The course outline helps create a foundation in a course by sharing important information about expectations, grading and assessments. By engaging with the course outline, learners can explore what the course is about, how it supports their learning and how they can be successful. This page outlines strategies that can support instructors with developing course outlines.
Key Idea
Having conversations with learners about the course outline throughout the term can help clarify expectations, deadlines and policies.
Tips to Support Engagement with Course Outlines
Welcome Statement
Include a welcome statement from the instructor on the course outline or in eClass to help introduce a personal and connected tone for the course.
Course Expectations
Consider adding a section on course expectations (e.g., how students should engage with others, expected time to complete course work) to the course outline. This can help provide transparency and support time-management for students.
Academic Honesty
Regularly speaking with students about academic honesty throughout the term helps to keep it top of mind. Invite conversation about the importance of academic honesty in assessments, course outcomes and the broader discipline/field using the course outline as a starting point.
Assessment Mapping
Try mapping out assessments in the course outline by due date. This planning can help show their placement in the term. Evenly placing assessments across the term, as well as scaffolding them into smaller parts, can help support student learning.
Accessible Materials
Check if course materials are accessible to learners by following accessibility guidelines and formatting (PDF) before sharing. This can help all learners engage in the course and access course materials.
Late Work Policy
Consider incorporating a flexible late work policy in the course outline. The flexible deadlines could offer students time windows to complete and submit assessments, deadline grace periods or student sign-up deadlines.
Course Outline Icebreaker
Encourage students to engage with the course outline from the outset of the course. Engage students in icebreaker activities such as a jargon search or a syllabus quiz or a course outline jigsaw. This can encourage them to read, interpret and understand the course outline.
Creating a Learner-Centered Course Outline
Clear
Include learning outcomes that are clear and measurable. By doing so, instructors can communicate what students will gain by completing the course.
Collaborative
Include collaborative and active learning opportunities throughout the course to help foster a community of learners. Doing this can help foster a culture of accountability and trust.
Connected
Connect students to academic supports and services (e.g., Student Success, Writing Centre, Academic Advising, Counselling Services, etc.) to help promote well-being and community engagement.
Specific
Provide detailed information about the course (e.g., weekly schedule, assessment descriptions, Gen AI guidelines, evaluation criteria and due dates) to enhance students’ success in the course.
Learn More
Bates, S., Cheng, J., Engle, W., Hendricks, C., Namba, R., & Rouse, A. (2022). Learner-centered syllabus toolkit: Communicating design choices to learners.
Fuentes, M. A., Zelaya, D. G., & Madsen, J. W. (2021). Rethinking the course syllabus: Considerations for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Teaching Commons, York University. Motivational Syllabus (PDF).
Womack, A. M. et al. (n.d.). Accessible Syllabus.
Yu, L. (n.d.). Creating a learner-centred course outline.
