The Graphic Syllabus and the Outcomes Map Communicating Your Course

This book shows college instructors how to communicate their course organization to students in a graphic syllabus (a one-page diagram, flowchart, or concept map of the topical organization) and an outcomes map (a one-page flowchart of the sequence of student learning objectives and outcomes from the foundational through the mediating to the ultimate). It also documents the positive impact that graphics have on student learning, particularly when used in conjunction with a traditional text syllabus. It is written to be highly practical. and is filled with examples and samples of good graphic syllabi from a variety of disciplines and courses. Readers are also cautioned about common errors in designing graphic syllabi. TABLE OF CONTENTS The Limits of a Text Syllabus How and Why Graphics Enhance Learning Designing a Graphics Syllabus Charting an Outcomes Map How Graphics Benefit Syllabi for Inspiration Appendix: More Model Graphic Syllabi for Inspiration Appendix: Computer Software for Graphic Syllabi and Outcomes Maps References

Linda B. Nilson is founding director of the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation at Clemson University.