EDUC_253

1. Assignment 1:

Regular attendance at all class meetings is a requirement in this program. Ten points will be deducted from your final grade for the course for each class session you missed. Each of you will be granted one Emergency Release (ER) per course. Your ER excuses you from one class session with half the grade penalty (loss of 5 points instead of 10). To use your ER you must notify me by email or phone BEFORE class. Save your ER for medical issues, family demands, car trouble, etc.

Students will not be penalized for absences due to the observance of religious holidays that fall on our scheduled class day; please give me advance notice of these absences so I can make the necessary accommodations. All other absences are unexcused and will affect your grade.

Punctuality. Coming to class (and returning from breaks) on time is another course requirement. Your first lateness will be excused; your second lateness will cause 1 point to be deducted from your final course grade; your third lateness will cause an additional 4 points to be deducted. More than three late arrivals indicate a serious problem; this situation will be dealt with at the instructor’s discretion. Attendance and punctuality are the only policies with the immediate potential to impact your course grades. Your instructor through ongoing observation and documentation gathers data documenting your adherence to the remaining policies listed here.

If an instructor has reason to feel you are not meeting all the expectations spelled out below, s/he will contact you privately to discuss the issue, to clarify the expectations as needed, and to offer his/her support in helping you reach those expectations. If your instructor does not contact you with a concern, you can assume you are satisfying these requirements. However, if you would like specific feedback on your professional conduct during the quarter, you are welcome to contact your instructor at any time and s/he will be glad to share his/her assessment with you.

As we will read about and study in this course, everyone’s learning is enhanced by the quantity and quality of the interactions in the learning environment. Hence, your participation in whole class discussions, group work and pair group is essential for the success of this course.

While a class is in session, you should not engage in any activity not directly related to what is taking place in the classroom. Instructors reserve the right to ask you to close your laptop or put away some other form of technology at their discretion; when/if this occurs, please respond quickly and without protest to avoid further disruption of the class’s learning. Instructors also reserve the right to ignore your inappropriate use of technology in class and simply deduct points from your final grade. If you would like more detailed clarification about the expectations regarding appropriate and inappropriate in-class technology use, please feel free to contact your instructor for further information.

Note: Points lost due to poor attendance and/or lack of punctuality will be deducted from your final grade. A student with excellent grades on assignments and other aspects of professional conduct can earn a poor course grade as a result of excessive absence or chronic lateness.

2. Literature Circles (LC).

A common book discussion routine used in reading programs is the Literature Circle-an instructional approach where students come together in small temporary groups formed by book choice that meet on a regular and predictable schedule to (re)read and discuss readings. Students use notes to guide both their reading and discussion and this discussion is generated by students. The teacher’s role in literature circles is that of facilitator.

Each student will be responsible for leading two Literature Circles on the readings throughout the course. Literature Circle leaders should come to class prepared with handouts for each member of their group (4/5 students) that outline the assigned readings with the asterisked headings listed below under the “Handout Components” heading. The “Literature Circle Discussion Format” outlines how the literature circle would unfold in class.

3.

Take home Midterm or Piagetian Interview

A take-home exam will be available on Canvas. You will have one-week to complete.

OR

Piagetian Interview. To, as Piaget mentions decenter ourselves and begin to understand the method by which children and youth process certain tasks, conduct an interview with a student as that student attempts to accomplish a particular task (e.g., math problem, response to comprehension questions after reading a text, writing task). A-5 page paper will be submitted.

More description of this assignment can be found on Canvas, including the rubric which will be used to evaluate the products.

4. ZPD Assignment.

This assignment will allow you to interact with a learner in his/her Zone of Proximal Development, using the concept of scaffolding. You will need to work with a learner on a lesson that improves a skill or the learner’s understanding of a concept. You are required to video-record the session, as this will aid you in analyzing your scaffolding efforts. Analysis will be presented on the last day of class.

Assessments & Grading Criteria

1. All written and oral assignments must reflect graduate-level standards. As a future teacher, you must be able to model communication skills for your students.

2. Attendance and participation in all class meetings is required. If you are going to be absent from class, you must email or call me to inform me of your absence. You will still be responsible for all missed content and in-class work.

3. Letter grades are assigned on the standard scale based upon a possible total of 100 points.

4. Assignments done in pairs, both partners will receive the same grade, unless otherwise stated.

5. Final grades will reflect students’ contributions (e.g., attendance, class discussions, quality of presentation, ability to lead discussion groups, completion and quality of course assignments), critical thinking and ability/degree to which student integrates theory, research and practice.

6. All assignments are expected on their due dates in the room where our class meets. I cannot be responsible for papers submitted at other times or in other formats. Unless we have made special arrangements beforehand, late assignments will be docked 3 points for each day past the due date that they are submitted.

Canvas/Camino Course Management System

To access course materials and participate in On-line activities, please be sure to review Canvas (also known as Camino). Reminders, tools, readings and assignment descriptions will be made available through this on-line course management system. Your SCU username and password gets you access to Canvas.

Disability Accommodations Procedure

If you have a disability for which accommodations may be required in this class, please contact Disabilities Resources, Benson 216, http://www.scu.edu/disabilities as soon as possible to discuss your needs and register for accommodations with the University. If you have already arranged accommodations through Disabilities Resources, please discuss them with me during my office hours. Students who have medical needs related to pregnancy may also be eligible for accommodations.

While I am happy to assist you, I am unable to provide accommodations until I have received verification from Disabilities Resources. The Disabilities Resources office will work with students and faculty to arrange proctored exams for students whose accommodations include double time for exams and/or assisted technology. (Students with approved accommodations of time-and-a-half should talk with me as soon as possible). Disabilities Resources must be contacted in advance to schedule proctored examinations or to arrange other accommodations. The Disabilities Resources office would be grateful for advance notice of at least two weeks. For more information, you may contact Disabilities Resources at 408-554-4109.

Accommodations for Pregnancy and Parenting

In alignment with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and with the California Education Code, Section 66281.7, Santa Clara University provides reasonable accommodations to students who are pregnant, have recently experienced childbirth, and/or have medically related needs. Pregnant and parenting students can often arrange accommodations by working directly with their instructors, supervisors, or departments. Alternatively, a pregnant or parenting student experiencing related medical conditions may request accommodations through Disability Resources.

Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct (Title IX)

Santa Clara University upholds a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct. If you (or someone you know) have experienced discrimination or harassment, including sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, or stalking, I encourage you to tell someone promptly. For more information, please consult the University’s Gender-Based Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy at http://bit.ly/2ce1hBb or contact the University's EEO and Title IX Coordinator, Belinda Guthrie, at 408-554-3043, bguthrie@scu.edu. Reports may be submitted online through https://www.scu.edu/osl/report/ or anonymously through Ethicspoint https://www.scu.edu/hr/quick-links/ethicspoint/

Academic Integrity

The University is committed to academic excellence and integrity. Students are expected to do their own work and to cite any sources they use. A student who is guilty of dishonest acts in an examination, paper, or other required work for a course, or who assists others in such acts, will receive a grade of F for the course. In addition, a student guilty of dishonest acts will be immediately dismissed from the University. Students that violate copyright laws, including those covering the copying of software programs, or who knowingly alter official academic records from this or any other institution, are subject to disciplinary action (ECP Graduate Bulletin, 2013-2014).