First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Dutton Hall 102

Office Hours

During the Fall & Spring semester, I am available in the office from 9am-11am, Monday-Thursday.  If these times do not work for you, please contact me and we will find a time that works!

During the Summer, I am available by appointment only in the office.  But, we can schedule a phone or virtual meeting anytime!

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

EDUC-1300-003 First Year Seminar - Learning Framework

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of the: research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation; factors that impact learning; and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lessons are accessible for printing via Blackboard course. Students are encouraged to print lessons and create their own "textbook" by placing copies of lessons in 3-ring binder.

Supplies

Bring these items to class each time:

  • Thumb drive
  • Notetaking materials
  • 2" 3 ring-binder with 5 tab dividers

You will also need

Student Performance

          1. Increase self-awareness.

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2. Take charge of your life.

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3. Identify and interact within your communities.

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4. Manage your money.

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5. Communicate effectively using a variety of formats.

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6. Demonstrate information literacy skills.

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7. Demonstrate effective study skills.

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8. Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills.

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9. Develop an integrated educational and career pathway.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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  • \ Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to: tardiness/leaving early; electronic device noises; talking during lectures; abusive, offensive or disrespectful behavior/language. 
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  • \ E-mails sent to your instructor must be addressed and signed. E-mails, like all academic work, should be proofread, should not include slang or abbreviations, and should not resemble text messages. 
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  • \ Turn off cell phones or put them on silent during class.
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  • \ Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade. According to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct, plagiarism is the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another's work and the acknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one's own written work.
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Grading Criteria

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10%Participation: Lecture Response Worksheets
10%Attendance (class meetings and lab sessions)
20%Daily Work / Homework
 Includes discussion postings and drop box assignments in AC Connect course
20%AC Online quizzes completed by deadline
10%Enrichment Activities
 You must attend/participate in 3 Enrichment Activities and complete a short worksheet each experience. These activities are scheduled outside of regular class time.
30%Career Project
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The Career Project will be completed in three parts: a job shadow, an annotated bibliography identifying key research about your chosen career, and a paper/in-class presentation.
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Final letter grades will be assigned as follows:
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A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = below 60
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Grades are not given; grades are earned based on student performance. Please note the requirements for earning the grade you desire and act accordingly throughout the semester. If you complete the coursework in a timely fashion with quality submissions, you should successfully complete this course. You are encouraged to read and apply, as necessary, all feedback from the instructor in order to improve the quality of future assignment submissions. Assignments and exams are due on the dates stated in the course calendar.

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Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement in college courses. It is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and/or lab meeting. Students are also expected to log in to the online course and complete all assignments according to the class calendar. (See Student Attendance policy above.)

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If an extenuating circumstance prevents a student from submitting an assignment on time, it is the student's responsibility to let the instructor know immediately. The decision to amend a due date or accept a late assignment will be left up to the instructor and will only be considered in extreme cases.

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Discussion forums will not be available for postings after the date/time deadline. Please read the Course Calendar (below) carefully and be aware of when things are due.

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While the online portion of the class is available 24/7, pay attention to due dates...typically Thursday and Saturday evenings at 11:55 p.m. Due dates for assignments are detailed on the Course Calendar. Print out the color-coded calendar available in the Blackboard course.

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Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory completion of this course. Daily attendance will be recorded. All students must attend class and lab for the first two weeks of the semester.

Class meetings are on Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15am in Parcells Hall, Room 214.  Students must attend all classes throughout the course for attendance credit.
 
Lab sessions are on Tuesday mornings from  9:00 a.m. to 10:15am in Parcells Hall, Room 408Any student who maintains an 80 or above in the course may receive attendance credit or a "walk" in place of lab attendance for the remaining weeks of the semester (weeks 3-16); however, any time a student's course grade drops below an 80, s/he will be required to attend the weekly lab session until the course grade is an 80 or above. All students are encouraged to participate in the lab sessions throughout the semester. 
 
Leaving class or lab more than 5 minutes prior to dismissal time or arriving more than 10 minutes late to class or lab will be counted as an absence. If you must stop attending, withdraw officially by the deadline. No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.

Calendar

Class meetings are on Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15am in Parcells Hall, Room 214.  
 
Lab sessions are on Tuesday mornings from  9:00 a.m. to 10:15am in Parcells Hall, Room 408.  

Calendar

Reading

In-Class

Assignments

Week 1

Jan. 21-25

Online Lectures:

 

You’re in College Now

 

Technology Tips

Introduction to the course

 

Icebreakers

Drop Box: Complete Contact Information (due Sat., Jan. 25).

Mark important dates in Badger Planner, phone or online calendar.

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., Jan. 25).

Week 2

Jan. 27 – Feb. 1

 

Online Lecture:

 

Achieving Your Dream

 

AC Scavenger Hunt

 

Organization Lecture

 

Discuss Commitment Pledge and building a support structure

Complete pre-survey on College Readiness

Drop Box: Complete “Achieve Your Dream – No Excuses” Commitment Pledge and upload the list of the people who signed your pledge to the drop box (due Sat., Feb. 1).

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., Feb. 1).

Week 3

Feb. 3-8

Online Lectures:

 

Defining Yourself

 

Managing Your Time and Energy

Time Management Lecture

Discussion: “Self-Awareness, Time Management, and My Support System.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., Feb. 6.  Reply to two classmates by Sat., Feb. 8.)

QUIZ: Multiple Choice format (Quiz opens Mon., Feb. 3, and closes Sat., Feb. 8, at midnight.)

Week 4

Feb. 10-15

Online Lecture:

 

College Communication

Ethics and Academic Integrity Lecture

Drop Box: Enrichment Activity #1 (due Sat., Feb. 15).

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., Feb. 15).

Week 5

Feb. 17-22

Online Lectures:

 

Learning to Learn

 

Maximize Your Learning

Cornell Note taking

 

Learning Theory Lecture

 

Applying Learning Theory

Complete the VARK questionnaire - Learning Styles (due Sat., Feb. 22).

Download Cornell Notes Template. Use template to take notes in another course. Turn in copy of notes to instructor at class meeting in Week 6.

QUIZ: Matching format (Quiz opens Mon., Feb. 17, and closes Sat., Feb. 22, at midnight.)

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., Feb. 22).

Week 6

Feb. 24 – March 1

Online Lectures:

 

Your Hidden Agenda

 

Choosing a College Major and Career

Learning Styles & Memory Lecture

 

Memory Techniques Exercises

Drop Box: Complete MyPlan - Career Inventory (due Sat., March 1).

Discussion:  “College Communication, Learning to Learn, MyPlan and My Future.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., Feb. 27. Reply to two classmates by Sat., March 1.)

Week 7

March 3-8

Online Lecture:

 

An Overview of the Career Project

Career Center presentation

 

 

Identify professional mentor for Job Shadow or Interview. Clear selection with your instructor.

RESEARCH: Begin researching Career Project; Download Annotated Bibliography sample.

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., March 8).

March 10-15

SPRING BREAK

Week 8

March 17-22

Online Lecture:

 

Create Your Educational Pathway

 

Goal Setting Lecture

 

Work on your unique Educational Pathway Plan.

Discussion: “Job Shadow/Interview Plans and My Goals.”  Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., Mar. 20. Reply to two classmates by Sat., Mar. 22.)

Schedule Job Shadow or Interview.

QUIZ: Essay format (Quiz opens Mon., Mar. 17, and closes Sat., Mar. 22, at midnight.)

Week 9

March 24-29

Online Lectures:

 

College Reading Techniques

 

College Writing Techniques

Library Presentation

(Information Literacy and Research Techniques)

 

Reading/Writing Exercises

 

Continue to work on Job Shadow or Interview. If you have not scheduled your Job Shadow or Interview, see your instructor this week.

