Course Description: A study of the 1) research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation, 2) factors that impact learning, and 3) application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned. 

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 Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this course, students will have explored the relationship between their own skill, will, self-regulation, and academic environment and the interconnected impact of these elements on academic achievement and learning.  

Skill: Refers to the learner’s knowledge of and ability to utilize effective learning strategies and skills in order to learn information effectively, efficiently, and actively. It also includes knowledge of oneself as a learner, including strengths, weaknesses, and previous content knowledge. 

1. Identify and apply effective learning strategies and skills: 

1. Explain how theoretical models of learning, information processing, and memory influence the learning process.
2. Develop and apply critical and creative thinking skills to problem-solving, decision-making, and evaluating information.
3. Identify personal strengths and areas for growth related to the learning process.
4. Explore and implement specific learning strategies for student success.

Will: Refers to the learner’s beliefs, attitudes, and emotions about learning. This includes motivation, beliefs about abilities, level of commitment to goals, and a range of emotions from fear and anxiety to excitement and joy toward learning.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the beliefs, attitudes, motivations, and emotions that affect learning:

1. Reflect on previous educational experiences and how they influence current attitudes and beliefs toward college.
2. Assess personal patterns, habits, and potential barriers which affect learning.
3. Implement goal-setting strategies and goal-attainment behaviors.
4. Identify the characteristics of growth mindset and reflect on their own mindset. 
5. Reflect on personal behaviors and choices as they relate to increasing self-efficacy and strengthening emotional regulation. 

Self-Regulation: Refers to the learner's ability to combine skill and will to self-manage, be self-aware, and hold themselves accountable within the learning environment.

3. Develop awareness of and practice strategies for effective self-regulation:

1. Develop and practice sustainable time management and organizational skills.
2. Identify and practice executive skills to regulate cognition.
3. Demonstrate ability to monitor the learning progress and adjust as needed for success.
4. Develop skills to manage and cope with stress and anxiety that impact learning and goal attainment.
5. Identify when additional support is needed and utilize available resources to support their own success.
6. Identify and implement effective motivational strategies to achieve goals.

Academic Environment: Refers to the learning contexts and the learner’s understanding of the expectations for successful performance, as well as the types of resources available.

4. Understand, analyze, and use resources to manage the academic environment:

1. Determine how college and instructor policies define expected student behaviors.
2. Identify requirements and expectations for learning activities and managing responsibilities.
3. Identify and use services and resources to support learning and academic success. 
4. Identify and develop social support networks that encourage and strengthen academic achievement. 

The Student Learning Outcomes are based on the Model of Strategic Learning. (Weinstein, C.E., 1994)

General Education Student Learning Outcomes: As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

Personal Responsibility

• Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences.

Critical Thinking Skills

• Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

Social Responsibility

• Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Communication Skills

• Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Textbook: Syrett, Heather, et al. Learning Framework: Strategies for College Success. OER Commons, https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/8434. License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The textbook is an Open Educational Resources (OER); students do NOT purchase a textbook. The textbook is available at: https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/8434

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

Detailed assignment instructions including file attachments, video explanations, and grading rubrics are available on Blackboard

1. Learning Journals (35%) – Students will submit five journals (mini-essays) through Blackboard that address key elements of your personal learning experience. Detailed assignment instructions and a grading rubric are on Blackboard. Each journal is worth 7% of your final grade.
2. Time Management Project and Paper (5% for Time Log, 15% for Paper) – You will start this project in Week 1 and carefully monitor your use of time over a week and submit a completed Time Log Packet at the end of Week 2. You will then write a 750-word minimum paper using MLA style addressing the process, what you learned from the experience, and what changes you will make, due at the end of Week 3. Detailed assignment instructions, including an assignment packet, prompts, and video explanation, are on Blackboard.
3. Career Project OR Transfer Project (15%) – You can choose between two assignments – 1) a career exploration project where you complete self-assessments in FOCUS2 and research careers and majors in FOCUS2 OR, 2) a transfer plan where you watch a video, submit your ACC Degree Plan (Program Map), two transfer guides to your top choices, and a written summary of what you learned from the video and how that impacts your planning. 
4. Quizzes (30%) – There are three multiple-choice quizzes covering material from the Weekly Modules. Each quiz is worth 10% of your final grade. Quizzes are taken on Blackboard, are closed book, with a time limit. Quizzes open on Monday at midnight and close on Sunday at 11:59 pm. They do NOT require a proctoring service.

Extra Credit: You can earn five points of extra credit added to your final course grade by completing extra credit activities available in the Chapter Modules in Blackboard or by special announcement.

Extra Credit is due at the end of the week (Sunday) the extra credit is assigned. You can also cash-in your unused tokens at the end of the semester for extra credit.

Grades are recorded in Blackboard. Blackboard grades are NOT your official grades. ACC uses a straight letter grade on your transcript. Your course grade is based on the following scale:

A         89.5 – 100%

B         79.5 – 89.4%

C         69.5 – 79.4%
D         59.5 – 69.4%

F          59% and below

DUE DATES and LATE WORK POLICIES

All assignments including Journals, quizzes, papers, and projects are due by Sunday at 11:59 of the week indicated in the schedule.

Late quizzes are not accepted and you cannot use a token for Quizzes. Each quiz is open for a full week. Do not wait until the last minute in case something comes up. An Optional Final exam is offered to replace a missing quiz or to replace your lowest quiz grade.

The projects all require ongoing and regular work. Do NOT wait until the last minute to complete assignments in case unexpected circumstances occur. Your tokens should be saved for these unexpected circumstances.

I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE ASSIGNMENTS WITHOUT A TOKEN!

Assignments submitted on time will be graded with feedback within one week of the due date. I will post an announcement to Blackboard and your ACC email when an assignment has been graded so you can decide if you wish to use a token to resubmit.

PARTICIPATION POLICY

Students are expected to regularly login to the class on Blackboard at least 3 out of 7 days per week.

• I recommend checking our course in Blackboard, at minimum, on Mondays when the weekly announcement is posted, on Fridays when the Weekend Reminder is posted and Sundays, when assignments are due.

All communication takes place via ACC email or Blackboard. Do not email me from a non-ACC email.

If participation or compliance with course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students. Students who are not active in the course for two weeks may be withdrawn.

All assignments are submitted through Blackboard as Journals, Assignments, and Quizzes. I do not accept emailed assignments (except for extra credit.)

This is a 5-week session. It moves quickly!

• All assignments are due by Sunday at 11:59 pm via Blackboard
• Extra credit is due by Sunday at 11:59 via email of the week it was assigned in the module.
• Late assignments are only accepted with a token!

* Orientation DUE THURSDAY 7/4

Chapter 1: Manage the Transition to College
Chapter 2: Set Yourself Up for Success

Mandatory Orientation - DUE THURSDAY

Complete Chapters 1 and 2 Lesson Modules

DUE: Learning Journal #1
START Time Management Project

Chapter 3: Discover Your Values and Goals
Chapter 4: Manage Your Time
Chapter 5: Getting and Staying Organized

Complete Chapters 3 – 5 Lesson Modules
DUE: Learning Journal #2 
DUE: Quiz #1
DUE: Time Log Packet

Complete Chapters 6 – 9 Lesson Modules

DUE: Learning Journal #3
DUE: Quiz #2
DUE: Time Management Paper

Chapter 11: Note-Taking Strategies
Chapter 12: Active Reading Strategies
Chapter 13: Test-Taking Strategies

Complete Chapters 11 – 13 Lesson Modules
DUE: Learning Journal #4

Chapter 15: Planning For Your Career

Chapter 17: Diversity and Cultural Competency

Complete Chapters 15 and 17 Lesson Modules

DUE: Learning Journal #5
DUE: Quiz #3
DUE: Career OR Transfer Project