First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Lynn Library Learning Center 210E

Office Hours

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-1300-018 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 and supplemental materials are accessible for printing via the Blackboard course. You are encouraged to print lessons and create your own "textbook" by placing copies of lessons in a 3-ring binder.

Supplies

• Thumb drive
\ • Notetaking materials
\ • Internet access
\ • 2" 3 ring-binder
\ • 5 tab dividers

Student Performance

         1. Increase self-awareness.

2. Take charge of your life.

3. Identify and interact within your communities.

4. Manage your money.

5. Communicate effectively using a variety of formats.

6. Demonstrate information literacy skills.

7. Demonstrate effective study skills.

8. Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills.

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

  • You 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. 
  • You should address and sign all e-mails sent to your instructor and classmates. E-mails, like all academic work, should be proofread, should not include slang or abbreviations, and should not resemble text messages. 
  • You should turn off your cell phone or silence it during class. Please: No texting or playing on your phone during class.
  • If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating, you will receive a failing grade for the assignment. 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. If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating more than once, the instructor has the right to take appropriate actions as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Please review the Student Code of Conduct for a complete understanding of rules and policies.

Grading Criteria

15% Participation: Lecture Response Worksheets
20% Attendance (Class meetings and lab sessions)
15% Daily Work / Homework
  Includes discussion postings and assignment uploads in AC Connect course
10% AC Online Quizzes (Must be completed by deadline to be graded)
10% Enrichment Activities
  You must attend/participate in 3 Enrichment Activities and complete a short worksheet for each experience. These activities are scheduled outside of regular class time.
30% Career Project
  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.
 
Final letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = Below 60

Grades are not given; you earn grades based upon your 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.

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

If an extenuating circumstance prevents you from submitting an assignment on time, it is your 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. For a 16-week FYS class, late assignments will not be accepted more than 2 weeks late, and penalty points will apply, per grading rubrics. No late assignments will be accepted after November 22.

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. A user-friendly, color-coded course calendar is available through the Blackboard course in the "Start Here" folder.

While the online portion of the class is available 24/7, you must pay attention to due dates, which are 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. Check off assignments as you complete them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory completion of this course. Daily attendance will be recorded. You must attend class and lab for the first three weeks of the semester.
 
Lab sessions are on Monday mornings from 10:30AM - 11:45AM, Lynn Library Learning Center, Room 416. Beginning with Week 4, you will receive attendance credit or a "walk" in place of lab attendance for maintaining an 80 or above in the course. However, if, at any time, your course grade drops below an 80, you will be required to attend the weekly lab session until the course grade is an 80 or above. Regardless of your course grade average, you are invited and encouraged to participate in the lab sessions throughout the semester.
 
Class meetings are on Wednesday mornings from 10:30AM - 11:45AM in Ordway Hall, Room 207. You must attend all classes throughout the course for attendance credit.
 
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 Nov. 18. No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.

Calendar

Calendar

Online Lectures

In-Class

Activities

Assignments

Week 1

Aug. 25-30

You’re in College Now

 

Technology Tips

Introduction to the course

 

Icebreakers

 

AC Scavenger Hunt

 

Email contact information to Instructor (due Thurs., Aug. 28).

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

Initial and sign the Course Contract; scan and upload it into BlackBoard.

Discussion: “About Me.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., Aug. 28. Reply to two classmates by Sat., Aug. 30.)

Sept. 1, Mon.

LABOR DAY – College Closed

Week 2

Sept. 2-6

 

Achieving Your Dream

 

Organization Lecture

 

Discuss Commitment Pledge and building a support structure

Complete pre-survey on College Readiness

Complete the “Achieve Your Dream – No Excuses” Commitment Pledge and upload a scanned copy to the assignment box (due Thurs., Sept. 4).

Lecture Response Worksheet 1 (due Thurs., Sept. 4).

Week 3

Sept. 8-13

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., Sept. 11.  Reply to two classmates by Sat., Sept. 13.)

QUIZ 1: Multiple Choice format (Quiz opens Mon., Sept. 8, and closes Sat., Sept. 13, at midnight.)

Week 4

Sept. 15-20

College Communication

Ethics and Academic Integrity Lecture

Enrichment Activity #1 (due Sat., Sept. 20).

Lecture Response Worksheet 2 (due Thurs., Sept. 18).

Week 5

Sept. 22-27

Learning to Learn

 

Maximize Your Learning

Cornell Note taking

 

Learning Theory Lecture

 

Applying Learning Theory

Complete the VARK questionnaire - Learning Styles (due Thurs., Sept. 25).

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 2: Matching format (Quiz opens Mon., Sept. 22, and closes Sat., Sept. 27, at midnight.)

Lecture Response Worksheet 3 (due Thurs., Sept. 25).

Week 6

Sept. 29-Oct. 4

Your Hidden Agenda

 

Choosing a College Major and Career

Career Center presentation

Complete MyPlan - Career Inventory and upload it to the assignment box (due Thurs., Oct. 2).

Discussion:  “Learning to Learn, MyPlan and My Future.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., Oct. 2. Reply to two classmates by Sat., Oct. 4.)

Week 7

Oct. 6-11

An Overview of the Career Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning Styles & Memory Lecture

 

Memory Techniques Exercises

 

 

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 4 (due Thurs., Oct. 9).

 

 

Week 8

Oct. 13-18

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., Oct. 16. Reply to two classmates by Sat., Oct. 18.)

Schedule Job Shadow or Interview.

MID-TERM ESSAY QUIZ: Essay format (Quiz opens Mon., Oct. 13, and closes Sat., Oct. 18, at midnight.)

Week 9

Oct. 20-25

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.

Enrichment Activity #2 (due Sat., Oct. 25).

Lecture Response Worksheet 5 (due Thurs., Oct. 23).

Week 10

Oct. 27-Nov. 1

Stress and Wellness

 

Tests and Test Anxiety

Coping with Stress Lecture

 

Complete Wellness Plan and upload it to the assignment box (due Thurs., Oct. 30).

QUIZ 3: Multiple Choice, True-False, Multiple Answer, Matching format (Quiz opens Mon., Oct. 27, and closes Sat., Nov. 1.)

RESEARCH: Continue to work on Career Project.

Lecture Response Worksheet 6 (due Thurs., Oct. 30).

Week 11

Nov. 3-8

Critical Thinking

 

Creativity

Creativity & Critical Thinking Exercises/ Activities

Continue to work on Job Shadow or Interview.

Complete the Multiple Intelligences Inventory

Educational Pathway Plan must be uploaded to the assignment box (Thurs., Nov. 6).

Discussion: “Critical Thinking, Creativity, Stress & Tests.”  Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., Nov. 6. Reply to two classmates by Sat., Nov. 8.)

Week 12

Nov. 10-15

Manage Your Money

Financial Literacy Lecture

Complete reality check survey

QUIZ 4:  Multiple Choice, True-False, Matching format (Quiz opens Mon., Nov. 10, and closes Sat., Nov. 15, at midnight.)

Continue to work on Job Shadow or Interview.

Lecture Response Worksheet 7 (due Thurs., Nov. 13).

Career Project Annotated Bibliography must be uploaded to the assignment box (due Sat., Nov. 15).

Week 13

Nov. 17-22

 

Listening

 

 

Managing Relationships Lecture

 

Conflict & Communication Lecture

 

 

 

 

QUIZ 5: Short Answer format (Quiz opens Mon., Nov. 17, and closes Sat., Nov. 22, at midnight).

Last Day to Withdraw – Nov. 18

Lecture Response Worksheet 8 (due Thurs., Nov. 20).

Continue to work on Job Shadow.

Enrichment Activity #3 (due Sat., Nov. 22).

Week 14

Nov. 24-26

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 Tues., Nov. 25. Reply to two classmates by Wed., Nov. 26).

Job Shadow/Interview Paper and Employer Job Shadow/Interview Form (both due by Wed., Nov. 26). Upload the paper to the assignment box; the employer should fax the feedback form to your instructor.

You may choose to complete this assignment early!!

Nov. 27-30, Thurs.-Sun.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – College Closed

Week 15

Dec. 1-6

 

Working in the 21st Century

Teamwork, Diversity & the Modern Workplace Lecture

 

Course summary and wrap up

Complete post-survey on College Readiness.

Lecture Response Worksheet 9 (due Thurs., Dec. 4).

Week 16

Dec. 8-11

Finals Week

 

Commencement Friday, Dec. 13

Student Career Project presentations in class

Career Presentations: Create Career Project Presentation in PowerPoint. Attach a PDF of your project presentation to project presentation/materials to assignment box before class. Check final exam schedule for date of presentations.

Course Grade is Determined by:

20%  Attendance (class meetings and lab sessions)

15%  Participation (lecture response worksheets)

15%  Daily Work/ Homework (discussion postings, drop boxes – except for Career Project)

10%  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 twice weekly.

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.

Feel free to ask questions -- we're here to help you.

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM