About This Class

This class is focused on learning and growth, and as a result your grade is not based on a traditional grading structure. Instead of earning your grade based on points, your final grade is earned based on how well you meet my expectations.  This paradigm shifts you away from asking questions like:

• • What’s my grade?

  • How many points is that worth?

  • Do you offer extra credit?

  • Why did I earn 8 out of 10 points?

Instead it shifts you toward a focus on learning that emphasizes and rewards the journey and process of learning. Although you might still spend time trying to figure out what your grade is, we will spend most of our time together exploring the field of psychology through collaboration between you, me, and your classmates, in which you will be more likely to ask:

• • Why is this information valuable or useful to me in the real world?

  • What can I do to deepen my understanding of this more?

  • What else do I want to know about these theories?

In my many years of experience as a community college teacher, my focus of teaching has shifted away from learning as rote memorization and instead moved toward making learning meaningful and relevant for you.  In addition, employers today are valuing skills that go beyond basic knowledge, valuing effective communication skills, innovation/creativity, and critical thinking and problem solving skills.  The ability to apply acquired knowledge in real life situations has become an increasingly valuable skill that employers are looking for.  Lastly, an often ignored aspect of learning is the personal growth that students experience through their courses at institutions of higher learning, such as American River College.  

I am sure that this grading is unfamiliar and probably a little scary for you right now. As we work together over the next few weeks, all of your questions will (hopefully) be answered and my expectations for you will become crystal clear as to what you need to do to earn a passing grade.  As always, I am here to support and answer your questions along the way.