We found 499 results that contain "syllabus design"
Posted on: Center for Teaching...
Accessibility Considerations for Design and Presentations
This playlist works to address various realms of accessibility from composition design to presenting accessibly.
The playlist cover photo, mARTin.Hinterdorfer, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The playlist cover photo, mARTin.Hinterdorfer, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
JUSTICE AND BELONGING
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Creating Your Syllabus: Strategies, Resources, and Best Practices
This is a collection of resources from the CTLI and other contributors on iTeachMSU focused on syllabi at MSU. Topics include syllabus design, requirements, considerations, MSU resources and templates, and policies. Feel free to email any new syllabus resources for this playlist to the CTLI [teaching@msu.edu]
Image credit: Apunto Group Agencia de publicidad via Pexels
Image credit: Apunto Group Agencia de publicidad via Pexels
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Posted on: GenAI & Education
Generative AI Syllabus Guide
A good portion of your students will likely use AI to some extent this semester, so plan accordingly. Many students are aware of generative AI, and at least some of them will use these tools for their course work. Critically considering your course design in the context of generative AI is an important educator practice.
The following MSU-specifics should be used to inform your decisions...
Overall guidance: We collectively share the responsibility to uphold intellectual honesty and scholarly integrity. These are core principles that may be compromised by the misuse of GenAI tools, particularly when GenAI-generated content is presented as original, human-created work.
Permitted uses in Teaching & Learning: Instructors are expected to establish a course-specific guidance that defines the appropriate and inappropriate use of GenAI tools.
Students may only use GenAI tools to support their coursework in ways explicitly permitted by the instructor.
Non-permissible uses:
Do not Use GenAI to deliberately fabricate, falsify, impersonate, or mislead, unless explicitly approved for instruction or research in a controlled environment.
Do not Record or process sensitive, confidential, or regulated information with
non-MSU GenAI tools.
Do not Enter FERPA-protected student records, PII, PHI, financial, or HR data into unapproved tools; comply with MSU’s data policy and all regulations.
Do not Use export-controlled data or CUI with GenAI tools unless approved for MSU’s Regulated Research Enclave (RRE).
The following MSU-specifics should be used to inform your decisions...
Overall guidance: We collectively share the responsibility to uphold intellectual honesty and scholarly integrity. These are core principles that may be compromised by the misuse of GenAI tools, particularly when GenAI-generated content is presented as original, human-created work.
Permitted uses in Teaching & Learning: Instructors are expected to establish a course-specific guidance that defines the appropriate and inappropriate use of GenAI tools.
Students may only use GenAI tools to support their coursework in ways explicitly permitted by the instructor.
Non-permissible uses:
Do not Use GenAI to deliberately fabricate, falsify, impersonate, or mislead, unless explicitly approved for instruction or research in a controlled environment.
Do not Record or process sensitive, confidential, or regulated information with
non-MSU GenAI tools.
Do not Enter FERPA-protected student records, PII, PHI, financial, or HR data into unapproved tools; comply with MSU’s data policy and all regulations.
Do not Use export-controlled data or CUI with GenAI tools unless approved for MSU’s Regulated Research Enclave (RRE).
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Designing Your MSU Syllabus (Aug 2024)
The CTLI's Designing Your MSU Syllabus workshop and its resources are meant to introduce MSU educators to the role of the syllabus at MSU, its required and recommended components, and institutional resources for writing and improving syllabi. In August 2024, this hybrid workshop comprised part of our Semester Start-Up programming for MSU educators during the CTLI's first-ever Plan-a-thon, a day dedicated to course and assignment planning. The takeaways from these sessions were:
Think about your syllabus as a learning tool AND an agreement within your classroom community.
Some syllabus components are required while others are recommended (try not to overwhelm!)
Consider inclusion and flexibility
MSU and departments / colleges have many resources available to help support you build your syllabus
You can access the slide deck for this workshop here (requires MSU login) including links to many resources for course instructors, including sample statements and policy language. We also have an Creating Your Syllabus iTeach Playlist of further syllabus resources, including the CTLI's new Inclusive Syllabus Template created by Bethany Meadows.
The recording of this hybrid workshop is available below.
Feel free to reach out to Ellie Louson and/or Monica Mills in the CTLI if you have any questions about the Designing Your MSU Syllabus workshop or our syllabus resources.Photo by Blessing Ri on Unsplash
Think about your syllabus as a learning tool AND an agreement within your classroom community.
Some syllabus components are required while others are recommended (try not to overwhelm!)
Consider inclusion and flexibility
MSU and departments / colleges have many resources available to help support you build your syllabus
You can access the slide deck for this workshop here (requires MSU login) including links to many resources for course instructors, including sample statements and policy language. We also have an Creating Your Syllabus iTeach Playlist of further syllabus resources, including the CTLI's new Inclusive Syllabus Template created by Bethany Meadows.
The recording of this hybrid workshop is available below.
Feel free to reach out to Ellie Louson and/or Monica Mills in the CTLI if you have any questions about the Designing Your MSU Syllabus workshop or our syllabus resources.Photo by Blessing Ri on Unsplash
Authored by: Ellie Louson
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: GenAI & Education
Design For Generative AI: Sample Syllabus Language
There are three levels of designing for GenAI: restrict, permit, require.
Restrict [This syllabus statement is useful when you are allowing the use of AI tools for certain purposes, but not for others. Adjust this statement to reflect your particular parameters of acceptable use. The following is an example.]
Example1:
The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
[insert permitted your course activities here*]
The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:
[insert not permitted your course activities here*]
You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge.
Example2: Taken, with slight modification, from Temple University’s Center for the Advancement of Teaching to demonstrate the kinds of permitted/restricted activity an instructor could denote.
The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
Fine tuning your research questions;
Finding information on your topic;
Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
Checking grammar and style.
The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:
Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat.
Completing group work that your group has assigned to you, unless it is mutually agreed within your group and in alignment with course policy that you may utilize the tool.
Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.
You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge. For example, [Insert citation style for your discipline. See these resources for APA guidance, and for other citation formats.]. Any assignment that is found to have used generative AI tools in unauthorized ways [insert the penalty here*]. When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.
Permit [This syllabus statement is useful when you are allowing, and perhaps encouraging, broad use of generative AI tools. Adjust this statement to reflect your particular parameters of acceptable use in your course. The following is an example.]
Example:
You are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) in this class as doing so aligns with the course learning goal [insert the course learning goal use of AI aligns with here*]. You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge.
Require [This syllabus statement is useful when you have certain assignments that will require that students use generative AI tools. Adjust this statement to reflect your particular parameters of acceptable use. The following is an example.]
Example:
You will be expected to use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) in this class as doing so aligns with the course learning goal [insert the course learning goal use of AI aligns with]. Our class will make use of the [insert name of tool(s) here*] tool, and you can gain access to it by [insert instructions for accessing tool(s) here*]. You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge.
Photo by Maximalfocus on Unsplash
Restrict [This syllabus statement is useful when you are allowing the use of AI tools for certain purposes, but not for others. Adjust this statement to reflect your particular parameters of acceptable use. The following is an example.]
Example1:
The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
[insert permitted your course activities here*]
The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:
[insert not permitted your course activities here*]
You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge.
Example2: Taken, with slight modification, from Temple University’s Center for the Advancement of Teaching to demonstrate the kinds of permitted/restricted activity an instructor could denote.
The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
Fine tuning your research questions;
Finding information on your topic;
Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
Checking grammar and style.
The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:
Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat.
Completing group work that your group has assigned to you, unless it is mutually agreed within your group and in alignment with course policy that you may utilize the tool.
Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.
You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge. For example, [Insert citation style for your discipline. See these resources for APA guidance, and for other citation formats.]. Any assignment that is found to have used generative AI tools in unauthorized ways [insert the penalty here*]. When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.
Permit [This syllabus statement is useful when you are allowing, and perhaps encouraging, broad use of generative AI tools. Adjust this statement to reflect your particular parameters of acceptable use in your course. The following is an example.]
Example:
You are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) in this class as doing so aligns with the course learning goal [insert the course learning goal use of AI aligns with here*]. You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge.
Require [This syllabus statement is useful when you have certain assignments that will require that students use generative AI tools. Adjust this statement to reflect your particular parameters of acceptable use. The following is an example.]
Example:
You will be expected to use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) in this class as doing so aligns with the course learning goal [insert the course learning goal use of AI aligns with]. Our class will make use of the [insert name of tool(s) here*] tool, and you can gain access to it by [insert instructions for accessing tool(s) here*]. You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic integrity and the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge.
Photo by Maximalfocus on Unsplash
Posted by: Makena Neal
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: GenAI & Education
Design Around Generative AI: Sample Syllabus Language
Ban [This syllabus statement is useful when you are forbidding all use of generative AI tools for any purpose in your class. Adjust this statement to reflect your particular parameters of acceptable use. The following is an example.]
The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Michigan State University’s policy on academic integrity, the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge andStudent Rights and Responsibilities, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in [insert the penalty here*].
CONCERN: The ubiquity of generative AI tools, including their integration into Google search results and MS Office products, means that an outright generative AI ban is implausible for any activity that makes use of the Internet or MS Office Suite.
* It is highly recommended that you have conversations in your department about the appropriate penalties for unauthorized use of an AI. It is important to think about the appropriate level of penalty for first-time offenders and those who repeatedly violate your policies on the use of AI.
Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Michigan State University’s policy on academic integrity, the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge andStudent Rights and Responsibilities, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in [insert the penalty here*].
CONCERN: The ubiquity of generative AI tools, including their integration into Google search results and MS Office products, means that an outright generative AI ban is implausible for any activity that makes use of the Internet or MS Office Suite.
* It is highly recommended that you have conversations in your department about the appropriate penalties for unauthorized use of an AI. It is important to think about the appropriate level of penalty for first-time offenders and those who repeatedly violate your policies on the use of AI.
Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
Posted by: Makena Neal
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: Center for Teaching...
Syllabus Policy Examples: Attendance
This article provides an overview of example syllabus language for discourse, especially for Fall 2024. This post is the third part of the Civil Discourse in Classrooms series and playlist.
Attendance policies can vary widely for various factors, such as educator values, classroom size, and discipline. MSU does not have a specific attendance policy, but does state:
There is no university-wide regulation requiring class attendance. However, attendance is an essential and intrinsic element of the educational process. In any course in which attendance is necessary to the achievement of a clearly defined set of course objectives, it may be a valid consideration in determining the student's grade. It is the responsibility of the instructor to define the policy for attendance at the beginning of the course.
This statement makes it clear that while attendance is important to learning, there is not a specific policy from the university. However, if an educator wants to have a policy, then they must communicate this at the beginning of the course being sure to be clear how it will factor into grades, if applicable. Below, we will provide various pathway examples of attendance policies that can be adapted to individual educational contexts.
Attendance Policy Unrelated to Grades Example
Reflect: In this example, this educator, who has smaller class sizes without exams, values students’ agency to make their own decisions about attendance to place flexibility with life events. This educator believes that there is a natural consequence built in already if students don’t attend class, which is that they miss content.
Frame: An example framing could be, “Active learning and discussion needs everyone to participate and be present to their capacity. I understand that absences may occur and no excuse notes are needed.”
Set Expectations: An example of setting expectations could be, “Regularly missing class makes it difficult for your own and others’ learning processes.”
Communicate Outcomes: Finally, this policy will end with outcomes, and an example ending could be, “If there’s a regular pattern of absence, we will have a conversation about ways we can better support your learning.”
Attendance Policy Linked to Participation Grade Example
Reflect: In this example, this educator, who has discussion-based classes, values regular attendance because it is integral to everyone’s learning. They also want to build in some flexibility to life events.
Frame: An example framing could be, “Discussion and participation is an integral part of this class. Attendance is recorded for each class session and contributes to the participation component of the final grade.”
Set Expectations: An example of setting expectations could be, “Students may miss 3 class periods without question, and additional absences must be documented and communicated with the instructor as soon as possible. Excused absences with documentation include medical emergencies, family emergencies, religious observances, and university-sanctioned events.”
Communicate Outcomes: Finally, this policy will end with outcomes, and an example ending could be, “Unexcused absences beyond 3 missed class periods will result in no participation points for that day’s class (see grading scheme for more details on final grade calculation).”
Attendance Policy Linked to Final Grades Example
Reflect: In this example, this educator, who has hundreds of students in each class, values regular attendance to ensure students are engaging with the content. They want to make it transparent that they use a systematic attendance recording method.
Frame: An example framing could be, “Attendance is an essential and intrinsic element of the educational process.”
Set Expectations: An example of setting expectations could be, “Students must sit in their assigned seats for each class period. Attendance is recorded within the first five minutes of each class period based on presence in one’s assigned seat. Students must attend at least 90% of class sessions.”
Communicate Outcomes: Finally, this policy will end with outcomes, and an example ending could be, “For students that go below 90% of missed class sessions, there will be a 1% drop to the final grade for each class period below the 90%.”
Continue to read more about in the next article, “Classroom Norms & Disruptions,” or return to the Civil Discourse in the Classroom playlist.
Attendance policies can vary widely for various factors, such as educator values, classroom size, and discipline. MSU does not have a specific attendance policy, but does state:
There is no university-wide regulation requiring class attendance. However, attendance is an essential and intrinsic element of the educational process. In any course in which attendance is necessary to the achievement of a clearly defined set of course objectives, it may be a valid consideration in determining the student's grade. It is the responsibility of the instructor to define the policy for attendance at the beginning of the course.
