Course Expectations1
This course will explore the conceptual frameworks that ground the concept of personalized learning and explore how schools have chosen to use them.
Students will design course topics of study; become an expert on one area and facilitate the learning of others; hear from practitioners in the field; create their own personalized learning plan and reflect on course topics in relation; propose a plan for personalized learning in their classroom, school, and/or district, and identify appropriate technologies and 21st century learning platforms that promote personalized learning.
Class activities will include readings, discussions, lectures, project-based learning, guest speakers, and personalized learning practices.
Assessment
The assessment system is proficiency based. That is, the assignments will be evaluated as partially proficient, proficient, or proficient with distinction. The final letter grade will be based on the level of proficiency that is demonstrated at the end of the semester. To pass this course you must be proficient based on the criteria provided by the instructor and agreed upon in class. In addition to assessment of writing, students will be assessed using the Learning Dispositions rubric and specific, standards-based project rubrics. The grade equivalents are as follows:
Assignments: All assignments must be completed before a course grade will be assigned. Assignments are due according to the course schedule. If you anticipate turning in an assignment after the due date, please inform me in advance. The percentage weight of each assignment reflects the estimated time and effort committed to the assignment. There are three types of formal assignments.
Attendance and Participation. This course is a workshop style seminar which requires a high degree of collaboration among the participants in the course. To that end, it is expected that you are respectful to colleagues, prepared to engage actively in workshop activities and discussions, and share your work product in a collegial and professional manner.
There is an expectation that all readings are reviewed for the date they are assigned. Much of the seminar is devoted to review and comment on each other’s work so there is an expectation that everyone brings in drafts on the day they are due and you are respectful of each other’s ideas and opinions.
If, for any reason, you are unable to attend class, please inform me in advance and arrange with a classmate to discuss what you have missed. Unexcused absences from class will adversely affect your final grade.
Weather Related Cancellation Policy. I will send an email notice to all students by 3 pm if class is cancelled dues to inclement weather and road conditions.
Academic Integrity, Accommodation, and Work Load Policies. The SMC Academic Integrity Policy is fully supported and applied. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Learning differences can be accommodated if I am notified in advance so we can design a mutually satisfactory plan. You are expected to devote a minimum of 10 hours per week on average to this course.
Nagle, J. (n.d.). SMC Capstone Spring 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016, from https://sites.google.com/site/smccapstonespring2016/