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

mdbruce@ua.edu

@theDrBruce