This statement makes it clear that while attendance is important to learning, there is not a specific policy from the university. However, if an educator wants to have a policy, then they must communicate this at the beginning of the course being sure to be clear how it will factor into grades, if applicable. Below, we will provide various pathway examples of attendance policies that can be adapted to individual educational contexts.
Attendance Policy Unrelated to Grades Example
Reflect: In this example, this educator, who has smaller class sizes without exams, values students’ agency to make their own decisions about attendance to place flexibility with life events. This educator believes that there is a natural consequence built in already if students don’t attend class, which is that they miss content.
Frame: An example framing could be, “Active learning and discussion needs everyone to participate and be present to their capacity. I understand that absences may occur and no excuse notes are needed.”
Set Expectations: An example of setting expectations could be, “Regularly missing class makes it difficult for your own and others’ learning processes.”
Communicate Outcomes: Finally, this policy will end with outcomes, and an example ending could be, “If there’s a regular pattern of absence, we will have a conversation about ways we can better support your learning.”
Attendance Policy Linked to Participation Grade Example
Reflect: In this example, this educator, who has discussion-based classes, values regular attendance because it is integral to everyone’s learning. They also want to build in some flexibility to life events.
Frame: An example framing could be, “Discussion and participation is an integral part of this class. Attendance is recorded for each class session and contributes to the participation component of the final grade.”
Set Expectations: An example of setting expectations could be, “Students may miss 3 class periods without question, and additional absences must be documented and communicated with the instructor as soon as possible. Excused absences with documentation include medical emergencies, family emergencies, religious observances, and university-sanctioned events.”
Communicate Outcomes: Finally, this policy will end with outcomes, and an example ending could be, “Unexcused absences beyond 3 missed class periods will result in no participation points for that day’s class (see grading scheme for more details on final grade calculation).”
Attendance Policy Linked to Final Grades Example
Reflect: In this example, this educator, who has hundreds of students in each class, values regular attendance to ensure students are engaging with the content. They want to make it transparent that they use a systematic attendance recording method.
Frame: An example framing could be, “Attendance is an essential and intrinsic element of the educational process.”
Set Expectations: An example of setting expectations could be, “Students must sit in their assigned seats for each class period. Attendance is recorded within the first five minutes of each class period based on presence in one’s assigned seat. Students must attend at least 90% of class sessions.”
Communicate Outcomes: Finally, this policy will end with outcomes, and an example ending could be, “For students that go below 90% of missed class sessions, there will be a 1% drop to the final grade for each class period below the 90%.”
Continue to read more about in the next article, “Classroom Norms & Disruptions,” or return to the Civil Discourse in the Classroom playlist.
Posted by: Bethany Meadows
Navigating Context
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Important Syllabus Statements: Emergencies
Here is a model of an emergency statement to be included in your syllabus:“In the event of an emergency arising within the classroom setting, the professor/instructor will notify the students of actions that may be required to ensure their safety. It is the responsibility of each student to understand the evacuation or “shelter-in-place” guidelines posted in each facility and to act in a safe manner.
If an evacuation is ordered, please ensure that you do it in a safe manner and facilitate those around you that may not otherwise be able to safely leave. You are allowed to maintain cellular devices in a silent mode during this course, in order to receive emergency messages distributed by the university. When a student receives such a notification or observes an emergency situation, they should immediately bring it to the attention of the professor/instructor in a way that least alarms your fellow students." Check out this article for more information on syllabus basics.
Also note:The Michigan State University Police Department is responsible for developing and distributing Timely Warning and Emergency Notification messages. These messages are intended to warn the community about certain crimes and notify it of potentially dangerous situations on or near campus. These messages inform community members about incidents that may pose an ongoing threat and provide information to promote safety and prevent similar crimes. The decision to issue a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification is based on a variety of factors.The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (or Clery Act) is intended to provide students and their families, as higher education consumers, with accurate, complete and timely information about safety on campus. One of the mandates of the Act is to provide these Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications to the campus community. These warnings and notifications can be delivered via three main platforms: voice messages to phones, e-mail and SMS text messaging.Students and families can learn more, and access the ALERT portal at alert.msu.edu. Photo by DDP on Unsplash
If an evacuation is ordered, please ensure that you do it in a safe manner and facilitate those around you that may not otherwise be able to safely leave. You are allowed to maintain cellular devices in a silent mode during this course, in order to receive emergency messages distributed by the university. When a student receives such a notification or observes an emergency situation, they should immediately bring it to the attention of the professor/instructor in a way that least alarms your fellow students." Check out this article for more information on syllabus basics.
