Download - WJEC Ignite: Michael Bruce
BEA IGNITE
Michael BruceThe University of Alabama
Starting Class Right: Syllabus Day
Starting Class Right:Syllabus Day
Challenge
What can be done to enhance the first day of class in a way that emphasizes the real world aspects of a sports broadcasting career?
BackgroundCourse set up as broadcast network (TCF Sports Network)
Students treated as employees in training
Applicable to any course (small is better)
Start the course off right with Syllabus Day*
*adapted from Craig Davis
Delivery
Deliver course materials in class on first day to each student using mail (post) envelopes.
PersonalizedMaterials are personalized to each student in the course.
Course MaterialsEmployee
DevelopmentManual
EmployeeDevelopment
AgreementEmploymentNotification
Letter
Employment Notification Letter
Letter from fictional HR director, notifying student of their selection into the training program.
Employment Notification LetterWe are pleased to offer
you an entry-level sports media assistant
position in our Southeast office.
Please feel free to address any questions
to Dr. Bruce on January 9th.
Employee Development Manual
a.k.a. traditional syllabus printed in book format
Employee Development ManualContains standard syllabus material, but written to emphasize similarities to professional performance standards.
“You should treat this class as you would your
job. Most employers have attendance
policies.”
Employee Development Agreement
Contract
Outlines conduct and expectations
Signed by student on 1st day of class
I understand projects are due at the
beginning of class.
Need for urgency
Relaxed Tension
Learning by doing rather than knowing
One on one learning opportunities
Simulate real world experience
Outcomes
“How long did this take you?”
“Why did you spend so much time on these?”
“I wish you would have emphasized the importance of classes before now.”
Student Reaction
Contact
Michael Bruce
@theDrBruce