EDUC 1301-D01: STRATEGIES FOR COLLEGE & CAREER SUCCESS

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
FALL 2014

INSTRUCTOR
OFFICE
OFFICE HOURS

Amy Arredondo
A119
Tues/Thurs 9 am to 1 pm;
Virtual office hours through
Skype (amy_arredondo1) or
Lync
Monday-Friday before 5 pm

PHONE
E-MAIL
Course Credit:
Frequency:
Nature of course:

979-218-9557
amy.arredondo@ttu.edu
3 hours
Each Fall and Spring
Undergraduate

REQUIRED TEXT & COURSE MATERIALS:

Staley, C. C., & Staley, S. (2012). Focus on college and career success. Boston, MA: Wadsworth
Cengage Learning.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4390-8390-1
Students must have reliable access to the following:

Computer

High-speed Internet

Active eRaider account

Blackboard access to the online course

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:
Downing, S. (2014). On course: Strategies for creating success in college and in life. Boston, MA:
Wadsworth.
ISBN-10: 1-1333-0973-9 | ISBN-13: 978-1-1333-0973-4
Johnson, S. (1998). Who moved my cheese?: An amazing way to deal with change in your
work and in your life. New York: Putnam.
http://www.achieve.org/college-and-career-readiness

1|Page

http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/prepare
http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/educating-every-student-college-and-career-success

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to assist students in the transition to college. To be effective in college,
career and in life depends on attitude, hard work, personal qualities and knowing the right
strategies. This course offers an accessible and relevant way for students to move beyond opinions
and advice about how to succeed in college by offering an integrated approach of research backed
student success practices paired with student success research studies. Students will find success
as they learn how to put the information on skills for success into practice as they strive to
accomplish their academic goals. Students will develop and reinforce the skills and behaviors that
promote academic and personal success: effective note taking, productive study skills, reading and
remembering, critical thinking, stress management, relationships and winning attitudes. This is an
online course facilitated through Blackboard. The course will be conducted over a six week period
with each week focused on a specific course topic.

COURSE PURPOSE
This is not a core curriculum course. However, this course provides entering students with
techniques, resources and information necessary to enhance their success in college.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Evaluate their study and learning skills through the use of assessment instruments.
Identify characteristics of successful learners and factors that impact learning.
Use critical thinking skills to identify personal, academic and career goals and construct
action plans to achieve them.
Apply strategies for different learning contexts.
Apply strategies for objective and subjective testing.
Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing ideas, patterns, and principles related to college
and life situations.
Demonstrate behavior modification through a project.

2|Page

METHODS FOR ASSESSING LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course learning outcomes will be assessed through: exams, quizzes, discussions, weekly
assignments and reflective essay.

EXPECTATIONS
This is a 100% online course.

You will be expected to log into the Blackboard course 3-5 times per week, to be aware of
possible announcements/ reminders and to pace your progress in the course.

It is the students' responsibility to check their TTU email and Blackboard frequently for
course announcements.

Students should not send emails to the instructor from non-university accounts (i.e., gmail)
as these emails may be sent to the junk mail folder by the TTU email security system. The Instructor
is not responsible for emails delivered as junk mail.

To ensure that emails sent to the instructor receive attention, be sure to include EDUC
1300-D01 in the subject line.

You can expect an e-mail reply from me within 24 hours on weekdays, and within 48 hours
on weekends. I will use the TTU e-mail system when sending announcements or reminder.

Active online participation - Online course activities promote learning and the creation of a
learning community, so they are encouraged and expected. You will be expected to collaborate
with other students in this course on some assignments.

Students will be responsible for the textbook readings that correspond to each MODULE as
listed in the course schedule. Students are responsible to have read the chapter prior to dates
scheduled for participation in online assignments
To be successful in an online course, you must demonstrate initiative and the ability to
regulate/manage your time and learning. You will need to monitor your own understanding, and if
you are unclear about anything in this course, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor. You
must also monitor your own grades and your progress. If you have concerns at any time, contact
the instructor.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Internet access (preferably high speed)

Microsoft Office 2007 (free download from www.eraider.ttu.edu)
Microsoft Lync (free download from www.eraider.ttu.edu)
Adobe Reader 9.4
Flash Player
E-mail (ttu.edu)
Ability to read/listen to Windows media files (Windows Media Player)
3|Page

Skills:
Microsoft Word, E-mail, attaching documents, Internet searches, downloading
plug-ins, unblocking pop-ups. You will learn to use a threaded discussion in this
course (if you havent done so before).

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:

For technical assistance with Blackboard or other matters call 806-742-HELP.

