Social Sciences Department
SLS 1510
Preparing for Student Success
Fall 2010
Class Meets M and W 7:05 PM to 9:35
PM Course # 576379 RM 3343
Instructor: Robert E.
Beneckson, M.S.
Office: 6206
Telephone:
305-237-2215
E-Mail:
rb@vorlon1.com
Office Hours: ½ hour
before and after class, or by appointment
Catalogue Course Description:
The SLS1510 course is designed to
assist students in the development and achievement of their academic,
professional, and personal goals. It
provides students with self-awareness, learning strategies, academic skills,
orientation, and individual direction to succeed within the higher education
environment, as well as in the world of work.
Credits: 3 credits
Course Competencies:
Competency 1: You will develop the strategies and attitudes
for success specific to the learning environment by:
1. identifying
preferred learning styles and developing a study system that is compatible
with it.
2. describing study
skills and using effective study strategies.
3. applying different
learning strategies to determine the most efficient strategies according to
personal learning styles.
4. employing effective
modes of reading to suit various types of reading material
(skimming, scanning, rapid reading, and personal, analytic,
study reading).
5. applying knowledge
of efficient note-taking skills, including active listening, organizing,
and
recording.
6. identifying memory
principles, and constructing mnemonic devices and mental maps.
7. identifying
different study strategies for effective test preparation for a variety of
test types and applying test taking strategies for objective
and subjective tests.
Competency 2: You will develop the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes that provide a general foundation for college
success by:
1. analyzing his/her self-concept through selected inventories
which measure areas of
psychological awareness.
2. describing the role of taking personal responsibility for
making changes necessary for success
and achieving one’s
goals.
3. discussing the
impact of his/her aptitudes, interests, strengths, and values on success.
4. identifying and using motivational skills, and their role in
achieving success.
5. developing critical
thinking skills, including organizing information and planning.
6. identifying useful
time management systems and making appropriate use of strategies in
specific college applications.
7. describing and
applying problem-solving techniques and conflict resolution in
decision-making.
8. identifying
appropriate classroom etiquette.
9. applying stress
reduction strategies to college experiences.
Competency 3: You will demonstrate
utilization of discipline-specific study skills by:
1. identifying and
using strategies to reduce math anxiety, including using math tutors and math
support services.
2. identifying and
using strategies to increase reading and writing proficiency, including using
reading and writing support services.
3. identifying various
discipline-specific study strategies, and selecting and applying a strategy
appropriate to a specific content area.
4. comparing
test-taking strategies for different types of examinations.
5. developing
strategies for working effectively with professors in and out of class.
6. expressing his/her
academic needs to the appropriate support resources.
7. visiting and using
the campus library and computer facilities to locate discipline-specific
information.
Competency 4: You will develop the
knowledge and attitudes that provide a general foundation for social and life management
skills by:
1. understanding the
importance of a positive attitude.
2. demonstrating the
ability to assume responsibility for actions and decisions.
3. demonstrating the
ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
4. explaining the
importance of maintaining openness to change.
5. demonstrating
initiative and proactivity.
6. describing the
relationship between health, wellness, and social issues and success.
7. analyzing current
events and social issues from several perspectives.
8. understanding how to
work effectively with others.
9. describing how to
work and communicate with diverse people.
10. utilizing effective
conflict resolution skills.
11. exhibiting personal
and academic honesty.
12. demonstrating
punctuality and good attendance practices.
13. recognizing the
relevance of recent computer technology in achieving success.
14. developing
informational literacy and technology skills effectively.
Competency 5: You will demonstrate an
understanding of the process of career development and employability skills by:
1. discussing the
impact of his/her aptitudes, interests, strengths, and values on academic
program and career selection and success.
2. evaluating
information from self-assessments, career inventories, occupational types,
and
general career
information acquired from various sources including the Internet.
3. matching knowledge
about one's own characteristics and abilities to information about job or
career opportunities.
4. identifying
preferred careers to select an academic program as part of a career plan.
5. developing an
educational plan for meeting graduation requirements, including the
requirements needed for transfer to upper level
institutions.
6. developing an understanding of the importance
of life long learning to career and life success.
Competency 6: You will develop competence
in identifying and using resources appropriate for their academic program by:
1. identifying
resources available at the College for successful academic progress including
tutoring services, advisement, financial aid, and career
information office.
2. describing college
policies and procedures including Student’s Rights and Responsibilities
Handbook, degree program, and graduation requirements.
3. describing and applying the registration procedures
including degree audit, adding and
dropping courses, official withdrawal policies, transcripts,
and the Standards of Academic
Progress.
Learning Outcomes:
As a graduate of Miami Dade
College
- Communicate
effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Use
quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
- Solve
problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
- Formulate
strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
- Demonstrate
knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
- Create
strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social
responsibilities.
- Demonstrate
knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
- Use
computer and emerging technologies effectively.
- Demonstrate
an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
- Describe
how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
Textbook: Ferrett, Sharon K., Peak Performance, Success in College and
Beyond, Seventh Edition. McGraw-Hill. ISBN-978-0-07337512-0.
Grading Scale: The course grade is determined by your
total number of points acquired during the term:
|
A |
280+ |
|
B |
245-279 |
|
C |
215-244 |
|
D |
185-214 |
|
F |
0-184 |
Instructional Strategies and the Point System: This course will be taught through study of the textbook,
lecture, video programs, and discussion.
You should read each chapter before the classroom lecture. Class
participation is very important.
Point System:
There will be 2 exams, with multiple
choice and/or
essays. The highest exam grade will be counted twice, the lowest score once,
for a total of three test scores. The actual points on the exams are your
points on the multiple choice section plus any points on the essay
questions. For example, a student who
gets a 75 on the multiple choice part of the test and 6 points on the essay
would have 81 points for that exam.
You are required to keep a journal of personal
reflections applying the material from each chapter to real aspects of your
life. A minimum of 5 journals are
required, but a total of 14 (one for each chapter) may be submitted. Each of your journals is worth 1 point. Journals are due at the next class following
the completion of the lecture on the chapter the journal discusses.
You are required to participate in
a small group or individual presentation based on a specific application of
material from selected chapters. The maximum for the class presentation
is 10 points. Presentations should be 15 minutes in length.
You will submit a paper analyzing
your results from the online Five-Factor Personality Analysis taken at the beginning
of the course. This paper is worth a
maximum of 10 points. The grade is based
on the quality of your analysis of the results of the test. This will be explained in detail at the first
class meeting.
Your final grade in the course is based on the total of the
3 exam scores, points for the journals, points for the personality analysis,
points for the class presentation, plus extra credit points when extra credit
projects are approved, and class participation. All mandatory assignments
must be done or points will be subtracted for each missing assignment. Extra
credit points depend on the specific project, but generally are between 5 and
10 points.
Course Policies:
1.
Exams: The two exams will
emphasize understanding and application of knowledge and discourage rote
memorization. There will be a review
during the class session preceding the exam (please see course schedule below).
If you have a legitimate and documented
reason for not taking an exam, you will be given a make-up exam.
2.
Attendance: Miami-Dade has an attendance policy, so I will take
attendance at the beginning of every class period. If you are late, it is your responsibility to
ensure I know you were present. Please do not interrupt a lecture to let me
know you are present. If you have three
absences, you will be dropped from the course. If you are dropped from the class, either by
me or by the College for non-payment, you will not be allowed to attend class.
You will not receive a grade nor will I accept assignments, papers, or exams
from you. Class attendance will not
count towards your grade.
3. Class Presentation: Your class presentation will explore a topic
of your choosing covered in the book (and approved by me), but will expand this
topic beyond the textbook coverage. You
will do additional research and present material on this topic that will
enhance the knowledge of your fellow students beyond the assigned reading. This presentation will be 15 minutes in
length and utilize PowerPoint, film, posters, or other means of
presentation. This is an opportunity to
be creative.
4. Readings/Assignments:
Your best performance in this course requires familiarity with the textbook.
Lectures will not cover all the material in the text. However, you are
responsible for all reading materials assigned. You will also be responsible for
the material covered in the class lectures.
You should read all assigned chapters before the class period.
5.
Extra Credit: Extra credit papers or presentations must first be
discussed with me and cleared for relevance to the course.
