Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

1-31-2019

Publisher

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication

Source Publication

Journal of Public Relations Education

Source ISSN

2573-1742

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how a format of a syllabus influences student motivation and engagement in a public relations course and students’ impression of the course and course instructor. This study conducted focus group interviews and a lab experiment with undergraduate student at a large university in the Midwestern United States to examine how a format—design or length—of a PR course syllabus can affect student motivation, engagement, and impression of the course and course instructor. Results from the two focus group interviews were mixed, but students’ preferences were geared toward the long version of the visually appealing syllabus. Findings from the experimental study show no effect of syllabus design on student engagement. However, the visually appealing syllabus had an effect on student motivation, and its short version produced positive impressions of the course and course instructor.

Comments

Published version. Journal of Public Relations Education, Vol. 5, No. 1 (January 31, 2019) : 101-133. Publisher link. © 2019 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Used with permission.

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