Where Do I Begin?
Constructing a Course Outline as a Novice Teacher
Pre-thinking about course outline
development…
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What purpose does it serve?
Who is the audience?
What are the critical elements?
How do I determine a big picture
assessment plan?
Purpose of a course outline…
A course outline is a document that benefits students, instructors
and stakeholders. It is an essential piece when designing any course.
• It’s a planning tool. As you prepare it, you are setting course goals
and aligning your assessment plans. You are establishing a
schedule for the course.
• It helps guide students. You are informing students about the work
and materials they will engage in. The schedule can also tell
students what expectations there are of them.
• It also acts as a reference for stakeholders like parents,
colleagues, administrators, and accreditation agencies.
What should I include… Go explore …
• Take some time reviewing the posted course
outlines from the field.
• What common pieces do you see?
• What is different?
• What do you like to see as a learner?
• Record pieces on board
From Education Week Teacher….
the title of the course and when and where it meets
your contact information and the best way for students/parents to contact you
a brief description of the class
a list of objectives/I can statements
assessing policies including how you will handle plagiarism or other academic
dishonesty
• required materials and other resources
• a break down of each unit you will cover with any major assessments
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• consider adding the approximate length of the unit
• the purpose and expectations of learning (I can statements)
• the standards (outcomes) covered throughout the year
• rubrics used, if any are set to go
• calendar of assignments, including reading responsibilities
Where do I start?
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the Curriculum
Direction from Administration (via a Subject area leader)
Special Subject Associations
Experienced colleagues/your mentor
Math – 50% tests by outcome;
25% assignments and quizzes;
25% final
ELA – CR and CC at 45%; AR at
10% (eg. Final/essay/exit
interview)
the Assessment piece…
• Your assessment and evaluation philosophy will be reflected in the
design of your assessment plan.
• Assessment plans are built in line with the outcomes of the curriculum.
• Your assessment plan states how you will gather evidence for
achievement of the outcomes.
• An assessment plan will share the big picture plan for overall course
assessment.
• Remember…your formative assessment process impacts the summative
evaluation.
• Consider the balance of “on the spot” assessment and assessment “over
time”.
Haus and Houk, 2017
with support from University of Lethbridge Teaching
Centre, various course outlines from colleagues;
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/20
15/09/create_a_syllabus_for_high_sch.html