syllabus.” International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 10 (2): Article 6. https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2016.100206 [Open Access]
  • Nusbaum, Amy T., Samantha Swindell, and Anna Plemons. 2021. “Kindness at First Sight: The Role of Syllabi in Impression Formation.” Teaching of Psychology 48 (2): 130–143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0098628320959953
  • Stowell, Jeffrey R., William E. Addison, and Samuel L. Clay. 2018. “Effects of Classroom Technology Policies on Students’ Perceptions of Instructors: What is Your Syllabus Saying about You?” College Teaching 66 (2): 98-103. https://doi.org/10.1080/87567555.2018.1437533
  • Wheeler, Lindsay B., Michael Palmer, and Itiya Aneece. 2019. “Students’ Perceptions of Course Syllabi: The Role of Syllabi in Motivating Students.” International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 13 (3): Article 7. https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2019.130307 [Open Access]
  • Young-Jones, Adena, Chantal Levesque, Sophie Fursa, and Jason McCain. 2021. “Autonomy-supportive Language in the Syllabus: Supporting Students from the First Day.” Teaching in Higher Education 26 (4): 541-556. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2019.1661375

Read Related Posts from the Center’s Blog

Eight people meet around a long conference table. Most have computers or tablets open. Their attention is focused on a person speaking. Text overlays read, "CEL Podcasts. Making College Worth It. Attending to Equity in Work-Integrated Learning."

Attending to Equity in Work-Integrated Learning

Making College “Worth It” – Season 2, Episode 5 In this episode, Anne-Marie Fannon and Soumya Garg from the Work-Learn Institute at the University of Waterloo share new research on the work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences of equity deserving groups. They…

Blue background with gold lines forming a border and leaves in two corners. Text reads, "After allowing myself to being pulled with the flow over sharp rocks and through slimy river weeds, splashing and struggling to keep my head above the current because I believed getting a lifejacket made me less of a swimmer, I finally saw the importance of reaching out and realizing my capabilities and where I needed support."

The Importance of Asking for Help

There is a saying that I’m sure many of you have heard, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” It means that in order to get what you need, you have to fight for it; it won’t simply be given to…

A gradient background with a text overlay: "I felt invisible as if nobody had heard or seen me... there is nothing more powerful than a voice in the world of education."

The Power of a Voice (as a Neurodivergent Learner)

There is nothing more powerful than a voice in the world of education. I was diagnosed with a learning disability, dyslexia, when I was in first grade. I was lucky in that they spotted my dyslexia at a young age….

Background image transitions from deep blue ocean to a sandy white beech. A text overlay reads, "Coming into or heading to your next from my seat has always felt exciting as all the possibilities await. But for many it isn’t easy with the landscape of transitions being unapologetically uneven negatively impacting those entering with disabilities or neurodivergent identities."

Transitions . . . Uneven and Uneasy

I have landed in a season of transitions as a mom and as a professional. My oldest, Elliot, is headed to college in the fall, my youngest, Liam, will be starting high school, and I will start a new role…

Posted in:

Tagged: