Faculty Syllabus
EDUC-1300 Learning Framework: Effective Strategies for College Success
Donna Ryan Pfeffer
Credit Spring 2026
Section(s)
EDUC-1300-043 (29136)
LEC TuTh 11:10am - 12:40pm MNR MNR1 C102
Course Requirements
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.
Readings
This is a Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) section. Students do NOT purchase a textbook. You do NOT need to create an account or login. The textbook is available at: https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/8434.
Textbook: Syrett, H., et al. Learning Framework: Strategies for College Success. Provided by: Austin Community College. Located at: OER Commons, https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/8434. License: CC BY-NC-SA-4.0
Other online resource for any additional readings: http://www.austincc.edu/blackboard (Class Blackboard site)
Course Subjects
Session Topics and Assignments Due
Week #1 Course Orientation Complete Mandatory Orientation (1/20 & 1/22) Read: Chapter 1 on your own
DUE: Discussion Board #1
Due 01/25/26 at 11:59 pm
Discuss Syllabus and Procedures
Week #2 Chapter 2: Set Yourself Up for Success Read Chapter 2 while doing the
(1/27 & 1/29) Scavenger Hunt
Possible Library Services Guest Speaker
Complete Resource Scavenger Hunt
DUE 2/1: Journal #1
Week #3 Chapter 3: Values and Goals Read Chapter 3 in a group and share
your part with your group
(2/3 & 2/5) TURN IN EXIT TICKET
START: Time Management Project
Week #4 Chapter 4: Manage Your Time Read Chapter 4 split into sections
(2/10 & 2/12) TURN IN EXIT TICKET
DUE 2/17: Time Management Project
Week #5 Chapter 5: Getting and Staying Organized Read and Discuss Chapter 5
Possible Academic Coach Guest Speaker
Review for Test
(2/17 & 2/19) DUE 2/22: Journal #2
Week #6 Chapter 6: Theories of Learning Complete Exam #1 on 2/24
Read Chapter 6 - Do Scenarios
TURN IN EXIT TICKET
(2/24 & 2/26) DUE 3/1: Self-Change Contract
DUE 3/1: Discussion Board #2
Week #7 Chapter 7: Critical & Creative Thinking Read Chapter 7/One Minute Paper
(most important or confusing topic)
(3/3 & 3/5) TURN IN EXIT TICKET
DUE 3/8: Discussion Board #3
DUE 3/8: Self-Change Final Contract
Week #8 Chapter 8: Ways of Knowing Read Chapter 8/Class Survey -
What’s working?
(3/10 & 3/12) TURN IN EXIT TICKET
START: Self-Change Baseline Week Data if needed
DUE 3/15: Discussion Board #4
Week #9 Chapter 9: Memory & Information Processing Read and Discuss Chapter 9
Review for Test
(3/24 & 3/26) Exam #2 DUE 3/29: Journal #3
Complete Exam #2 on 3/26/26
START: Week 1 of Self Change Project
Week #10 Chapter 15: Planning for Your Career Read and Discuss Chapter 15
Possible Career Services Guest Speaker
(3/31 & 4/2) START: Career Project
Week 2 of Self Change Project
Week #11 Chapter 10: Active Listening Read and Discuss Chapters 10 & 11
Chapter 11: Note-Taking Strategies Implement Strategy in a class
(4/7 & 4/9) TURN IN EXIT TICKET
DUE 4/12: Career Project
Week 3 of Self Change Project
Week #12 Chapter 12: Active Reading Strategies Read Chapters 12 and 14
Chapter 14: Writing Effectively Peer Review writing assignment
(4/14 & 4/16) Start: Self Change Paper and Presentation
DUE 4/19: Discussion Board #5
Week #13 Chapter 13: Test-Taking Strategies Read Chapters 13 and 16
Chapter 16: Managing Your Health DUE 4/26: Journal #4
(4/21 & 4/23) DUE 4/26 Self Change Paper & Presentation
Week #14 Chapter 17: Diversity and Cultural Competency Read Chapter 17
Review for Test
(4/28 & 4/30) DUE 5/3: Discussion Board #6
Week #15 Chapter 18: Managing Your Money Read Chapter 18/Do Chapter Lessons
Exam #3 DUE 12/7: Journal #5
(5/5 & 5/7) Complete Exam #3 on 5/5
Week #16 Learning Profile Presentation DUE 5/14: Learning Profile Presentation
(5/12 & 5/14)
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
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.
A. Identify and apply effective learning strategies and skills:
- Explain how theoretical models of learning, information processing, and memory influence the learning process
- Develop and apply critical and creative thinking skills to problem-solving, decision-making, and evaluating information.
- Identify personal strengths and areas for growth related to the learning process.
- 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.
B. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the beliefs, attitudes, motivations, and emotions that affect learning:
- Reflect on previous educational experiences and how they influence current attitudes and beliefs toward college.
- Assess personal patterns, habits, and potential barriers which affect learning.
- Implement goal-setting strategies and goal-attainment behaviors.
- Identify the characteristics of growth mindset and reflect on their own mindset.
- 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.
C. Develop awareness of and practice strategies for effective self-regulation:
- Develop and practice sustainable time management and organizational skills.
- Identify and practice executive skills to regulate cognition.
- Demonstrate ability to monitor the learning progress and adjust as needed for success.
- Develop skills to manage and cope with stress and anxiety that impact learning and goal attainment.
- Identify when additional support is needed and utilize available resources to support their own success.
- 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.
D. Understand, analyze, and use resources to manage the academic environment:
- Determine how college and instructor policies define expected student behaviors.
- Identify requirements and expectations for learning activities and managing responsibilities.
- Identify and use services and resources to support learning and academic success.
- 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.
Office Hours
T 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Online
NOTE Please choose a time here: https://calendly.com/donna-ryanpfeffer/15min You can also email me for additional time at donna.ryanpfeffer@austincc.eduPublished: 01/17/2026 13:08:19