Great BasinCollege
Course Syllabus
ECE 204-I01: Principles of Child Guidance, Web Campus
Spring Semester 2011 - 3 Credit Course
Instructor: Leafe Eriksen-Wedmore, MA, Edu.
Message Phone: 753-2239
Office:EIT Building, #259
E-mail through Web Campus
No Prerequisites
An important note about On-line Classes:
On-line classes require constant motivation and self-direction on the part of the student. You are responsible for reading, studying, asking questions, completing assignments within the required time-frame, being organized, and staying on schedule. You are encouraged to contact the Technology-Help desk for assistance when needed at 753-2167 or . The Technology Help Desk is open from 7AM -10 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays. All GBC sites have lab aides on staff to assist students. You are encouraged to attend a Webcampus Workshop. Please call the Help Desk to inquire about training dates and times.
Course Description
The primary purpose of this course is to provide you, the learner, with the concepts and skills you will need to work effectively with young children in a home, child care or classroom setting. The content examines positive guidance strategies and effective group management skills used in working with young children in relation to their safety and physical/emotional well-being.
Text
Positive Child Guidance by Darla Ferris Miller, 6th Edition, ISBN: 978-1-435-41859-2 (Please do not purchase the Webpack).
Communication
The best means of communication for on-line classes is through Webcampus e-mail. It is essential that all students check their e-mail at least twice a week for updates from the instructor. When the instructor sends an e-mail to individual students or the class as a whole, a response of acknowledgement is expected. If a problem arises with any aspect of the course, contact the instructor immediately. If the problem is technical in nature, it is important to contact the instructor and the GBC Help Desk. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor with ideas of interest, questions or concerns at any time.
On-Line Student Responsibilities
· Be able to access the class website through Webcampus.
· Have and maintain Internet access throughout the semester.
· Have and maintain a virus-free computer.
· Have knowledge of Windows and file handling.
· If students have computer or Internet problems, they must have an alternative solution for back-up purposes: GBC Computer Lab, GBC Library, or a friend’s computer.
Student Outcomes/Measurement
Student Outcomes:Through the process of this course, the students will: / Assessments/Measurement
1.Identify contemporary practices in child care, recognize the purpose of child guidance, and describe ideal early environments for optimum development. / Quiz #1
Exam # 1
Essay/Discussion Board - #1
Exploration of Classroom Design
2.Define pro-social behavior and outline strategies for initiating positive behavior in children. / Quiz #1
Exam # 1
Essay/Discussion Board - #1
Observation Project
3. Identify effective listening strategies, recognize the rationale for positive statements of instruction, and discuss strategies for positive communication. / Quiz #2
Exam #1
Essay/Discussion Board - #2
Literacy Research - Bibliotherapy
4.Create a setting that is supportive to positive child guidance, define logical and natural consequences, and understand their importance in guidance. / Quiz #3
Exam #1
Essay/Discussion Board
Internet Research
5.Develop specific strategies for effective guidance and identify methods of shaping positive behavior. / Quiz #4
Exam #1
Essay/Discussion Board - #2
Observation Project
6.Recognize typical ages and stages of early childhood and identify developmental milestones that affect behavior. / Quiz #5
Exam #2
Internet Research
7.Recognize children’s behavioral limitations based on typical stages of moral development. / Quiz #6
Exam #2
Internet Search
Application/Project
8.Define the typical characteristics of problem behaviors, list steps to resolve conflicts between adults and children, and define strategies for meeting special needs. / Quiz # 7 & 8
Exam # 3
9.Identify personal biases that affect guidance, list effective observation strategies, and identify the components of the observation sequence. / Quiz # 9
Exam # 3
Observation/Analysis/Plan of Action
10.Recognize historical events related to beliefs about children, outline the child’s role in society, and identify the role of child guidance in a democracy. / Quiz # 10
Exam # 3
Topical Outline
· Child Rearing in Today’s World
· Understanding Children’s Behavior
· Understanding the Reasons for Problem Behavior
· Guidelines for Effective Guidance
· Planning the Pro-social Environment
· Positive Communication
· Positive Action
· Addressing Persistent, Unproductive Patterns of Behavior
· Observation Strategies
· Serving Diverse Children and Families
Method of Instruction
· Essays
· Observation
· Discussion Board
· Individual Projects
· Reading/Reflection
· Application of Methods
Assessment
· Weekly Quizzes
· Progressive Final Exam
· Essay/Discussion Board
· Internet Research/Reporting
· Observation/Analysis & Plan of Action
· Application/Reflection/Exam Questions
Student Responsibilities
1.Participation is very important since students will be responsible for reading material, class activities, discussions, and diverse information presented by the instructor weekly. This class requires that work be completed each week. Each student must contact the instructor a minimum of two weeks in advance if he or she will not be participating in the class. These absences will only be approved for an extreme family emergency and/or personal illness. A grade of “W” (withdrawn) will be recorded for anyone who formally withdraws by contacting the instructor and completing a withdrawal form.
