What's Next

You've completed four sessions to help you create a framework for creating your BOLLI course. There is still much to be done to research, explore, refine, and build your BOLLI course. That's a journey for you to continue on your own, checking in with your mentor along the way. Here are some suggestions for reaching the finish line:

• Research Sources - If you haven't done so already, identify the sources you will use. It's good to map out your core source or sources (book, films, stories, articles, videos) first, then explore some supporting material. For example, if you are using a book, can you also find some related articles that will help provide perspective? If you are using literature (novel, poetry, short stories), can you supplement with author interviews, reviews, or criticism? Are there timelines, cultural profiles, or other related materials revelant to your source? While it's fine, for example, to use a single book and divide assignments across five weeks, you may be able to enrich the experience (and hence your discussions) even more. 

• Prepare and Submit a Proposal - Contact a member of the Curriculum Committee (CC) and let them know you would like to submit a proposal. Generally, the CC will have a deadline for intent to submit sometime during the first week in October and full proposal by the third week for the upcoming Spring term or intent to submit by the first week in April for the upcoming Fall term, and full proposal by the third week. Consult the CC website for accurate dates and details. The site provides an overview of the course proposal process, as well as links to the required proposal form. Follow their guidelines carefully and pay careful attention to word counts (250 words for your course description and 100 words for your SGL biography.) Here's a link to the Fall 2025 proposal form, but be sure to use the most current form when you are ready to submit. 

• Build a Comprehensive Syllabus - You will want to move from the outline syllabus that you've prepared to a more detailed plan for each session—weekly assignment, topics, reading guides, discussion questions. This is the syllabus that you will share with participants. You may elect to share your syllabus as a PDF attachment to your welcome letter, a Google doc, or a Google site.

• Outline Lesson Plans - Creating a roadmap for each class takes the worry out of class delivery. What will you cover? How long will you spend on each segment in each class period? How much time will you allot to each segment? What activities will you use to stimulate engagement and participation? Build in "chunks" with an estimated time for each; that way, if a segment runs long, you will know what to eliminate to still end on time and reach your learning objective for the week.

Building Google Sites

A Google site is a convenient way for you to share all of your course information, materials, assignments, and reading guide questions with your class participants. See these Instructions for Building a Google Site for a step-by-step process and people who can assist you. Here are some good examples of sites that SGLs have created: 

Other Technology for SGLs

Google Tools - In addition to Google sites, there are several technologies that you may find you need for planning and delivering your course. To learn about other Google tools, such as Google docs, drive, sheets, and slides, check out the Google Workspace Learning Center. 

Zoom - If you will be teaching remotely, you will need to become familiar and skilled in using Zoom. All remote study group leaders must use the Brandeis Zoom platform for delivering their BOLLI courses. See the Study Group Leader Resources site for instructions, and contact the BOLLI staff to arrange for a Zoom account. Note that BOLLI usually offers some basic Zoom training before the start of each Fall and Spring term. All SGLs receive notice of the available training.

Slide Presentations - If you plan to use slides, either via Zoom or an in-person classroom, see these slide presentation resources. 

Other Resources

Curriculum Committee (CC) - The CC is a volunteer group of BOLLI members responsible for assembling a robust program of courses for each Spring and Fall term and creating the course catalogue. All prospective new SGLs SGL must be interviewed by the CC chair or co-chair before submitting a proposal. The committee is also available to discuss anything about becoming an SGL or about a course idea.  A liaison from the committee will then be assigned to the SGL to answer any questions and assist in completing the proposal process.

Study Group Support Committee (SGSC) - The SGSC supports study group leaders in multiple ways as they transition from the proposal process with the Curriculum Committee to the preparation and presentation of their courses. The ultimate goal is to enhance the teaching and learning experience for both SGLs and class participants. 

The SGSC provides a single point of contact and source of periodic individual assistance for SGLs through one-on-one SGSC liaisons. Liaisons are available for assistance with course preparation, presentation, and feedback. They are "listeners" or "sounding boards" who will, to the best of their ability, answer questions, address concerns, make suggestions, provide resources or referrals when needed and possible, and/or discuss problems that might arise over the course of the term. Liaisons stay in frequent contact and visit the course early in the term to provide observations and feedback.

Study Group Leader Resources Site - This website is maintained by the SGSC as an online resource for sharing guidance and useful information with BOLLI's  SGLs and their SGSC liaisons. Information is provided  about key dates for each term, course preparation, discussion guidance, technology, and feedback.

BOLLI Staff - BOLLI staff are available to assist you on your journey. See the Meet the Staff page on the BOLLI website for contact information.

You're Never Alone on Your Journey

While it takes a village to raise a child, it takes the entire BOLLI community to make great courses.  Make sure you reach out to your mentor, BOLLI administration, the Study Group Support Committee, the Curriculum Committee, and various technology resources to assist you in preparing for your class. And remind your class that it’s not your class, it’s their class, and if they take the attitude that we’re all in this together, everyone will have a much better time—especially you!