syllabus
The single most important instrument of structure in a course
is the SYLLABUS, which outlines the goals and objectives of a
course, prerequisites, the grading/evaluation scheme, materials
to be used (textbooks, software), topics to be covered, a schedule,
and a bibliography. Each of these components defines the nature
of the learning experience. Goals and objectives identify the
expected outcomes and scope of the course as determined by the
instructor or course designer, restricting the domain of knowledge
for the learner. Prerequisites limit the student population to
those with certain kinds of learning experiences, usually other
courses. The grading or evaluation scheme tells students what
kind of learning activities are to be valued (e.g., assignments,
tests, papers, projects), that is, the currency of learning in
this particular course. Topics to be covered specify the content
that the instructor feels is important. The schedule provides
a timetable for learning, usually with milestones in the form
of due dates or tests.
--from:
Title: Structural issues in distance education.
Subject(s): DISTANCE education -- United States; GEORGE Washington
University (Washington, D.C.)
Source: Journal of Education for Business, Mar/Apr96, Vol. 71
Issue 4, p191, 5p, 2 charts
Author(s): Kearsley, Greg; Lynch, William