2.All required reading assignments should be completed weekly so that students can actively participate in assigned Discussion Board interactions and complete assignments and quizzes with a successful outcome.Procrastination may result in failure!
3.Assignments must be turned in by specified dates. Weekly assignments are due on Mondays at 8 A.M. Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor in advance.
4.Requirements for Written Assignments:
· All written assignments must be typed, organized and professionally formatted.
· Correct spelling and use of grammar are expected. Remember to use spell check and proof your work before posting assignments.
· College level writing skills are expected. Assignments with excessive or repetitive errors must be rewritten and reposted before the next assignment is due. A grade will be given after the rewritten assignment is reviewed. If the instructor does not receive the rewritten assignment as specified above, the student will receive a “0” for the assignment.
· Weekly assignments MUST be posted as an attachment. Please do not write your response in the drop box. If this occurs, the assignment will be returned to you. If you do not know how to type a Word document and send it as an attachment, it is imperative that you learn this process prior to taking this class. If you need assistance, please call the Help Desk, e-mail or call the message phone at 775-753-2239.
· Discussion Board assignments DO NOT need to be posted as an attachment. Your responses can be written in the drop box, however they must be grammatically correct.
Schedule
This course will officially begin on January 24th. All assignments are due on Monday at 8:00 A.M. beginning February 7th. You will be given two weeks to orient yourself to the course and purchase your text book. This is a very rigorous, fast-paced course. In order to succeed, students must be self-starters and dedicated learners. Assignments are due weekly.
Prior to the first assignment, I am asking that all students introduce themselves through Webcampus e-mail by writing a two paragraph autobiography. The introduction must be sent to the instructor and the other students who are enrolled in the class. Students are expected to reply to one another.
Weekly, students are required to follow the assignments guidelines outlined in the Learning Modules on the Course Content or Home Page. Students will begin by reading the Chapter Objectives and continuing though the links.
Students will be taking Quizzes on each chapter. There will be three Reflective Essay Exams. Exam #1: Chapters 1 – 4; Exam #2: Chapters 5 – 8 & Exam #3: Chapters 9 – 12. Each exam will consist of reflective essay questions and must be posted by the due date specified in the course calendar. The due dates are also located in the Learning Modules. All three exams are posted on the Home Page for your convenience. You can begin working on the exams at any time. Please do not post the exams until the specified due date. The Web Links are provided as resources for your information only. There will be 2 graded Discussion Board assignments.
Date: / Content: / Assignments: / Assignments Due:1/24
(Two weeks to orient to course, purchase book and read first chapter. First quiz is due by January 7th). / Chapter 1 / ReadCh. 1
Complete Quiz
Introduce Yourself through Webcampus
E-mail by January 31st. / · Introduce yourself through the Webcampus e-mail by writing a minimum two paragraph introduction. Send it to your instructor and the other students who are enrolled in the class. Please respond to all of your classmates by Monday, January 31st.
· Chapter 1 Quiz
Due: Monday, January 7th by 8 am.
2/7
Remember Discussion Board Assignment! / Chapter 2 / ReadCh. 2
Complete Quiz
Don’t Forget: 1st
Discussion Board Response / · Chapter 2 Quiz
· Post response in Discussion Board and respond to a minimum of 3 other students.
