Course Master Syllabus
PSYC 1300 Effective Learning: Strategies for College Success
(Instructors will fill in blank sections as
appropriate for their section)
Instructor:
Office: E-mail:
Phone: Fax: (if
available)
Office
Hours:
(Other times available by appointment)
Course Information: Term
Section
Synonym
Location Days Times
Course Description: This course teaches learning and self-management
principles and practices that increase a student’s success in college and in
life. Drawing from cognitive, affective, and behavioral theories in psychology,
students examine the factors which impact their learning, select relevant
methods for deepening their learning and thinking processes, and develop
self-regulation strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of their efforts.
Course Rationale/Purpose: The purpose of this
course is to provide all interested students with an opportunity to learn and
adopt the knowledge, skills, motivation and behaviors that will enhance their
success in learning and in life.
Course Outcomes: Upon successful completion of
this course students will:
(Instructors may add
outcomes to this list as appropriate for their section.)
1.
Increase their level
of knowledge and active use of the following factors which affect learning:
a. A model of effective learning
b. Past experiences and attitudes in educational
settings
c. Learning styles and types of intelligence
d. Personal patterns and habits
e. Goal-setting process and practices
f.
Motivational
strategies
2. Improve their abilities and actions in the following learning and study
strategy areas:
a. Critical and
creative thinking
b. Reading textbooks actively
c. Effective note taking
d. Improving memory and recall
e. Research and writing skills
f. Test preparation and test-taking skills
3.
Demonstrate
increased application of the following self-regulation skills:
a.
Locating and using
resources
b. Managing time effectively
c. Managing goals, motivation, concentration
d. Exercising executive control over their learning (metacognition)
e. Monitoring self-esteem and self-talk
f. Completing a self-change/learning project
Course Structure: This course will include the following learning
strategies:
Textbook:
Grading:
Course Policies: (Instructors will
provide a policy statement in each listed area.)
Attendance:
Withdrawal:
Incomplete Grade:
Scholastic Honesty: “Acts prohibited by the College
for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty,
including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and
unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic
work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or
self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests,
quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual
or group; classroom presentations; and homework” (Student Handbook p. 32). The
penalty for violation of the policy is (to be
completed by the instructor).
Academic Freedom: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.
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Student Discipline: “Students at the College have
the rights accorded by the Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful
assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility
to accord the same rights to others in the College community and not to
interfere with or disrupt the educational process. As willing partners in
learning, students must comply with College rules and procedures” (Student
Handbook p. 31).
Students with Disabilities: “Each ACC campus offers
support services for students with documented physical or psychological
disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations
through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they
expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do
this three weeks before the start of the semester “ (Student Handbook p. 14).
(Instructors will provide
students with a tentative schedule of course topics, major assignment due
dates, tests, etc., for planning purposes.)
Testing Center: Use of the Testing Center for our discipline is
only allowed for make-up tests and retests. Students needing to use the Testing
Center for these purposes (with instructor approval) can find Testing Center
policies and information at the following web site:
http://www2.austincc.edu/testctr/.
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