Learning environment

Your enrollment in this class acknowledges that you intend to learn the course material. Behaviors that would impede the learning process will not be permitted. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, reading newspapers or books, text messaging, surfing the web, answering cell phones, and talking out of turn. If you are not sure what is appropriate, please ask me.

Students are responsible for knowing and following common sense rules of behavior. This includes using proper online etiquette! I am committed to creating and maintaining an open, productive, intellectually engaging learning environment. Disruptive students will be instructed to leave the classroom. This is college, so warnings will not be issued. Please also read the Respectful Classroom Behavior document (Syllabus Appendix A) for more information about appropriate behaviors and classroom expectations.

Objectionable material warning

This is a college course, and you should know that anything is fair game. The college classroom is a unique place in society in which any ideas, opinions, and perspectives are welcome and should be shared, respectfully. You may find some of the material offensive. There will not be any inappropriate language.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated: 

1.      Knowledge of and targeted use of Texarkana College academic services and resources.

2.      Knowledge and application of learning theory inclusive of information processing, strategic learning, and critical thought.

3.      Application of college level skills and techniques for computer literacy, effective reading, listening, note taking, studying, exam preparation, and research methods needed for academic success.

4.      Knowledge of wellness factors, the impact of stress, and related coping strategies.

5.      Development of college level oral and written communication skills.

6.      Utilization of self-management skills inclusive of emotional regulation, time management, financial intelligence, and self-discipline.

7.      Development and use of interdependence as a means to goal attainment.

8.      Realization and exploration of attitudes, values, and relevance regarding college and career goals.

Course requirements

You are required to complete all assignments, participate in class and online discussions (including those involving your Success Team) and submit all written work according to the stated deadline. College instructors expect students to spend time outside of class reading, writing, and studying course material. Specifically, for every hour you are in class, you need to study for two to three hours. This means working on this class material for approximately 100 hours outside of class. This is college!

The breakdown of the course requirements is as follows:

Semester grades will be earned as follows:

Assignments (30% of semester grade)

The biggest single percentage of points for this course comes from completing regular assignments. These assignments will vary—they include, for example, forum entries, time management plans, exam debriefs, and goal-setting outlines—and they will offer many opportunities for you to apply what we are studying in class immediately. Completing these assignments on time and thoroughly will earn you full credit.

Participation (15% of your final semester grade)

Your participation grade will be based on your informed contributions to classroom discussions and exercises. You will participate in graded activities in every lesson. Some of these might take place outside of the designated classroom (e.g., in the computer lab or the library).

Participation grades will be based on the following:

·         Level of engagement/listening skills: You (almost always, sometimes, rarely, almost never, OR never or very, very rarely) engage with course lectures, discussions, and activities with eye contact, taking notes, and makes thoughtful contributions.

·         Behavior: You (almost always, sometimes, rarely, almost never, OR never or very, very rarely) behave appropriately (e.g., demonstrate active listening during lectures; show respect to the differing view of group members, etc.) in the classroom.

·         Preparation: You (almost always, sometimes, rarely, almost never, OR never or very, very rarely) come to class with a pen, paper to take notes, and having read any necessary information to provide informed comments to course discussions and activities.

·         Collaboration: You (almost always, sometimes, rarely, almost never, OR never or  very, very rarely) collaborate (or work in groups) in appropriate and fair ways.

There will be a total of 150 participation points during the semester that will be awarded in 50 point increments along with notes explaining any points deducted.

A special note about attendance:

Attendance is mandatory. You are expected to attend every class, to arrive on time, and to remain the entire period. You need to be here in order to participate in in-class activities! It is your responsibility to find out what you missed in the case of an absence. An absence is only considered excused if it is for military leave, certain religious holidays, or school functions. (See student handbook) Illness, family emergencies, etc. will be considered unexcused.  For classes meeting two times per week, five points will be deducted for each absence. For classes meeting one time per week, ten points will be deducted for each absence. For classes meeting 2 times per week, you will be dropped after your fourth absence unless you have been in contact with your instructor, and it is approved for you to remain in the class. For classes meeting 1 time per week, the maximum number of allowable absences is 2.

Absentee Policy

Texarkana College’s absentee policy allows instructors to withdraw a student from a course due to excessive absences. If a student leaves and returns during class or leaves the class before the class is over, he/she may be considered absent. Three tardies constitute one absence. 

Faculty members are not obligated to provide opportunities for students to make-up missed assignments and tests as a result of a student’s absence from class. The institution is not required to take attendance with the exception of workforce/vocational areas, where certification requirements require taking attendance. However, experience demonstrates that regular attendance enhances academic success. As such, students are expected to attend each meeting of their registered courses.

A student should not stop attending a class without formally withdrawing from the course by the Institution’s published Last Day for Students to Drop. If a student stops attending class after the published Last Day for Students to Drop, the student may receive a grade of “F” in the class. The instructor will submit the last date of attendance for students receiving a grade of “F” or “W”.

Withdrawal from a course(s) may affect a student’s current or future financial aid eligibility. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office to learn both short and long term consequences of a withdrawal.

Attendance is so crucial for success that if you miss no more than one class, you will receive an extra 5% on your final grade. This means that if your final course average is 85% (B), your final grade could be increased to 90% (A).

*The attendance policy IS THE SAME FOR REMOTE LEARNING. Tardies and absences will be recorded just as they are in the classroom.

Career Project: 25% of your final grade

You will complete one project this semester: The Career Project will be broken down into several components that are due throughout the semester. More information will be given about each assignment in class.

Exams (each exam is worth 15% of your final semester grade)

You will complete two exams this semester, a midterm and a final exam. More details will be given in class at the appropriate time, including how to prepare for these exams.

Guidelines for written work

In-class assignments must be completed legibly.  In-class work must also follow Standard English usage - including complete sentences. Of course, you are not expected to create polished in-class work.

Out-of-class written assignments must have one-inch margins on all four sides, be double spaced, and be done in the Times New Roman font, size 12. Please note that correct spelling and grammar and a clear, easy-to-read writing style all count toward your grade. Use professional, formal, college English (i.e., no text-message language, contractions, clichés, or slang, for example).  More details about each assignment will be given in class at the appropriate time.

Late work policy

Since a core focus of this course is to prepare you for experiences in higher education and/or your future in the workplace, completing work on time, in accordance with the good time- management skills you will learn in this course, is considered highly desirable and an important habit to develop. For this reason, points can be deducted for late work. If you are having trouble completing an assignment on time, please contact me as soon as possible. If possible, I want to work with you so you can submit the assignment without losing points.

Academic honesty

This college assumes that students eligible to perform on the college level are familiar with the ordinary rules governing proper conduct, including academic honesty. The principle of academic honesty is that all work presented by you is yours alone. Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and collusion, shall be treated appropriately. Please refer to the Texarkana College 2016-2017 Catalog and Student Handbook for more information. Texarkana College will utilize as necessary, technology programs/software to ensure academic honesty.

You must complete all work independently unless otherwise instructed. Plagiarism, cheating, or any related offensives will result in an automatic zero for that assignment—no exceptions, no excuses!

Withdrawals

If for any reason you need to drop the course, it is your responsibility to inform me officially either in person or in writing, in a timely manner. If you are considering dropping, please try to meet with me to discuss your options. I may be able to help you find solutions to some of the challenges that may be affecting your progress in class. If I can help, I would like to! Ultimately the decision is yours; therefore, I will not drop students for any reason. All students who remain in the course will receive a grade based on their performance. The last day to withdraw is ________________.

Accommodations

This college is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to every student. We offer services and technologies, including counseling, tutoring, special equipment and software, for

individuals with special needs and capabilities. Please contact Tonja Blase at 903-823-3349 for further information. Students must notify the instructor of any accommodations needed during the first week of class.

Basic Needs Security Statement

Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing enough food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect their performance in this course or ability to remain in school, is urged to contact Tonja Blase, Director of Student Retention, at 903.823.3349 for support.  Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so.

Email

Communicating with others via email is an important skill to succeed in today’s world. I will communicate important class-related information via email, so it is important that you check your official college email often.

It is critical to know your audience when communicating in this medium. When you communicate with your instructor or your peers, you should be mindful of how your message may be interpreted. Please consider the following guidelines when communicating with instructors:

·            Appropriate salutation (e.g., Dear Mrs. Smith)

·            Brief introduction of yourself (especially important early on in the semester) so the instructor knows who you are

·            Subject heading that includes identifies the class and indicates the general nature of your communication (e.g., “Question about Career Project”)

·            Polite closing (e.g., Thanks, Best Wishes, Sincerely, Cheers, etc.).

·            Short, to-the-point message

·            Proofread, proofread, proofread!

