UNIV 1030

Learning Strategies

Fall 2008

Instructor: Mrs. Kristie Dalton, EdS.

Email: kdalton@tntech.edu

Office: Foster Hall 405

Phone: (931) 372-6540

Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday’s 9:30 – 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm -4:00 pm; Monday and Wednesday’s 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Other dates by appointment only!

*Please note that this syllabus is for Tuesday and Thursday classes only!!*

Course Description:  “The learning process, including personal motivation, attitudes supportive of learning, organizational planning, time management, test-taking skills, and other techniques for successful academic progress with a view toward transitioning the student from high-school to university environment by encouraging students to learn to help themselves in the unfamiliar university setting.”

Course Objectives:

1.1  Think more creatively and critically

1.2  Improve academic functioning through effective management of time, including a  focus on physical, emotional, and social well-being

2.1 Build academic and social support groups through knowledge of academic, student affairs, and departmental resources, and through a development of interpersonal skills between students and faculty

2.2 Improve the ability to comprehend and retain information through knowledge of Reading, note-taking, and test-taking strategies and managing academic anxiety                                                                                                          

Texts and References:

Required:

Fitton, D.S. (2008).  On Campus. An Interactive Guide to College. Pearson, Prentice Hall.

Materials:

Open minds that are ready to learn.

Pens, blue or black ink only

Loose-leaf paper

Divider Tabs

3-ring binder notebook

Active TTU email accounts

* Each student is expected to keep a notebook containing ALL work for the semester (papers, tests, quizzes, research projects, etc.).  Instructions for organizing and maintaining the folder will be given in class. 

Major Teaching Methods:

Lecture, class discussion, group activities, individual and team work on projects.

Course Overview:

UNIV1030 is designed to strengthen the student’s connection to Tennessee Technological University by focusing on the enhancement of skills needed for academic and non-academic in-and-out-of-classroom activities.  It emphasizes critical thinking in the formation of academic and social goals and support groups, in self-management and in study strategies.

After completing this course the student should be able to

1.      Connect with other students, encouraging both academic and social networks.

2.      Connect with other University, encouraging them in being proactive in seeking assistance.

3.      Connect ones’ present college experience with their future plans and ambitions.

4.      Help ones’ self over the bridge between high school and college-level learning. 

Course Topics include:

1.      Critical thinking/problem solving

2.      Study strategies [reading, note taking, test taking]

3.      Campus Community

4.      Self management [time management, etc.]

5.      Classroom demeanor

6.      Campus resources, including library

7.      Other pertinent topics

Class Policies and Expectations:

Absences/Tardiness:  You are expected to attend each class and to be on time.  I expect students to take their work very seriously, and you cannot learn if you are not in class.  Attendance is required by the instructor, by the Tennessee Board of Regents (the governing body of the state’s community colleges and universities that are not part of the University of Tennessee system), and by TTU (see TTU catalog): “When, in the opinion of the instructor, the attendance record of a student becomes unsatisfactory, the Office of Student Affairs will be notified.  Unsatisfactory class attendance may result in the student’s being dropped from a course with a grade of ‘F.’  A student who is unable to return to class due to an emergency or serious accident should notify the Office of Student Services [372-3411].  A student who cannot void absences from a class….is expected to assume the responsibility of explaining his/her absence to the instructor and for making arrangements to complete the work missed.  Tardiness is recorded as an absence.”

No absences will be “excused”; however, we do understand that some absences are unavoidable.  If you have to miss class, please leave an E-Mail message for your instructor.  Be sure to find out about work due before coming to class.  It is the student’s responsibility, NOT the instructor’s, to ask about work missed.

Assignments must be submitted before class begins on the date the assignment is due.  That is, do not attempt to submit your assignment during or after class has started.  Late work will marked down a letter grade and will receive sketchy comments.  All assignments will be discussed in class the week before they are due. 

Your instructor reserves the option of counting consistent lack of preparation for class as absences.  Any and every absence will count against the semester grade, if for no other reason than information from class discussions will be missed.

Students who must be absent due to university-schedule events should inform the instructor about the scheduled absence prior to the date of absence and provide documentation of the requirement for attendance.  The student should provide evidence at the event and make arrangements for completion of all missed assignments.  A university-scheduled event is a REASON for absence but not an EXCUSE.  The instructor will note the absence along with the reason for it. 

Class work not turned in on time may be refused by the instructor.  If late work is accepted, it will generally receive a 10% grade reduction per class meeting late, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor ahead of time.

This course is organized as a seminar format, in which the essential feature will be the active discussion of topics by all attendees.  Students are expected to attend all class sessions, to complete course readings and assignments prior to the class for which they are assigned and to participate actively in the discussions. 

SCHOOL IS A JOB:  You should not receive pay for days of work at your job unless you made up the time; do not expect credit for your classes for time missed unless you make up the time and assignments.  A poor attendance record at work can result in your being fired; poor attendance at school can result in your failing the course.

Remember:  Non-attendance, poor attendance, or withdrawal may seriously affect lottery scholarship/financial aid.  You are expected to maintain a full course load and meet the GPA requirements in order to stay eligible.

See: www.tnscholardollars.com or www.tntech.edu/financialaid/ for more information.

Make-up Work

All work is due on the day and at the time for which it is assigned.  Any work not turned in at the specified time MAY BE REFUSED by the instructor.  If late work is accepted, it will receive a 10% grade reduction per class meeting late, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor ahead of time.

No make-up work will be accepted after the last class meeting. 

Plagiarism Policy:

Plagiarism, the use of another’s writing as one’s own, is prohibited.  The Student Handbook explains the penalties of such action.   The complete text is available at http://www.tntech.edu/studenthandbook/ASP/academic_regulations.asp#Plagiarism

Evidence of plagiarism in assignments (or cheating on quizzes/tests) may result in a failing grade for the assignment; evidence of plagiarism on the final exam may result in an “F” for the semester. 

Instructors may give assignments that encourage or require cooperative learning; however, specific assignments that are designated to test the individual’s understanding of concepts must be completed without giving or accepting assistance. 

Disabilities

Students with a disability requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (372-6119).  An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed and submitted to the professor as soon as possible, preferable by the end of the first week of classes. 

Grading

A grade for the course will be given at the end of the term.  Successful completion of this class is a grade of ‘C’ of better.  The lowest possible ‘C’ is 75%.  Anyone not attaining 75% will be required to retake the course next semester, so do yourself a favor, and pass the first time.

The term grade for this class will (tentatively) be based upon the following;

            Attendance and Class Participation

            In- and out-of-class Assignments

            Quizzes

            Exercises

            Final Exam

            Other assignments deemed pertinent by the instructor

Grading Scale Percentages

            A=93-100

            B=85-92         

            C=75-84

            D=65-74 (used on daily class work but not as a final grade)

            F=below 65

            FINAL COURSE GRADE: F = below 75

Please make sure that you match up the days and times with the appropriate syllabus!!

Course Schedule (tentative)

The syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. 

*An online component is planned for this class.*

Important Notes

·         A “C” or better is required to pass the course.  Any Final grade below 75% will be considered failing.

·         Students are not allowed to withdraw from University 1030, except with special permission from the Coordinator of the Academic Development Program.  “Incomplete” grades are seldom if ever assigned, and then only as strictly outlined in the ADP Incomplete Grade Policy. 

·         The student must complete the final exam in order to be considered eligible to pass the course.  Other factors considered in determining eligibility for passing include attendance, class participation and preparation, acceptable quality of work.

·         Use of tobacco in any form is considered inappropriate in the classroom setting.

·         No student is entitled to disrupt the classroom activities that are part of the educational process.  A student whose behavior is considered disruptive to the learning environment may be expelled from the classroom.

·         Due to University Policy, we are not allowed to act as a babysitting service.  If you have children who need to be cared for during class time, make arrangements for their care off campus.

·         OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS:  Remember to show everyone the same amount of respect and consideration that you would wish for yourself.  (“Everyone” includes other members of the class, the instructor(s), guests, substitute lecturers, etc.)

NOTE

[A copy of this Policy Statement must be placed in your Notebook.  You will be asked to sign the document, attesting that you have read and understand the course policies outline in it.  Your signature does not mean that you agree WITH the policies, only that you are AWARE Of them and realize that you are expected to abide by them.]

Please sign below to verify that you are aware of and understand the above-stated policies and that you have been advised that non-attendance, poor attendance, or withdrawal may seriously affect lottery scholarship/financial aid.

Place this policy document as the back item on your class Notebook.

Name ____________________________________________

Date _____________________________________________