Liquid Syllabi: Moving from Static to Dynamic

Welcome!

CEE Summer Course Design Series:

Center for Educational Excellence, University of San Diego

Land Acknowledgement

I want to acknowledge that the land on which USD is located is the traditional and unceded territory of the Kumeyaay Nation. I want to pay respect to the citizens of the Kumeyaay Nation, both past and present, and their continuing relationship to their ancestral lands.

What is a liquid

syllabus?

Let’s start with the history: The liquid syllabus was created by Michelle Pacansky-Brock in 2014 as a humanizing element that ensures students start a course feeling supported by their instructor. It is intended to serve as a kindness cue of social inclusion (Estrada, Eroy-Reveles & Matsui, 2018) by welcoming students, positioning an instructor as a learning partner, and illuminating a path to success for all students.

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Fun Fact:

the term “liquid” refers to web content that is easily shareable.

Time to Explore

1. Wakelet Example

Lisa Nunn’s SOCI 314 course

2. Google Sites Examples

Sheree Scott’s MEPN 555 course

Michelle Pacansky-Brock’s PHOT 530 course

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A liquid syllabus is intended to accomplish…

Humanizing yourself and the course:

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• A fun photo or video of yourself, brief and imperfect, to say hello.
• Welcoming language (microaffirmations!) to foster a sense of community.

Communicate expectations:

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• A learning pact, co-created between

you and your students.

• What you can expect from me and what I expect from you statements.
• Daily plan to tackle work for the course.
• What to avoid on the 1st day of class.
• An insider’s guide to acing the class.

Letting students feel prepared

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• Easy links to readings or materials to succeed in the first week (and beyond!).
• If you're new to this topic - essentials/refreshers
• Example quiz or assignment

Chances for you to get to know your students

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• Kate’s Pre-Semester Survey and other First-day student info sheets (to learn about students’ lives and interests, so you can be aware of potential challenges and needs).

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Benefits of a liquid syllabus

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Lets students walk in the door feeling confident (academic engagement)

Can be a tool for antiracist and inclusive teaching

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Example of Transparency in Teaching and Learning

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Frees time from reading the syllabus on the first day

Does not require access to Canvas (LMS)

Chance to humanize yourself and the course

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Dynamic and easy to update

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Let’s workshop!

The remainder of this session is yours to start transforming your syllabus.

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• How-to Guide by Michelle Pacansky-Brock
• We’re here to help! Contact CEE at cee@sandiego.edu

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Thank you!

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