Learning and Assessment

Course Details

Course Number: 6023  Section Number: X20

Spring 2012

Location: Online

Days & Times:

Online

Course Attachments

Class Schedule  OnlineCalendar-20120404-142903.pdf

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Robert Redmon   
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Course Objectives
  1. Students will develop or enhance a personal philosophy of teaching. [position paper]
  2. Students will recognize, understand, and address in both writing and discussion the implications of the many developmental phenomena associated with teaching and learning.(1b) [study questions, online discussion, position paper]
  3. Students will recognize, understand, and address both in writing and discussion the implications of the many cognitive and behavioral phenomena associated with teaching and learning. (1a) [study questions, online discussion, position paper]
  4. Students will recognize, understand, and address both in writing and discussion the implications of the many issues influencing studentmotivation and engagement. (3c)[study questions, online discussion, position paper]
  5. Students will recognize, understand, and address both in writing and discussion the many aspects of developing culture for learning and a positive environment of respect and rapport. (2a, 2b) [study questions ,online discussion, position paper]
  6. Students will recognize, understand, and address both in writing and discussion the nature and implications of both student-centered and teacher-centered approaches to teaching and learning. (1a) [study questions, online discussion, position paper]
  7. Students will recognize, understand, and address both in writing and discussion the role of assessment and its impact on learning. (3d)  [study questions, online discussion, position paper]
  8. Students will recognize, understand, and address both in writing and discussion models of student-teacher interaction and the related affective influences that impact learning.  (2a, 3a) [study questions, online discussion, position paper]
  9. Students will learn and practice reflective habits. (4a) [study questions, online discussion, position paper]

Course Expectations

Reading Notes:  Address the prompts and demonstrate understanding of the required reading.  

Online Discussion: Each week you will participate in an online discussion related to the assigned reading and related topics.  Discussions are graded. You should read and respond to both the assigned discussion prompts and the comments of other students. To receive full credit for this activity, your participation should be frequent and engaged. Your contributions to the discussion and your reading notes should demonstrate knowledge about the topic and reveal thoughtful reflection based upon personal experience. The discussion is intended to be a semi-formal exchange of ideas, more similar to a class discussion than a chat room.  Write in complete sentences.  

Book Report: Relate the content of the book to topics discussed in this course in a thorough and systematic manner. Document the book by providing the following information:

  • Author (s)
  • Publisher (or name and volume number of journal)
  • Copyright (or publishing) date
  • ISBN

Position Paper: Write a 2 + page paper explaining and supporting your position on issues related to teaching and learning.


Grading Standards

Reading Notes demonstration your knowledge and understanding. It is a living document. Your understanding should grow from week to week .The grade for reading notes is generated per module using the following criteria:

  • All questions are addressed fully and thoughtfully and accurately represent the information in the text. (4 pts.)
  • Answers are written clearly and contain few (if any) errors in grammar and usage. 1 pt.

Discussions allow students to increase their understanding of topics related to this course by interacting with others in the class.  The Discussion is a living document. Students post regularly to the discussion. All posts should be scholarly, thoughtful, and relevant and demonstrate an understanding of the reading and the issues involved. Students respond to the comments of others in the discussion. and relate their posts to the reading and to their personal experience as a student and teacher. The grade for the Discussion is generated per module using the following criteria:

  • Student posts regularly to the discussion.
  • Comments are relevant, appropriate, and demonstrate an understanding of the assigned reading.
  • Posts demonstrate a critical perspective and thoughtful analysis of topics being discussed.
  • Student responds appropriately to the comments of others in the discussion.

Book Report Grading Rubric

Book reports are worth a maximum of 10 points. Points are earned by meeting these criteria:

  • The summary is complete. (2pts)
  • The summary is factually correct. (2pts)
  • The summary is logically organized. (1 pt)
  • The response element (introduction and conclusion) of the report relates the content and tone of the book to other issues addressed in this course. (1 pt)
  • The response element (introduction and conclusion) of the report relates the content to your personal experience as a student and teacher. (1 pt)
  • The book is properly documented using APA style. (1 pt)
  • The report contains few (if any) errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, or diction. (1 pt)
  • The report follows directions in the syllabus and maintains a formal and scholarly tone. (1 pt)

Position Paper Grading Rubric

Position Papers are worth 10 points. Points are earned by meeting the following criteria:

  • You address meaningful issues clearly related to teaching and learning (2pts).
  • You provide support in the form of reasoning, exposition, and documentation for each issue (4 pts).
  • You reflect upon your personal and professional experience (2pts).  
  • Your report is written well, contains few errors, and maintains a formal and scholarly tone (2pts).

Grading Scale

Reading Notes and participation in online Discussions = 70 (5 pts each for Modules 1-7)

Book Report = 10

Position Paper = 10

A = 90-100%, B = 80-89.9%, C = 70-79.9%, D = 60-69.9%, F = below 60%

 


Submission Format Policy

Online using Google Docs. Position paper should conform to APA manuscript style and documentation rules.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Late assignments will receive 2/3 earned credit. 


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

As this is an online course, no attendance is required. However, regular and timely participation in discussions and on-time submission of other assignments is required.


Other Policies

As the faculty of the West College of Education, we are dedicated to helping meet the needs of our students with disabilities and are eager to provide the accommodations to which such students are entitled.  If you have a documented disability and are registered with the Office of Disability, please let your instructor know to expect a letter from that office describing the accommodations to which you are entitled.  If you have a documented disability but are not registered with the Office of Disability, please contact that office immediately to register.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.