When instructors sit down to write their syllabi before the semester, one challenge they face is how to communicate to students the skills and habits they need to succeed. Syllabi primarily outline course policies, learning objectives, and assignments, which means they typically focus less on teaching students how they should prepare for class, engage with course materials, and participate effectively. As a result, many of the course expectations essential to student success remain implicit, putting students at a disadvantage before the course even begins.
