SPECIFIC GUIDELINES AND

TIPS
IN THE PREPARATION OF THE
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
EASTER JOY P. SANTOR
MaReadEd Student
SYLLABUS
According to the Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics,

“A syllabus can be defined as 'a description of the contents

of a course of instruction and the order in which they are to
be taught‘’ (Richards et al. 1992, 368). Generally, it will
include course policies, rules and regulations, required
texts, and a schedule of assignments.
 5 Steps in Designing a Syllabus that
Promotes Recall and Application

Step #1: Determine What You Want the Course to Achieve Overall
Step #2: Map Out the Arc of the Course
Step #3: Create Links Between Classes, Modules, and Cases
Step #4: Balance Technique with Overall Takeaways
Step #5: Pick Materials That Best Represent Course Objectives
Tips for Creating a Syllabus
Set the Tone for Your Course in the
Syllabus

If you want to establish a more relaxed tone in your

course, write your syllabus in first person. However,
for a more formal tone, write your syllabus in third
person.
Anticipate Students’ Questions

Try answering typical student questions and placing the

answers in your syllabus: Why should I take this
course? How does this course relate to the general
education program? How will this course help me
intellectually and practically?
Include More Rather than Less
Material
If the syllabus includes detailed descriptions of
assignments and criteria that will be used to distinguish
quality in student work, time will be saved throughout
the course
 Define and Limit Course Content

Try to divide course content into the following

categories.
1. Required content for all students to learn.
2. Content that supports students’ inquiry for learning
beyond the required content.
3. Content that interests students who want to specialize
in the area of study.
 Keep the Syllabus Flexible

Some classes move quickly, and others get sidetracked.

Either issue a new course syllabus midway through the
semester to accommodate for changes or include a
disclaimer to account for changes in the syllabus.
Organizing the Semester with the
Syllabus

Plan the course schedule in advance, including all

assignments, exams, and holidays.
HANDBOOK
is a concise and comprehensive collection of
information, facts, instructions, and processes
about something. This is reference material
used by students, employees, departments, and
people from different walks of life. A handbook
is often interchangeably called a guidebook or
manual.
10 Types of Handbook
Business Handbook Company Handbook
Employee Handbook Office Handbook
Department Handbook Student Handbook
Manager Handbook Research Policy Handbook
Financial Employee Handbook Independent Contractor
Handbook
What’s in a Handbook?

General Provision

The first part of the handbook is the general provision. This
includes the introduction to the organization, history,
organizational information, organizational structure, mission and
vision, core values, and other basic details that one needs to know.
 
What’s in a Handbook?
Goals

This part lines up all the goals, expectations, aims, and
objectives of the organization. This part often includes the
call to action and expected outcomes for all parties involved.
 
What’s in a Handbook?

Policies
Policies are the meat of the handbook. This part
lists the different policies, rules, codes of conduct,
and various guidelines that parties need to follow.
How to Design a Handbook
1. Choose your preferred Handbook Size 
2. Determine the purpose of the handbook 
3. Select a ready-made Handbook Template
4. Gather details and fact-check them
5. Plot all contents accordingly 
6. Secure both soft and hard copies of your handbook
Handbook Size
Handbook sizes vary according to their use and purpose,
but they are mostly printed on standard US Letter, A4,
and A5 paper. 
Letter (8.5 x 11)
A4 (8.3 × 11.7)
A5 (5.8 x 8.3)
What makes a good handbook?
A good handbook includes all the necessary elements of a
handbook and is complete with all the information that users
need.
How often should a handbook be updated?
A handbook should be updated at least once a year, others go
over their handbooks every six months to keep it updated
and effective.
Where to get handbook templates

There are many different online applications and

software that offer readymade handbook
templates, among the many is template.net.
SELF LEARNING
KITS/MODULES
Modules are carefully structured documents which facilitate self-
directed and self – paced learning.

While components may vary, modules typically include:

Learning objectives
Introduction
Instructional Content
Directions
Learning Activities
Test Questions w/ feedback answers
REFERENCES
 Taghizadeh, Mahboubeh. 2013. EAP Syllabus and Course Design. International Research Journal of Applied and
Basic Sciences. Available at http://www.irjabs.com/ files_ site/paperlist/r_ 1370_130914102232.pdf

 Thakur, Dr. Ram Krishna. 2013. Delineation of English Language Teaching Syllabi and Its Implications. The
Criterion: An International Journal in English. Available at http://www.the-criterion.com/V4/n6/Ram.pdf

 Davis, B. G. (1993). Tools for teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Duffy, D. K. & Jones, J. W.
(1995). Teaching within the rhythms of the semester. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

 Make It Stick: One HBS Professor Shares His Take on Course Development―and His Syllabus by Suraj Srinivasan
© 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing.