Professor Pam Chapman (Waubonsee Community College) took a Chautauqua seminar with me in New York City in 2005 and recently emailed me a syllabus quiz she uses with her classes, especially when they are on-line. She assigns the quiz the first day and requires that it be completed by the end of the first week of class. It allows her to see if the students have actually read the syllabus as well as their comfort level with the technology required in the course. As she noted:
"The purpose is to familiarize the student with the content of the syllabus, class calendar, rules, and so on. By doing this, they know where to find the answers to questions such as:
What day is a particular assignment due?
What time can I reach my professor in her office?
Does my professor allow for extra credit work?
I find that by doing this, the student takes more responsibility for their learning. They know where to find the answers to questions and are definitely more aware of the rules relating to the class."
Professor Chapman has agreed to share her syllabus quiz with other faculty. You can Download syllabus_quiz.doc here.
I have used such a quiz for years, and it really does help students read the thing! Also, after you have them take the online quiz, you have proof that they had reason to understand and be familiar with your policies if later they try to pull the "But I didn't know" trick.
Posted by: Mame | April 05, 2007 at 10:31 AM
The syllabus quiz also shows the students that you want them to take responsibility for their own learning. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Delaney Kirk | April 05, 2007 at 01:59 PM