For assistance with Blackboard, visit the Blackboard Student Support website
(http://www.depts.ttu.edu/tlpdc/Blackboard_support/StudentSupport.php)

COURSE POLICIES & REQUIREMENTS

Communication with the instructor will be conducted through the TTU email only. (see
Expectations above)
Assignments will NOT be accepted after the due date. This is a course on time management, so
make sure you are using your time wisely! Computer or technical difficulties are no excuse for
missing tests, quizzes, or other assignments.
Participation in course discussions is required. The instructor will post discussion questions weekly
in the Forums tab in Blackboard. Students are expected to post initial discussion responses by the
deadline given. Each student is expected to respond to at least 3 other students discussion posts
before the final module deadline. Discussion and response posts should be AT LEAST 3 to 7
sentences in length. Shorter submissions will result in point deductions. In order to receive full
credit for participation, the insight shared by the student should move the discussion forward and
not be a simple statement of agreement.
COURSE ORGANIZATION & GRADES
This course is organized into 6 Learning Modules. The first one is a required course orientation,
including some activities. The remaining modules are chapter or topic-based. You will follow the
course schedule found at the end of this syllabus. It includes all due dates.
The following assignments and point distribution will be used in calculating final grades for the
course:
Student Activity
Module activities
Module discussions

Points
270
120

Reflection Papers
Exams
Success interview/paper
Total Points

200
250
160
1000

Assignment Specifics
6 Activities/CourseMate Activities & Quizzes @ 45 points each
4 @ 30 points each (15 pts. Initial post, 5 pts each response
post)
2 @ 100 points each (pre-assessments & behavior modification)
2 @ 125 points each
Success Interview and final paper

4|Page

Written work is expected to be neat, correctly spelled and mechanically correct. Assignments are
due on the dates indicated in the course outline, unless otherwise notified. All assignments will be
submitted through the Assignments tab in Blackboard. Exams can be found under the Quizzes tab in
Blackboard. Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:
A= 1000-901 B= 900-801 C= 800-701 D= 700-601 F= <600
ONLINE BEHAVIOR
This is an online course and students are expected to maintain an online environment conducive to
learning. Therefore the following are prohibited: making offensive remarks in e-mail or the
discussion board, using inappropriate language or discussing inappropriate topics online,
spamming, using all caps (considered yelling in online communication), or cyber bullying, online
harassment of any type. Inappropriate behavior shall result in consequences ranging from a
request to correct the problem, to removal from the course or the university. Disciplinary actions
will be taken according to the TTU code of student conduct. Students should police one another to
make sure rude behavior is not tolerated.

Institutional Policies
The following policies have been put in place by the University and will be strictly adhered to:
OBSERVANCE OF A RELIGIOUS HOLY DAY
Texas House Bill 256 requires institutions of higher education to excuse a student from attending
classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy
day. The student shall also be excused for time necessary to travel. An institution may not penalize
the student for the absence and allows for the student to take an exam or complete an assignment
from which the student is excused. No prior notification of the instructor is required.
ADA POLICY
As mandated by TTU policy (OP 34.22): Any student who, because of a disability, may require
special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as
soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate
verification from Student Disability Services during the instructors office hours. Please note
instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate
verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information,
students may contact the Student Disability Services office at 806-742-2405.
CLASS WITHDRAWAL
It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of university class withdrawal policies and dates.
Students are responsible to completion of course work and to monitor whether the option to
withdraw from class is in their own best interest. A student is encouraged to discuss the decision
with the instructor prior to withdrawal.

5|Page

GRADE OF I (INCOMPLETE)
A grade of Incomplete (I) is given only when the students work has been satisfactory for most of
the semester, but the student is unable to complete the course requirements due to extraordinary
circumstances in the last few weeks of the course. Legitimate circumstances may include
illness/infirmity that requires hospitalization, a death in the family or some other emergency that
reasonably precluded successful completion of the course. (The instructor, not the student,
determines the criteria for reasonableness.) In addition to the assignment of an I grade, a Grade
of Incomplete form must be completed.
GRADE APPEALS
The student who wishes to initiate a grade appeal should follow the official Grade Appeal
Procedures outlined by the college. The student should contact the COE Deans Office for
information about the appeals procedure.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT
It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty, and a high
standard of integrity. The attempt of the student to present as his/her own any work that he/she
has not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and
renders the offender liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension. Scholastic dishonesty
includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records,
misrepresenting facts and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student.
Dishonesty includes attempts to commit any acts, as well as the completion of any acts.
The Education department policy is consistent with university policy. Therefore, the consequences
of academic dishonesty may range from a grade of zero (0) for the assignment to a grade of F for the
course. In addition, the dishonest activity will be reported to department authorities and/or
Student Judicial Programs for consideration of additional consequences (e.g., expulsion from the
course, suspension from the university). The former student who engages in scholastic dishonesty
is subject to a bar against readmission, revocation of a degree and withdrawal of a diploma.

