ERIC Number: EJ1480343
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1927-5250
EISSN: EISSN-1927-5269
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Visualizing the Syllabus: Engagement, Comprehension, and First Impressions in University EFL
Howard H. Hernandez; Collette S. Grant; William F. Priest
Journal of Education and Learning, v14 n4 p155-166 2025
This study investigates university students' perceptions and impressions of a visually stimulating syllabus, focusing on its effectiveness in conveying course expectations and its influence on initial impressions of instructors. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 168 university-level Englishas-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students in two universities in Japan. Students reviewed the visual syllabus and provided feedback through Google Forms surveys. Findings reveal students strongly favor the visually stimulating format for its clarity, engagement, and satisfaction. Additionally, the visual syllabus positively influenced the students' impressions of their instructors, enhancing perceptions of professionalism and approachability. These results suggest that visually enhanced syllabi can improve students' comprehension of course materials and foster a more engaging and inclusive learning environment. The study offers practical insights into syllabus design for educators seeking to align their teaching materials with the needs of modern learners.
Descriptors: Course Descriptions, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, College Students, Student Attitudes, Language Teachers, Feedback (Response), Instructional Materials, Foreign Countries, Learner Engagement, Instructional Design, Visual Aids, Professionalism, Teacher Student Relationship
Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1595 Sixteenth Ave Suite 301, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3N9
Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: jel@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jel
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Japan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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