·            Avoid slang, text-message language, and acronyms (e.g., LOL).

·            Avoid sending an email when you are angry or upset.

Disclaimer

THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO ANY PART OF THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS, ASSIGNMENTS, POLICIES, DEADLINES, CONTENT, ETC.

You are responsible for keeping track of any and all changes. The instructor assigns grades based solely on performance, not on effort or anything else. If you anticipate any difficulty meeting course requirements or deadlines, you should contact your instructor well in advance.  If an emergency should happen (e.g., hospitalization), formal documentation is required, and the instructor will be more than happy to help the student to complete the course successfully.

Copyright protection

All federal and state copyrights reserved for all original material presented in this course through any medium, including lecture or print. Unless otherwise noted, all course materials are the intellectual property of the instructor and are thus copyrighted. Individuals are prohibited from being paid for taking, selling, or otherwise transferring for value personal class or other informational   notes made during this course to any entity without the express written permission of the instructor.  In addition to legal sanctions, students found in violation of these prohibitions may be subject to disciplinary action from the college administration.

Final words

I am delighted you are enrolled in Learning Frameworks!

I commend you for placing such importance on doing well in college and on developing skills that will not only potentially improve your grades and standing in college, but also ensure you become a lifelong learner.

Syllabus Appendix A: Respectful Classroom Behavior

We all benefit when:

·         Everyone feels comfortable and free to share their thoughts in a safe and supportive environment. Please consider this before challenging, questioning, or contradicting the input of other students.

·         All students understand they are being listened to in their own time, in their own way. This includes students who may speak more slowly or take a longer time to articulate their thoughts than you. Please do not interrupt a student who is still speaking; wait until they have finished before making your contribution to the discussion.

·         We actively listen to other’s opinions and insights.

·         Contributions made to discussions are thoughtful, supported by examples (to make the meaning clearer) or evidence (e.g., sharing the original source).

·         We are willing to take risks in sharing opinions that might be different than those ascribed to by the majority. Diversity of thought is as much a classroom asset as other, more established forms of diversity!

·         You do not just accept without comment when the instructor says something you do not understand or agree with. No instructor minds being intellectually challenged, as long as it is done respectfully.

·         Someone asks a question. Because chances are, someone else in the class wanted the answer, too, but was too shy or nervous to ask. So asking questions does the whole class a favor.

·         We choose to engage fully in class discussions. Let’s make them as lively and rich as possible this is your responsibility as well as the instructor’s.

Additional points to consider regarding contributing to class discussions:

·         If you thought of something after class ended, take the opportunity to raise the issue in an online thread (Blackboard or equivalent).

·         Remain open-minded! It is a myth that smart people stick to their original views. In fact, the smartest people are those who are willing to be swayed by reasoned argument and revise their views and opinions accordingly.

·         Take the opportunity to continue class discussions in your success teams and/or study groups. The more you actively work with the material we cover, the more embedded in your long-term memory it will be.

·         Remember, the richness of this course experience, for you and for your peers, depends on your playing an active role in discussions. Speak up!

Student Expectations for Remote Learning (TEAMS)

Students enrolled in a class where the instruction will be delivered via TEAMS are expected to follow the same general guidelines as those outlined for a traditional face to face class as well as proper online etiquette. Expectations are as follows:

- Be on time to your class session. We all know technology can be tricky, so be sure to give yourself extra time to deal with connection issues that might arise. Your attendance is taken just as it would be in a traditional setting. You will be penalized for being tardy, absent or leaving class early.

- If you are having difficulty with connection or navigation of the course, please wait until AFTER class to speak with the instructor to address the issue.

- Keep background noise to a minimum. We love kids, dogs, cats and birds, but they can be very distracting to everyone involved in the meeting. Try to find a quiet, solitary place to participate in your class.

- Keep your microphone muted unless you have a question or are in a group discussion. Too many mics on at once cause interference/echoes in the sound.

- Turn your camera on at the beginning of each class for attendance purposes. If your instructor requires that your camera remain on for the duration of the class period, you must honor that request.

- Dress appropriately for class.

- Refrain from smoking, eating, or any other activity that you would not normally participate in while sitting in a classroom.

- Use the hand raise feature or the chat bar to the side if you have questions or would like to add something to the class discussion.

- Communicate frequently with your professor if you are having difficulty. Individual meetings on TEAMS can be conducted if necessary.