RESEARCH: Continue to work on Career Project.

Drop Box: Enrichment Activity #2 (due Sat., Mar. 29).

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., Mar. 29).

Week 10

March 31 - April 5

Online Lectures:

 

Stress and Wellness

 

Tests and Test Anxiety

Coping with Stress Lecture

 

Drop Box: Complete Wellness Plan (due Sat., Apr. 5).

QUIZ: Multiple Choice, True-False, Short answer (Quiz opens Mon., Mar. 31, and closes Sat., Apr. 5.)

RESEARCH: Continue to work on Career Project.

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Saturday, Apr. 5).

Week 11

April 7-12

Online Lectures:

 

Critical Thinking

 

Creativity

Creativity & Critical Thinking Exercises/ Activities

Continue to work on Job Shadow or Interview.

Complete the Multiple Intelligences Inventory (Sat., Apr. 12).

Drop Box: Educational Pathway Plan (Sat., Apr. 12).

Discussion: “College Reading/Writing Techniques, Critical Thinking & Creativity, and Stress & Tests.”  Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., Apr. 10. Reply to two classmates by Sat., Apr. 12.)

Week 12

April 14-17

Online Lecture:

 

Manage Your Money

Financial Literacy Lecture

Complete reality check survey (due Thurs., Apr. 17).

QUIZ:  Multiple Choice, True-False, Short Answer format (Quiz opens Mon., Apr. 14, and closes Thurs., Apr. 17, at midnight.)

Continue to work on Job Shadow or Interview.

Drop Box: Career Project Annotated Bibliography (due Thurs., Apr. 17).

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Thurs., Apr. 17).

April 18-19

EASTER HOLIDAY

Week 13

Apr. 21-26

 

Online Lecture:

 

Listening

 

 

Managing Relationships Lecture

 

Conflict & Communication Lecture

Continue to work on Job Shadow.

QUIZ: Short Answer format (Quiz opens Mon., Apr. 21, and closes Sat., Apr. 26, at midnight).

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., Apr. 26).

Last Day to Withdraw – Apr. 24

Week 14

April 28 - May 3

Online Lectures:

 

Conflict

 

Emotional Intelligence

Professionalism and Values Lecture

Discussion: “Money Management, Conflict, Listening and Emotional Intelligence.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., May 1. Reply to two classmates by Sat., May 3).

Drop Box: Enrichment Activity #3 (due Sat., May 3).

 

Week 15

May 5-10

 

Online Lecture:

 

Working in the 21st Century

Teamwork, Diversity & the Modern Workplace Lecture

 

Course summary and wrap up

Drop Box: Job Shadow/Interview Paper and Employer Job Shadow/Interview Form (both due by Sat., May 10).

Complete post-survey on College Readiness.

Lecture Response Worksheet (due Sat., May 10).

Week 16

May 12-15

Finals Week

 

Commencement Friday, May 16

Student Career Project presentations in class

Career Presentations: Check final exam schedule for date of presentations.

Course Grade is Determined by:

10%  Attendance (class meetings and lab sessions)

10%  Participation (lecture response worksheets)

20%  Daily Work/ Homework (discussion postings, drop boxes – except for Career Project)

20%  Quizzes

10%  Enrichment Activities

30%  Career Project (Job Shadow Paper, Annotated Bibliography, Employer Feedback Form, Presentation)

Additional Information

\ Your participation in class and online helps you learn more and makes the class more interesting. You need to schedule time during each week to complete your coursework as if you were attending an in-person class weekly.

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\ Honesty, integrity, and respect will guide this course. You are expected to treat all participants with respect at all times.  In discussing controversial issues, it is important that students feel comfortable expressing their opinion, yet it is imperative that students refrain from using derogatory or offensive language.

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\ Feel free to ask questions --  I’m here to help you.

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM