Syllabus

Instructor: James Nordine

Room: 212 / W107

This syllabus will act as a general catch all for all of my classes. Most of all the information about general day to day operation of the learning environment can be found here.

Office Hours

Generally I will be in my room around 7:00-7:15am and stay until 4:00-4:15pm. If your schedule doesn't work for these times, you will need to take to me as soon as possible, as I will need to make sure that I can put it into my schedule.

Project Based Learning (PBL)

I have spent the last several years being trained as well as training on the use of PBL in the classroom. I strongly believe that this is the best way for people in the 21st century to learn. My main goal is to not “teach-down to” students, but instead help them use natural curiosity to learn. I have had tremendous success with this method. My use of PBL is to create young adults that are ready to leave the Kasson-Mantorville area, and become leaders in our world.

There is some natural resistance to PBL because it depends heavily on 3 pillars; Trust, Respect, Responsibility.

  • I TRUST that each of the learners will do what they need to do to accomplish their goals.
  • RESPECT of each other and the learning environment.
  • Each learner will take RESPONSIBILITY for their work and making sure that they are keeping up-to-date.

New Tech Network - 2015

As you can see in this image, the top is very repetitive, and places a strong emphasize on a simple memorization at the end of a unit. PBL has many of the same components, but allows for a differentiated approach and for deeper learning, with the final end point being the personal reflection of growth.

I wont expect each of my learners to be experts at PBL. This is a team effort, and I will not give up on them, if they do not give up on themselves. The course will feature the same material that a traditional course has, but it will also work on "ESSENTIAL SKILLS" that many employers are looking for;

Developing a Growth Mindset

  1. Using Effort and Practice to Grow
  2. Meeting Benchmarks/Deadlines
  3. Seeking Challenges
  4. Seeking Feedback/Help
  5. Growing from Setbacks

Taking Ownership of Learning/Work

  1. Tackle & Monitor Learning
  2. Building Self Confidence
  3. Actively Participate
  4. Finding a Personal Relevance
  5. Build Relationships
  6. Impact Self/Community

Grading Policy

I do not believe that your grade should be reflective of just tests/quizzes. It should be your work ethic and final products. To ensure a fair representation of your grade, I will be using a weighted grade system, and rubrics so you will know what I am looking for before the task, and give some general feedback after the task. While you will get some feedback, if you ever need clarification, you should always feel free to some seek me out and ask. This is my way of ensuring growth from each of you. To be honest, I do not care about the final grade you get. I care about the person you grow up to be.

Expectations

  • Work needs to be completed by the assigned date. I will not take responsibility for any student who fails to complete the work, or refuses to accept help when offered.
  • Students are expected to be on time, courteous, respectful and well rested in order to add to an environment that encourages learning.
  • When someone is speaking, please be respectful and let them finish, that goes for all people, any teacher/staff and other students.

It is each learners responsibility to manage themselves. This is a life skill that must be faced in the 21st Century. Therefore, electronic devices can be used at the learners discretion. All I ask is that it is used responsibly and with the understanding that each person knows appropriateness. However, when someone is speaking or otherwise asked, devices need to be put away. Respect for others is the key to electronic usage. When/if these devices start to interrupt others opportunities to learn, I will step in and adjust this policy.

Success in my room

I firmly believe that the only way you will fail any class, is if you try to fail. If you make an honest attempt to succeed then you will find that success will follow. If you find that you are struggling in class, please do not wait until the last minute to ask for help. Help will be offered to anyone who asks for it. Below you will find a breakdown of assignments that student can expect to complete in class.