6. Conduct
in the Classroom: Please turn off cell phones, MP 3 players, and laptop
computers, unless you are taking notes on them. If you disrupt the teaching/learning process
or act in a disrespectful, threatening, or intimidating way toward your fellow
students or me, you will be asked to leave the class. If you refuse, I will
call Campus Security and you will be referred to the Dean of Students.
7.
Assignments will be turned in at the beginning of the class period. Late assignments will not be accepted.
8. Students are expected to arrive on time and
remain in class until the completion of the class period. If you have a
legitimate reason to leave early, you must clear it with me at the beginning of
class. You are responsible for
information provided in class, even if you are not in attendance.
ACCESS Disability
Services:
Students with documented disabilities should contact ACCESS Disability
Services in advance for information and for obtaining assistance. No retroactive
accommodations can be provided. The ACCESS department is located in Room 2121
at the Kendall Campus. They may be reached at (305) 237-2767.
Academic Integrity:
All students are expected to meet the College’s academic conduct
standards. Acts of academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism,
misrepresentation, and facilitating academic dishonesty will be referred to the
Dean of Students. Students caught plagiarizing will be charged with misconduct
charges. For more information on these standards, refer to the Students Rights
and Responsibilities Handbook at:
http://www.mdc.edu/policy/student_rights_and_responsibilities.pdf
Course Outline and Schedule
Topic:
8-23-10 – Introductions
Discussion of Syllabus
Lecture: Chapter 1: Be a
Lifelong Learner
Reading
Assignment: Chapters 1 and 2
Online Personality
Test
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/j/5/j5j/IPIP/ipipneo300.htm
8-25-10 – Lecture: Chapter 2: Expand
Your Emotional Intelligence
Presentation Choices Submitted
Reading Assignment: Chapters 3 and 4
8-30-10 Personality Analysis Due
Lecture: Chapter 3: Manage Your Time
Chapter 4: Maximize Your Resources
Presentations Assigned
Journals
Chapters 1 and 2 due
Reading
Assignment: Chapters 5 and 6
9-1-10 and 9-8-10 – Lecture: Chapter
5: Listen and Take Effective Notes
Chapter 6: Actively Read
Presentations
Journals Chapters 3 and 4 due
Reading
Assignment: Chapters 7 and 8
9-13-10
– Lecture: Chapter 7: Improve Your Memory Skills
Chapter 8: Excel
at Taking Tests
Presentations
Journals Chapters 5 and 6 due
Review for Exam One
Reading Assignment: Chapter 9
9-15-10 - Exam One
Lecture: Chapter 9: Express Yourself in
Writing and Speech
Journals Chapters 7 and 8 due
Reading Assignment: Chapter 10
9-20 and 9-22-10 – Lecture:
Chapter 10: Become a Critical Thinker and Problem Solver
Presentations
Journal Chapter 9 due
Exam One Grades Posted
Reading
Assignment: Chapter 11
9-27-10 – Lecture Chapter 11: Create
a Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit
Presentations
Journal Chapter 10 due
Reading
Assignment: Chapters 12
9-29-10
– Lecture Chapter 12: Build Supportive and Diverse Relationships
Presentations
Journal Chapter 11 due
Reading Assignment: Chapter
13
10-4-10 – Lecture: Chapter 13:
Develop Positive Habits
Presentations
Journals Chapter 12 due
Reading Assignment: Chapter
14
10-6-10
– Lecture Chapter 14: Explore Majors and Careers
Presentations
Journal Chapter 13
due
10-11-10 – Lecture: Tying Things
Together for Future Success
Presentations
Journal Chapter 14
due
Review for Final Exam
10-13-10
- Final Exam: 7:05 PM – 9:35 PM
WRITING STYLE: Please, when you write
your journals and papers, leave two spaces after the period between
sentences. Also, when using “quotation marks,” make sure that periods and
commas are included within the “marks.” This is proper English usage in
writing. Thank you.
Web Resources:
Here are some websites that
discuss positive psychology:
http://www.bdp-gus.de/gus/Positive-Psychologie-Aufruf-2000.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1693418/pdf/15347528.pdf
http://education.ucsb.edu/janeconoley/ed197/documents/sheldon_whypositivepsychologyisnecessary.pdf