Instructional methods including service learning

I employ a wide variety of instructional methods including: cooperative learning, lecture, discussion, role-playing, simulation, hands-on activities and experiential service learning.  You will be asked to participate in at least one service learning activity outside of class.   If you are uncomfortable with these instructional techniques, you may wish to choose another course.

Assessment

I assess your progress and assign the course grade, according to the following guidelines.  These guidelines are subject to change.  If I must make a change, I'll provide prior notice:

Attendance, Participation and Preparation

You will be offered a chance to earn points each day for attendance, participation and preparation.  The class is highly interactive and employs many group exercises.  For this approach to be successful, you must have completed assigned readings prior to class (preparation), show up on time (attendance) and share your thoughts (participation).  For attendance purposes, I'll normally take roll and examine your preparation 5 minutes after the scheduled start of class.  (I use the first 5 minutes to collect assignments, distribute graded papers and  make administrative announcements, such as future assignment due dates.)  Those in attendance when I take roll will receive full attendance points.  I will then keep track of classroom participation and assign participation points.  You will all have multiple opportunities to participate and participation does not always need to be verbal.

Homework

Homework assignments will be small and worth a small number of points.  Homework must be turned in on or before the day it is due when I call for it in class.  If you know you will be absent, you may still receive credit for your homework assignments, even though you are unable to attend the class:

• If you submit them via email, PRIOR TO THE START OF THE CLASS YOU WILL MISS. Instructions are at: http://mcsd.cgc.maricopa.edu/swan/how_to_submit_assignments_via_em.htm.

• OR, If you place them in the mailbox outside my office door (see the Instructor web page for my office number) PRIOR TO THE START OF THE CLASS YOU WILL MISS.

You may make up for missed homework points by taking advantage of an extra credit opportunity.

Projects

Projects are larger scale assignments that take several weeks to complete.  Projects may be turned in late.  One working day late is a 5% deduction, two working days late is a 10% deduction, three working days late is a 20% deduction.  Assignments turned in more than 3 days late will require my approval and may be subject to larger deductions or additional requirements.

Mid-Term and Final Assessments

Assessments may include multiple choice, short answer and essay questions/problems.  All or a portion of an exam may be take home. Some portion of the assessment may require group participation.  Our last assessment of the semester will be scheduled during final exam week.  Days and times are already set and in most circumstances can't be changed.  Final exam week is May 5-8.

Points

I expect to assign points as follows:

Grades

I'll assign letter grades as a percentage of earned points relative to available points, according to the guidelines, below.  I reserve the right to raise a grade, if I believe the circumstances merit it.

I don't offer extra credit to individual students, but extra credit opportunities may periodically be offered to all students in the class.

Classroom expectations

I like a relaxed, fun class that stays focused on learning.  You can help me keep that focus by preparing for class, showing up on time, staying for the entire class, turning off audible pagers and cell phones and refraining from aggressive or disruptive behavior, including yelling, assault or battery. Taping/recording lectures or class activities requires my prior approval and -- unless otherwise arranged -- recordings may be used for study purposes only by the student making the recordings.  Food and drink are allowed in the classroom.  If you do not meet classroom expectations, I will discuss the issue with you and may choose to remove you from the classroom.

Academic integrity

I encourage you to work together and to study together, but your work must be your own.  If any form of plagiarism (see Administrative messages, below) does occur, I will take disciplinary action within CGCC policy and guidelines as stated in the student handbook.  

Student responsibility

You are responsible for the information in this syllabus.  I also expect you to obtain a student handbook and to follow the policies and procedures of MCCCD and CGCC.    

Administrative messages

Statement Regarding Outcomes and Assessment

The faculty and programs at CGCC are dedicated to effective teaching and successful learning with emphasis in the following areas: communication, critical thinking, literacy, and personal development.

Periodically, students will participate in formal and informal assessment activities that will help faculty improve programs and teaching strategies. These activities are designed to facilitate student growth in whatever combination of the above outcomes applies to a course.

Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are required to register for services in the Disability Resources and Services (DRS) office in the Student Center at the beginning of the semester. Do not wait to visit the DRS office if you want support with any CGCC classes. The DRS office will meet with you to determine accommodations based on appropriate documentation. Therefore, faculty members are not authorized to provide or approve any accommodations for students in this class without

written instructions from the DRS office. This must be on file before any accommodation will be provided. You can contact the DRS office at (480) 857-5188.

Information on Learning Center

For Pecos Campus:

The CGCC Learning Center's mission is to support students' academic learning by providing free tutoring and resources to reinforce and supplement classroom instruction and to assist CGCC students to achieve academic success. Free tutoring services are available for many CGCC courses. The Learning Center is located on the second floor of the Library, rooms L227, L228, and L229. The Learning Center also provides instructional support resources in the form of videotapes, software, and print materials. For a schedule of tutoring hours, additional information or assistance contact the Learning Center at (480) 732-7231, or visit our website at http://www.cgc.maricopa.edu/lc .

For Williams Campus:

The Learning Center's mission is to support students' academic learning by providing free tutoring and resources to reinforce and supplement classroom instruction and to assist CGCC students to achieve academic success.  At the Williams Campus, tutoring takes place at the ASU Polytechnic Student Success Center located on the lower level of the Academic Center Building.  Limited tutoring is also available in the General Studies Building (GSB) and the Science Lab Building (SLB).  We will be expanding to a new location in Engel Hall during the spring 2009 semester.  All Learning Center services are free to students currently enrolled at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.  Services include writing assistance, math and science tutoring, some subject area tutoring, study space for individuals and groups, computers for research and writing, and more.  Students needing additional information or assistance should contact the CGCC Learning Center at 480-732-7231 or ASUP/Williams Campus Student Success Center at 480-727-1452 or visit their website at  http://studentsuccess.asu.edu/polytechnic.

Statement Concerning Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as presenting the work of another as one’s own. More than four consecutive words from a source other than the writer constitute plagiarism when the source is not clearly identified in appropriate documentation format.

From the CGCC Student Handbook:

“Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.”