Also note:The Michigan State University Police Department is responsible for developing and distributing Timely Warning and Emergency Notification messages. These messages are intended to warn the community about certain crimes and notify it of potentially dangerous situations on or near campus. These messages inform community members about incidents that may pose an ongoing threat and provide information to promote safety and prevent similar crimes. The decision to issue a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification is based on a variety of factors.The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (or Clery Act) is intended to provide students and their families, as higher education consumers, with accurate, complete and timely information about safety on campus. One of the mandates of the Act is to provide these Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications to the campus community. These warnings and notifications can be delivered via three main platforms: voice messages to phones, e-mail and SMS text messaging.Students and families can learn more, and access the ALERT portal at alert.msu.edu. Photo by DDP on Unsplash
Authored by: Patti Stewart
Navigating Context
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Designing your MSU syllabus: Resources and tips for creating syllabi that meet students' needs
Designing your MSU Syllabus is a workshop regularly offered by the CTLI, including most recently in Spring 2024 hosted by Ellie Louson and Makena Neal. Below we have an outline, the seminar's takeaways, links to further resources, and to the slide deck and recording of our seminar. Please feel free to be in touch with Ellie or Makena with any follow-up questions about this topic.OutlineThe seminar includes the following sections:
What IS a syllabus?
MSU Must-haves
Nice-to-haves
Example: AI syllabus language
Consider inclusion and flexibility
Creative formats/ practices
Tips for getting started
Q&A
Takeaways
Think about your syllabus as a learning tool AND an agreement within your classroom community.
Some syllabus components are must-haves; others are nice-to-haves (try not to overwhelm!)
Consider inclusion and flexibility
MSU and departments / colleges have many resources available to help support you build your syllabus
Further ResourcesMSU's Inclusive Syllabus Resources including a new Inclusive Syllabus Template Other syllabus resources from the CTLI are available here.Slide DeckSlides from this seminar are available here which include links to many other resources. RecordingHere is our workshop from Spring 2024Image by Memed_Nurrohmad from Pixabay.
What IS a syllabus?
MSU Must-haves
Nice-to-haves
Example: AI syllabus language
Consider inclusion and flexibility
Creative formats/ practices
Tips for getting started
Q&A
Takeaways
Think about your syllabus as a learning tool AND an agreement within your classroom community.
Some syllabus components are must-haves; others are nice-to-haves (try not to overwhelm!)
Consider inclusion and flexibility
MSU and departments / colleges have many resources available to help support you build your syllabus
Further ResourcesMSU's Inclusive Syllabus Resources including a new Inclusive Syllabus Template Other syllabus resources from the CTLI are available here.Slide DeckSlides from this seminar are available here which include links to many other resources. RecordingHere is our workshop from Spring 2024Image by Memed_Nurrohmad from Pixabay.
Authored by: Ellie Louson
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: PREP Matrix
Designing A Course
Washington University in St. Louis provides an outline for designing a course that uses the principles of backwards design (meaning that it begins with goals and works backwards to content).
Posted by: Admin
Navigating Context
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Building on the bare necessities of the syllabus as an administrative tool, we’re going to try to effectively and efficiently communicate the planned curriculum of the course. This way, we can help our students, other educators/administrative see more than just the topics we’re covering, but the learning activities we plan to facilitate them. The inclusion of these topics will make your syllabus a helpful artifact during evaluations and help determine course equivalency across instructors.
Provide an overview of the topics listed in the last step.
Briefly describe each of the course topics.
This is helpful as students get a basic overview of what will be expected of them in the coming semester.
Reflections/Questions to Consider:
What are your desired learning outcomes for the topic?
What are the key components of each topic?
What questions are you expecting students to have on each topic?
How can you use the syllabus to address that concern?
Course Structure:
Breakdown of a student’s Course Grade:
List of Assignments, Exams, Projects, Quizzes, etc.
A brief description of what each item is worth in terms of the grade.
A Description of how grades are represented at your institution and how your course grades relate.
A Description of the Daily Structure of Class:
Whether the course is synchronous or asynchronous.
Whether this class is primarily lecture/discussion based.
If your style of course structure has a name, please name it here:
For example, a reversed classroom is a popular form of instruction.
A Description of student expectations prior to course meetings.
Reflections/Questions to Consider:
How many timed assessments are you planning to give?
What effect does this have on students with accommodations on test time?
Does participation impact a student’s grade?
Do students have any opportunities to earn extra credit?
