The document provides tips for updating a course syllabus from a previous semester or year. It recommends modifying dates and sections that refer to dates at the top of the file. It also suggests using bookmarks to organize the syllabus so sections that need updating can be easily found. The document concludes by stating the importance of using the right tool to modify the syllabus.
Be able to quickly update syllabi for the upcoming semester.Image from PowerPoint
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3.Consider having a syllabus for each semester you teach. It is easier to modify.Image from PowerPoint
Fall semester has Thanksgiving breakImage from PowerPoint
Spring semester has spring breakImage from PowerPoint
And summer has neitherImage from PowerPoint
That is modify the last fall semester syllabus for the upcoming fall semester rather than using the spring or summer syllabus
Image from PowerPoint
Use bookmarks to find sections that need changingNavigate to a part of the syllabus that changes each time. Click BookmarkThe Bookmark window opensEnter a name for where you areClick Add
So you can quickly change them.
Now you will never need to modify these 2 sections again.
Usually when updating a syllabus you will turn first to Microsoft Word, but I turn to Excel, instead.Image from PowerPoint
This spreadsheets allows you to enter the first day of class and then it puts in the dates for the rest of the semester. Then you can add the events for each class period. When finished you can copy the dates and activities to the syllabus.This tab is for classes that meet once a week in the fall semester. There is also a worksheet for classes that meet twice a week.And there is also a worksheet for the spring semester. Since I rarely teach a class that meets twice a week it does not have a separate worksheet for that.But you could copy the Fall 2 x week sheet and paste it in. Then rename it and modify as necessary.The Calendar Wizard sheet allows you to enter a year and then you can see the calendar for that week.
Use these techniques to make updating your syllabi routine:Update the syllabus from a year ago rather than last semesterMove dates to top of file and change references to point to themUse bookmarks in Word to quickly get to sections that you must modify.Use a spreadsheet to easily create calendar of eventsImage from PowerPoint
