Syllabus Tone

Many factors influence student perceptions of their instructors such as gender, likability, formality of dress and also one that the professors can manipulate, the tone of the syllabus. A study conducted by Richard Harnish and Robert Bridges found that when students read the syllabus written in a warm, friendly tone the perception of the professor was that he was “more warm, more approachable and more motivated to teach the course” (2011). Other studies suggest that positive initial perceptions like this make for a better learning climate for more effective teaching and learning.

According to Harnish et al. (2011) some characteristic of a positive or friendly syllabus tone are:

• Using positive or friendly language;
• Providing a rationale for assignments;
• Sharing personal experiences;
• Using humor;
• Conveying compassion;
• Showing enthusiasm for the course.

For specific examples of both friendly and unfriendly syllabus tones, please see the full article.

Harnish, R. J., & Bridges, K. R. (2011). Effect of syllabus tone: Students’ perceptions of instructor and course. Social Psychology of Education 14(3), 319-330. doi: 10.1007/s11218-011-9152-4

Harnish, R. J., O’Brien McElwee, R., Slattery, J. M., Frantz, S., Haney, M. R., Shore, C. M., & Penley, J. (2011). Creating the foundation for a warm classroom climate: Best practices in syllabus tone. APS Observer, 24, 23–27.