Do you feel the weight of each grade item corresponds to the expectations/responsibilities on the student to complete it?
Do you want to provide in-class workdays for projects or homework?
If you have any Teaching Assistants:
What is their role in/out of the classroom?
Do students interact with the TA? Is the TA prepared for that?
How often do you discuss the class with the TA?
If you plan to have peer-to-peer discussions:
What types of discussions do you want students to have?
Are you allocating enough time for students to explore the ideas of the discussion?
Do you provide any descriptions/specifications of any of the assessments? For example:
What material is covered on an exam?
How many group members are there for a particular project?
Timelines for homework completion
Etc.
Lastly, and this can be applied to every step above and to this process, remember to ask yourself:
“Why did I make this choice?”
University/Course Policies:
Often institutions have any universal policies they want addressed in the course syllabus. However, you may also want to add to this list to make your stance on particular topics clear. Examples may include policies on/about:
Academic Honesty
Disability Services
Use of Generative AI
Violence and Misconduct
Etc.
Reflection:
Discuss with your peers their thoughts and recommendations on what makes a good course policy and what types of policies they include on their own syllabi.
With this part of the syllabus completed, you now have a detailed overview of your course. Anyone reading the syllabus should have a clear understanding of what is/was covered and the approach you used to teach the material.
Syllabus as Representative of the Planned Curriculum
Building on the bare necessities of the syllabus as an administrative tool, we’re going to try to effectively and efficiently communicate the planned curriculum of the course. This way, we can help our students, other educators/administrative see more than just the topics we’re covering, but the learning activities we plan to facilitate them. The inclusion of these topics will make your syllabus a helpful artifact during evaluations and help determine course equivalency across instructors.
Provide an overview of the topics listed in the last step.
Briefly describe each of the course topics.
This is helpful as students get a basic overview of what will be expected of them in the coming semester.
Reflections/Questions to Consider:
What are your desired learning outcomes for the topic?
What are the key components of each topic?
What questions are you expecting students to have on each topic?
How can you use the syllabus to address that concern?
Course Structure:
Breakdown of a student’s Course Grade:
List of Assignments, Exams, Projects, Quizzes, etc.
A brief description of what each item is worth in terms of the grade.
A Description of how grades are represented at your institution and how your course grades relate.
A Description of the Daily Structure of Class:
Whether the course is synchronous or asynchronous.
Whether this class is primarily lecture/discussion based.
If your style of course structure has a name, please name it here:
For example, a reversed classroom is a popular form of instruction.
A Description of student expectations prior to course meetings.
Reflections/Questions to Consider:
How many timed assessments are you planning to give?
What effect does this have on students with accommodations on test time?
Does participation impact a student’s grade?
Do students have any opportunities to earn extra credit?
Do you feel the weight of each grade item corresponds to the expectations/responsibilities on the student to complete it?
Do you want to provide in-class workdays for projects or homework?
If you have any Teaching Assistants:
What is their role in/out of the classroom?
Do students interact with the TA? Is the TA prepared for that?
How often do you discuss the class with the TA?
If you plan to have peer-to-peer discussions:
What types of discussions do you want students to have?
Are you allocating enough time for students to explore the ideas of the discussion?
Do you provide any descriptions/specifications of any of the assessments? For example:
What material is covered on an exam?
How many group members are there for a particular project?
Timelines for homework completion
Etc.
Lastly, and this can be applied to every step above and to this process, remember to ask yourself:
“Why did I make this choice?”
University/Course Policies:
Often institutions have any universal policies they want addressed in the course syllabus. However, you may also want to add to this list to make your stance on particular topics clear. Examples may include policies on/about:
Academic Honesty
Disability Services
Use of Generative AI
Violence and Misconduct
Etc.
Reflection:
Discuss with your peers their thoughts and recommendations on what makes a good course policy and what types of policies they include on their own syllabi.
With this part of the syllabus completed, you now have a detailed overview of your course. Anyone reading the syllabus should have a clear understanding of what is/was covered and the approach you used to teach the material.
Authored by: Erik Flinn
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Comprehensive Syllabus template
• This syllabus template meets all MSU syllabus content requirements and is fully compliant with accessibility standards for both printed and online documents.
• Using the template helps ensure a uniform and accessible point of entry into courses.
• Consistency in syllabus design and branding ensures that all students can easily access critical course and MSU information, policies, and procedures.
• All headings, tables, web links, and sample text are formatted to optimize the document for all students, including those students who rely on assistive technologies to read their syllabus.
More robust than the short-form syllabus, this template provides supplemental policy language, sample design ideas, and greater level of detail for documenting your course plan for your students.