Course Contract for Academic Success

Please e-mail the Contract for Academic Success, (see below) to your instructor from your TTU email account to complete your enrollment for this class.
Subject: EDUC 1300-D01: Contract for Academic Success
My name is ___________________________. I am enrolled in EDUC 1300-D01 for the ________ semester. I
understand that I create the grade. I am responsible for exhibiting successful behaviors in class
and showing respect to others. I understand that in order to achieve success, I must be in
attendance (in class and/or online), participate (in class and/or online), study and make wise
choices. I also understand that if I am having any questions or concerns, I must contact the
instructor immediately to seek help.
______________________________________________________________
6|Page

Please send the above paragraph (no attachments please) to amy.arredondo@tu.edu from your
TTU e-mail account.
Note: This contract must be received immediately to prevent from being blocked from your online
assignments.

COURSE SCHEDULE
*For all due dates listed, the times reflect central time.

Module 1: Course
Introduction/Getting on
Course to Your Success

Module 2: Setting Goals

TOPIC/READING

DATE

Syllabus review and quiz

Email course contract
READING: Chap. 1
DISCUSSION: Exercise 1.1 (page 6)
CourseMate log in
FOCUS Entrance Interview
Pre-Assessments
VARK
College Success Factors Index Pre-test
Noel-Levitz CSI
Study Skills Inventory

September 3-9,
2014

READING: Chap. 2-3

DISCUSSION: Control (page 40)
ASSIGNMENT: Reflection paper on PreAssessments, Future goals
COURSEMATE: Chapter Activities and Quiz

September 1016, 2014

READING: Chap. 4
DISCUSSION: Reflect on results of Activity 4.6
ASSIGNMENT: Exercise 4.6 (page 92-93),
Exercise 4.7 (page 97)
COURSEMATE: Chapter Activities and Quiz
VIDEO: Managing Time, Money & Health
(http://youtu.be/zoLdFfHk6j8)

September 1723, 2014

READING: Chap. 5, 6, 8
ASSIGNMENT: Behavior Modification Project
EXAM: Midterm (Chaps. 1-6, 8)
COURSEMATE: Chapter Activities and Quiz
VIDEO: Critical Thinking Study Skills Workshop
(http://youtu.be/Dam6998gL8U)

September 2430, 2014

Module 3: Managing
your Time, Energy and
Money

Module 4: Adopting
Lifelong Learning Skills

*Schedule is subject to change.

11:59 PM
Initial Discussion
Post due
September 7th at
11:59 pm.

11:59 PM
Initial Discussion
Post due
September 14th
at 11:59 pm.

11:59 PM
Initial Discussion
Post due
September 21st
at 11:59 pm.

11:59 PM
Initial Discussion
Post due
September 28th
at 11:59 pm.
7|Page

Module 5: Strategies for

Note-taking, Studying
and Testing

Module 6: Looking to
the Future

READING: Chap. 7, 9, 10
DISCUSSION: After completing your assignment,
reflect on the message from the video as well as
your note-taking and, in your responses,
compare notes by recognizing the
strengths/weaknesses of the different styles.
ASSIGNMENT: Watch Randy Pauschs Last
Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxS
o) and take notes using one of the styles from
this module.
COURSEMATE: Chapter Activities and Quiz
VIDEO: College Readiness 02: Advanced Note
Taking Skills
(http://youtu.be/wAN55OQs-9k)

October 1-7,
2014

READING: Chap. 11-13

ASSIGNMENT: Success Interview (see below)
EXAM: Final (Chaps. 7, 9-13)
COURSEMATE: Chapter Activities and Quiz
FOCUS Exit Interview

October 8-14,
2014

11:59 PM
Initial Discussion
Post due October
5th at 11:59 pm.

11:59 PM
Initial Discussion
Post due October
12th at 11:59
pm.

8|Page

Success Interview
Objective: To receive career success advice from someone currently working in the field
Select a person who you believe is successful in his or her career. Conduct an interview using the
questions provided below. Answer the questions on this worksheet and write a one-two page
summary report (APA format, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 1 in. margins)
including all of the following information.
1. Who did you interview and why?
2. What stood out the most from this interview?
3. What piece of advice did you receive about career success?
4. How can you draw from his or her success and apply it to your own life?
Interview Questions
1. What does career success mean to you?
2. Do you consider yourself successful? Why or why not?
3. What contributes most substantially to your career success?
4. What facet of your chosen profession is most engaging to you?
5. What frustrates you most about your chosen profession?
6. What activities did you participate in to advance your career development?
7. Which skills do you think are most essential to your success in your career?
8. What values support you in your career path?
9. How important is it for you to have advanced knowledge of technology resources in your career?
10. If you are learning something new, whom do you usually try to learn from?
11. What have you done to advance your own knowledge this year?
12. What makes you an asset to your current employer?
13. What is your greatest strength?
14. What is your greatest weakness?
15. Which is more important to you: the money or the work?
16. Can you think of one moment or experience that was the most rewarding of your career?
17. If you had it to do over again, would you chose the same career? Why or why not?
18. What is one thing you wish you had been told when you were my age or at the same point as I
am currently in your career development?
19. If you were to give me one piece of advice, what would it be?
9|Page

20. If you had it to do over, what would you do differently?

10 | P a g e