First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-1100-PSH 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

There is no required text for this class.

You will also have the option to receive an iPad.  You’ll be asked to sign a form indicating you understand the iPad belongs to Amarillo College.  If it is lost, damaged or stolen, you will be responsible for the cost of a new iPad.  Once you complete the Scholars Program and graduate or transfer with a GPA of 3.5, or better, the iPad will become yours!

Supplies

Students will need a USB drive for storing electronic files and should always bring note-taking materials to class.

Student Performance

After completing this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the instructor:

1. identify personal learning strengths and weaknesses
2. analyze various leadership contexts
3. apply leadership and team building principles and theory in practical projects
4. participate in class and group processes
5. demonstrate courtesy and respect for classmates

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

• 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. 
• Emails sent to your instructor must be addressed and signed. Emails, like all academic work, should be proofread, should not include slang or abbreviations, and should not resemble text messages. 
• Turn off cell phones or put them on silent during class.
• 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.

Grading Criteria

GRADING CRITERIA

Course grade will be determined by the following percentages:

15% Oral History Project
15% Group Project
  -- Project Planning Sheet
  -- Project Execution
  -- Project Report
10% Out-of-class Events
10% High School/Community Presentation
15% Travel Presentation with Presentation Software Slideshow (PowerPoint)
10% Educational Planning 
  --Educational Plan Worksheet
  --Specialist Log         
  --E-Portfolio
10% Honors Update Newsletter Article
10% Research Conference Proposal
5% End of Semester Reflection/Evaluation Worksheet 

Grading Scale:
90 -100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-58 F

ASSIGNMENTS

Class Attendance/Participation
Because your success in this class depends on your ability to collaborate during class time, regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation will directly affect your grade. Daily attendance will be recorded. Points will be deducted from your final course grade for more than two absences -- regardless of the reason for the absence. Leaving class prior to dismissal time or arriving late will be counted as an absence. Should you need to miss class due to illness or other conflict, please notify your project team.

Oral History Project (15%)
Your assignment is to record an oral history of an individual of your choice who can share his or her experiences as an immigrant or a refugee. You may interview another student or a student’s family member, but you should avoid interviewing a close friend or your own family member. Feel free to work in pairs if you feel more comfortable, but each student must turn in his/her own recording. Students will work together in class to create a standard set of questions that will be used in all interviews. Video recordings are preferable but audio recordings are also acceptable. Recordings should be no shorter than 15 minutes long and no longer than one hour long. Editing is allowed but not required. All submissions must include a signed copy of the consent form. Finished pieces should be turned in on a thumb drive or shared using Google Drive.

The most difficult part of this assignment is finding someone to interview. Remember—everyone has a story. Ideally the interviewee should be an immigrant or refugee. You may also interview second or third generation immigrants, but you will need to adjust your questions accordingly. Ask friends and family members for suggestions. Talk to classmates, coworkers and current/former teachers. Consider someone from a community group or place of worship that you attend. Visit a nursing home or assisted living facility and speak to the residents. Explain to people that you are assigned to record an oral history about immigrants, refugees, cultural identity etc. and then see if they are interested in sharing their stories. Look for an interviewee who is willing to talk candidly. Tips, grading criteria and the consent form will be distributed in class and through Blackboard.

Group Project (15%)
Each student will be assigned a Project Group and will work with team members to fulfill group responsibilities.  The entire Scholars Seminar class will provide the ‘manpower’ for events and activities; however, each Project Group will coordinate planning and execution for that group’s particular responsibilities.

Project Groups will prepare a final report on the group’s work. Each group will also have an assigned day to bring lunch for the class.  Groups should collect no more than $10 per class member to cover the cost of food.  Groups are encouraged to choose a theme for their lunches—be creative and fun.

Grades will be based on the overall success of the project including planning, organization, teamwork, leadership and creativity and the individual contribution to the group as documented in the Project Planning Sheet, Project Report & Presentation and the Project Personal Evaluation Worksheet.

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3
Common Reader Events Coordination/ Discussion leaders	Fallfest (an on-campus festival with fun booths) Fall-into-Honors Event (a promotional event to inform AC students about registering for Honors classes)	Community Service (a service project designed and carried out by the Project Group with participation from the entire class)

Group 1: This group will assist with events and activities surrounding the AC Common Reader

Responsibilities will include:

• Preparing questions for and leading class discussion of AC Common Reader on dates indicated in course calendar
• Coordinating assistance at Common Reader events and activities by creating a schedule and coordinating sign ups
• Assisting with distribution of promotional materials
• Other duties as assigned or as determined necessary by the group

Group 2: This group will coordinate the Fallfest table and Fall-into-Honors Event.

Responsibilities will include:

• Devising a fun activity that matches Fallfest theme and will promote Honors classes. Coordinates set up, clean up and staffing of booth.
• Determining location, facilities needed and format of Fall-into-Honors Event
• Reserving facilities for Fall-into-Honors
• Arranging for AV equipment (if needed), tables (if needed), refreshments, and decorations (if desired) at Fall-into-Honors
• Creating a schedule for Scholars to assist at Fall-into-Scholars Event and coordinating sign-ups
• Creating and distributing promotional materials for Fall-into-Honors
• Coordinating Fall-into-Honors set-up and clean-up
• Other duties as assigned or as determined necessary by the group

Group 3: This group will

This group will create and execute a community service project

Responsibilities will include:

• Designing a community outreach project that can be carried out during Fall semester
• Coordinating arrangements with community organization
• Creating a schedule for Scholars to participate in the service project and coordinating sign-ups
• Executing project
• Other duties as assigned or as determined necessary by the group

Out-of-Class Events (10%)
Numerous activities outside of seminar class time will be offered, some of which will be optional and others will be mandatory.  Scholars are expected to participate in a minimum of three out-of-class events.  Events that take place during normal seminar class time will not count toward this total.  Attendance and participation will be documented.

High School/Community Presentations (10%)
As a class, we will contact high school teachers, counselors and community groups to arrange opportunities to share information regarding Scholars and Honors.  Each student must attend and participate in a minimum of one presentation.

Travel Presentation with Presentation Software Slideshow (PowerPoint) (15%)
Scholars will research, prepare and present a 5-6 minute oral report related to the upcoming Scholars travel.  All presentations must include a minimum of four sources cited aloud, a formal typed outline, a bibliography and a slideshow.  Seminar instructors will provide suggestions regarding appropriate topics.

Educational Planning (10%)
Students must complete three educational planning documents—the Educational Plan, Specialist Log and the E-Portfolio.  The Educational Plan is a worksheet that students complete and then finalize with the assistance of their advisors to use as a personal instruction sheet for completing college.  Blank editable PDF Educational Plan forms can be found at http://www.actx.edu/pagesmith/1 (click on Educational Plan).  The Specialist Log is a list documenting that the student has met with at least two educational planning specialists during the semester.  One of the two must be your AC academic advisor.  The other can be a representative of the Career Center or the Money Management Center or an advisor from your anticipated transfer university.  Students who anticipating transferring Fall semester of 2016 should meet with an advisor from the transfer university as early as possible.

Evaluation (5%)
Students must complete a final evaluation worksheet that responds to questions regarding the Presidential Scholars Program.  Students will be given the evaluation prompt approximately one week prior to the due date.

Honors Update Newsletter Article (10%)
Students will write a 400-600 word article for the Program’s digital newsletter, The Honors Update.  Due dates will vary according to which project group the student is in.  Scholars may choose from the following topics:

• A personal reflection on and description of his/her experiences in AC’s Presidential Scholars program
• A profile of a current Presidential Scholar or a Presidential Scholar graduate (faculty can provide contact information if needed)
• A profile of an Honors or Presidential Scholars instructor
• A glimpse inside an Honors or Presidential Scholars class
• Another topic related to Honors or Presidential Scholars pending instructor approval

Article submission does not guarantee publication.  Scholars are encouraged to seek assistance from The Writer’s Corner prior to handing in this assignment.

Research Conference Proposal (10%)

Students will write an approximately 300 word proposal for a presentation or poster session to be submitted for consideration at the 2017 WTAMU Student Research Conference.  Research topics should be relevant to the student’s career goals and areas of study but accessible to a broad audience.  The proposal will consist of an introduction to the topic, an explanation of the approach and the importance of this research; and a clear statement of where the project is heading and what results or conclusions the researcher expects to draw from it.  Along with the proposal, students will submit a bibliography of three possible sources.  Additional information will be distributed in class.

Attendance

Class Attendance/Participation
Because your success in this class depends on your ability to collaborate during class time, regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation will directly affect your grade. Daily attendance will be recorded. Points will be deducted from your final grade for more than two absences -- regardless of the reason for the absence. Leaving class prior to dismissal time or arriving late will be counted as an absence. Should you need to miss class due to illness or other conflict, please notify your project team.

Calendar

Additional Information

Grades will be available through Blackboard.