To use the template, download the file, open it in MS Word, resolve all comments, delete un-needed material, and edit all content enclosed in ***.
• This syllabus template meets all MSU syllabus content requirements and is fully compliant with accessibility standards for both printed and online documents.
• Using the template helps ensure a uniform and accessible point of entry into courses.
• Consistency in syllabus design and branding ensures that all students can easily access critical course and MSU information, policies, and procedures.
• All headings, tables, web links, and sample text are formatted to optimize the document for all students, including those students who rely on assistive technologies to read their syllabus.
More robust than the short-form syllabus, this template provides supplemental policy language, sample design ideas, and greater level of detail for documenting your course plan for your students.
To use the template, download the file, open it in MS Word, resolve all comments, delete un-needed material, and edit all content enclosed in ***.
Posted by: Jeremy Van Hof
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Short-form Syllabus Template
This short-form syllabus template guides you to including all the elements required by the code of teaching conduct. Adhering to this template will help ensure that your syllabus meets MSU's digital content accessibility requirements.
The template has been updated with relevant date and policy changes for Spring 2024.
To use the template, download the file, open it in MS Word, then edit all areas enclosed in ***.
This short-form syllabus template guides you to including all the elements required by the code of teaching conduct. Adhering to this template will help ensure that your syllabus meets MSU's digital content accessibility requirements.
The template has been updated with relevant date and policy changes for Spring 2024.
To use the template, download the file, open it in MS Word, then edit all areas enclosed in ***.
Posted by: Jeremy Van Hof
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: #iteachmsu
As you are designing learning experiences in or out of the classroom, what are your “go-to” resources? (Please share details and a link to more information if you have it!)
Posted by: Makena Neal
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: #iteachmsu
Syllabus as an Administrative Tool Rubric
Posted by: Erik Flinn
Pedagogical Design
Posted on: MSU Online & Remote...
Can I modify my syllabus and/or adjust my grading?
Posted by: Makena Neal
Assessing Learning
Posted on: #iteachmsu
"Adjusted Syllabus" by Brandon Bayne of UNC - Chapel Hill (spring 2020)
Shared with our community by Dr. Alyssa Dunn in the 02/17/2023 Rebuilding Hope webinar. Webinar details can be accessed here: https://iteach.msu.edu/iteachmsu/groups/iteachmsu/stories/2469?param=post
Shared with our community by Dr. Alyssa Dunn in the 02/17/2023 Rebuilding Hope webinar. Webinar details can be accessed here: https://iteach.msu.edu/iteachmsu/groups/iteachmsu/stories/2469?param=post
Posted by: Makena Neal
Pedagogical Design
Host: CTLI
Supporting Student Success Through Early Warning: Strategies for Graduate Teaching Assistants
On behalf of the GREAT office at The Graduate School, check out Supporting Student Success Through Early Warning: Strategies for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Zoom
Audience: Current Graduate Students & Postdocs
This interactive session is designed to support Graduate Teaching Assistants in recognizing and responding to early signs that students may be in need of support. Participants will explore their role in MSU’s early warning efforts and develop practical strategies to promote academic engagement, connection, and timely support. The session will include discussion of common indicators that students may be facing challenges affecting their educational success, strategies for effective communication, and how to use campus resources and reporting tools like EASE to provide timely support.
Facilitator(s):
Kanchan Pavangadkar, Director of Student Success for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR)
Dwight Handspike, Director of Academic Advising & Student Success Initiatives, Undergraduate Academic Services, Broad College of Business
Samantha Zill, Human Biology & Pre-Health Advisor, Michigan State University, College of Natural Science
Maria O'Connell, University Innovation Alliance Fellow, Undergraduate Student Success Strategic Initiatives Manager, Office of Undergraduate Education
Register Here
**Zoom link will be sent closer to the workshop date.
Navigating Context
Host: CTLI
The Educator Exchange Learning Community
The Educator Exchange is intentionally designed to provide protected time and space for meaningful connections about our work and paths as educators. We believe that the best [lifelong] learning occurs when we connect in spaces that affirm our experiences and celebrate our unique perspectives! Our aim is to be a community of practice where you can openly share when things don’t go as expected and brainstorm solutions to challenges, explore teaching practices in different ways, talk through the challenges of educator roles in myriad situations, and cultivate joy in the celebration of each other’s successes. Join The Educator Exchange and rediscover the joy of being part of a caring community dedicated to uplifting one another and making a positive impact in our classrooms, labs, and beyond. This offering is facilitated in collaboration with the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Development. Check out their website more about MSU's formal Learning Communities [hyperlink: https://ofasd.msu.edu/teaching-learning/learning-communities/]
Upon completion of this learning experience, participants will be able to:
Build connections and foster a supportive community among MSU educators by sharing experiences, challenges, and successes
Exchange innovative teaching strategies and best practices to improve instructional effectiveness
Encourage peer-to-peer learning and reflection to promote professional growth, student engagement, and educator well-being.
