I read Remi Kalir’s excellent suggestion that we have students annotate our syllabi. I stopped thinking of my syllabus as a finished document and stopped going over it in class on the first day. Instead, I started asking students to annotate the syllabus as their first homework assignment each term… The result was a document that spoke to our collective priorities, the unique makeup of the class, and a body of students who had paid deep attention to everything on the syllabus.
Catherine Denial
A Pedagogy of Kindness (2024)
Getting students to read, think, and talk about the syllabus in a meaningful way is a challenge in both traditional and online courses. This assignment addresses that issue. And, Kalir notes, it provides ongoing benefit throughout the semester.
Flower Darby with James M. Lang
Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes (2019)
My Annotated Syllabus Statement
Educators, use this statement with intention and attribution. Revise and remix it. Make it your own.
Welcome to our Annotated Syllabus. This syllabus—like our course—is incomplete without you and your commentary. This Annotated Syllabus is the start of a conversation about our course, your learning, and shared accomplishment. We will annotate our syllabus by: Asking clarifying questions; sharing opinions about readings and assignments; noting confusions and uncertainties; responding to policies; providing advice; and reflecting on what works and what can change. While your annotation may be critical, let us strive for commentary that is inquisitive and constructive. Your ongoing thoughts are welcome anytime so that this syllabus documents our learning together this semester.
My Blog Posts
Annotate Your Syllabus 4.0 | August 8, 2022
What I am suggesting—based on what I’ve learned from my practice and from my colleagues—is that an annotated syllabus is one effective entry point for active learning in your course. It can, for example, jumpstart your shift toward pedagogies of care. It can signal that you’re affirming the presence, curiosity, and critique of students.
Annotate Your Syllabus 3.0 | July 16, 2020
A syllabus is an educator’s draft vision of teaching yet enacted, a preamble to learning yet accomplished.
Annotate Your Syllabus 2.0 | Dec 19, 2018
It’s important that an annotated syllabus function as an ongoing conversation about your course. Return to the syllabus every few weeks. Ask who has added a recent annotation or reply. Use the growing annotation layers to reflect upon the course’s progress and students’ learning. My hope is that an annotated syllabus is not engaged as only a unique beginning-of-the-term activity, but works to shift longer-term course conversations and assist in the ongoing refinement of shared learning experiences.
Annotate Your Syllabus | Aug 15, 2018
I welcome students’ critical feedback and respond respectfully to their needs from one week to the next. This is a challenging, intensive, and emotionally-present approach to pedagogy and course design.
Resources
Annotate the Syllabus | Equity Unbound & OneHE
Annotation in Teaching and Learning | University of Virginia Teaching Hub
Annotating The Syllabus | University of Florida
Building and Sustaining Class Community – Annotate Your Syllabus | Ohio State University, Distance Education and Learning Design
Annotated Syllabus | Washington College
Nota Bene: Annotation as a Scholarly and Pedagogical Practice | Grinnell College
Revitalizing The Syllabus: A Collaborative Journey | Moravian Academy
A Pedagogy of Kindness | Pages 56-57
Small teaching online: Applying learning science in online classes | Pages 173-175]
“How to Build Community in Your Courses, Online or In-Person” | Al-Fanar Media
“OEP and Open Pedagogy” chapter of Using OER and OEP for Teaching and Learning | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Ireland)
“Classroom Strategies” | Frankenbook
“Remi Kalir” [discussion about #AnnotatedSyllabus starts at 30:00] | Gettin’ Air: The Open Pedagogy Podcast
“Annotation for Education” | Tech-based Teaching blog