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
Intro to VR @ DSL: Drop-in Session
Curious About Virtual Reality?
Whether you're completely new to VR or already exploring it for research, storytelling, gaming, art, or education our Drop-in VR sessions are for you! Stop by the Digital Scholarship Lab to try out one of our HTC Vive XR Elite headsets, get hands-on experience and learn about our VR Headset Loan Program.
Intro to VR @ DSL is here to help you explore the possibilities of Virtual Reality, whether you're looking to:
- Experience immersive gameplay: for fun, fitness, storytelling, or team-building
- Create in 3D: With sculpting, painting, designing and more
- Explore the world: travel virtually to natural landscapes, historical sites, landmarks and more
- Try a simulated experience: from floating in space to riding a roller coaster, even performing surgery
No experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and dive in!
Drop-In VR Sessions
Sept 10th, Sept 24th, Oct 29th, & Nov 19th
From 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
For parking information visit http://maps.msu.edu/interactive.
If you have questions about accessibility or need to request accommodations, please email lib.dl.accessibility@msu.edu.
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
Artist Workshop: Using 360 Cameras to Show Changes to Place
Join the DSL Graduate Arts Fellow, Hailey Becker (Art, Art History and Design and Forestry) in a workshop on using 360 cameras to capture changes to place. Participants will be guided through the basics of recording and editing 360 footage, ending with their footage being displayed in the Digital Scholarship Lab 360 Room. Using 360 footage can be a great way to archive an artistic practice or scientific research. No experience required, all levels welcome!
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
Intro to Modeling for 3D Printing: TinkerCad Zipper Pull
Get creative with 3D printing in this hands-on beginner workshop at the MSU Libraries Hollander Makerspace—a space where all students can explore, design, and make.
You’ll learn how 3D printing works, design your own custom zipper pull using simple modeling tools in Tinkercad, and watch it print before your eyes. No experience needed—we’ll guide you step by step as you combine shapes to bring your design to life. Your custom zipper pull is yours to keep—use it to fix a broken zipper, personalize your gear, or show off your new tech skills!
Attendees will need to arrive with or be willing to make a free Tinkercad account with a valid email address.
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
Intro to VR @DSL: Drop-in Session
Curious About Virtual Reality?
Whether you're completely new to VR or already exploring it for research, storytelling, gaming, art, or education our Drop-in VR sessions are for you! Stop by the Digital Scholarship Lab to try out one of our HTC Vive XR Elite headsets, get hands-on experience and learn about our VR Headset Loan Program.
Intro to VR @ DSL is here to help you explore the possibilities of Virtual Reality, whether you're looking to:
- Experience immersive gameplay: for fun, fitness, storytelling, or team-building
- Create in 3D: With sculpting, painting, designing and more
- Explore the world: travel virtually to natural landscapes, historical sites, landmarks and more
- Try a simulated experience: from floating in space to riding a roller coaster, even performing surgery
No experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and dive in!
Drop-In VR Sessions
Sept 10th, Sept 24th, Oct 29th, & Nov 19th
From 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
For parking information visit http://maps.msu.edu/interactive.
If you have questions about accessibility or need to request accommodations, please email lib.dl.accessibility@msu.edu.
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
Sew What? Getting Started with a Sewing Machine
Discover the joy of sewing! This beginner-friendly session will guide you through the essentials of how a sewing machine works, using a mechanical sewing machine. Learn valuable skills while creating a project to take home. Perfect for anyone eager to learn the basics, this workshop is designed to boost your confidence and spark creativity!
Navigating Context
Host: MSU Libraries
Artist Talk: “Where the Light Gets In” - Engaging the Community About Tree Removals on Campus
Artist and researcher Hailey Becker (Art, Art History and Design and Forestry) will give a brief talk about her series of art installations marking the removal of trees on campus with beams of light and recount her journey to display and document the work in the Digital Scholarship Lab (DSL), including a short 360 video and an interactive campus tour of the installations. After the talk and opportunity to view the work in the DSL, the artist will take attendees on the interactive campus tour to see how areas of campus have changed over time and how these changes affect our sense of place and relationship to the environment. Light refreshments will be provided.
Navigating Context
EXPIRED