Due: Monday, January 14th by 8 am.
2/14 / Chapter 3 / ReadCh. 3
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 3 Quiz
Due: Monday, February 21st by 8 am.
2/21
Two weeks to complete exam. Remember to Post 1st Exam by 3/7. / Chapter 4 / ReadCh. 4
Complete Quiz
1st Exam Due / · Chapter 4 Quiz
· 1st Exam Due: Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4
Due: Monday, March 7th by 8:00 am
3/7
Remember Discussion Board Assignment / Chapter 5 / ReadCh.5
Complete Quiz
Don’t Forget: 2nd Discussion Board
Response / · Chapter 5 Quiz
· Post response in Discussion Board and respond to a minimum of 3 other students. Reflective Essay
Due: Monday, March 14th by 8 am
3/14 / Chapter 6 / ReadCh. 6
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 6 Quiz
Due: Monday, March 21st by 8 am
3/21
(Spring Break Week – Quiz Only!) / Chapter 7 / ReadCh. 7
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 7 Quiz
Due: Monday, March 28th by 8:00 am
3/28
Two weeks to complete exam. Remember to Post 2nd Exam by April 11th. / Chapter 8 / ReadCh. 8
Complete Quiz
2nd Exam Due / · Chapter 8 Quiz
· 2nd Exam Due: Chapters 5, 6, 7, & 8
Due: Monday, April 11th by 8 am
4/11 / Chapter 9 / ReadCh. 9
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 9 Quiz
Due: Monday, April 18th by 8 am
4/18
Two weeks to complete exam. Remember to Post 3rd Exam by May 2nd through May 9th. / Chapter
10 & 11 / ReadCh.10
Complete Quiz
3rd Exam Due
Note: Read Chapter 12 on your own! This information will be covered in depth in ECE 200, The Exceptional Child. / · Chapter 10 & 11 Quiz
· 3rd Exam Due: Chapters 9, 10, & 11
Due: Monday, May 2nd – May 9th by8 am.
End of Class!
Have a wonderful summer.
Course Assignments
Students will be graded on the basis of accuracy, completeness, and the degree of excellence in carrying out the required assignments.
1.Quizzes:A 20 point quiz will be administered weekly: Matching, True/False and Multiple Choice. The quizzes are located in each Learning Module. Each quiz covers chapter content, therefore it is imperative that you read and process the information in your reading assignments. The quizzes will not be timed. I encourage you to ponder and discuss the questions with other class members.Students are welcome to use the Discussion Board or E-mail to correspond with other students at any time. I am a proponent of team work when all members participate equally and fairly. Students can take each chapter quiz up to 2 times to earn a higher score.10 @ 20 points = 200 possible points
2.Discussion Board: Students are required to complete 2 Discussion Board assignments. A set of reflective questions will be posed in the Discussion Board area for Chapters 2 and 5. In order to receive the maximum number of points, students must respond to a minimum of three other students. Students are required to write a minimum of three comprehensive paragraphs. It is important to support views and personal reflections with concrete evidence provided in the text and through personal Internet research. The instructor tracks the responses and is fully aware of all contact or lack thereof between students within the Discussion Board. The responses must be completed in a neat, concise and understandable format. All Discussion Board responses must be written in the drop box and not posted as an attachment. Points will be deducted for spelling and grammar errors. Texting grammar is not acceptable. Proof your Discussion Boards assignments before posting. Remember that a first impression is a lasting impression! 2 @ 50 points = 100 possible points
4. Exams- Reflective Essay: Three reflective essay exams will be administered throughout the semester. The essay questions will be based on the chapter content, reading assignments and personal experience. The questions will also require critical thinking and personal reflection. I expect all responses to be detailed, comprehensive and grammatically correct. Each exam must be written in an MLA or APA format.College-level work is expected. Points will be deducted for spelling and grammar errors. It is imperative that all parts of each question be included. Sources must be cited when and if applicable. Student must submit their response in a Word format. If students do not know how to attach a document, they must seek assistance from the Help Desk. The instructor will not accept any work unless it is posted as an attachment. 3 @ 75 possible points – 225 points
3.Participation and a Positive Interactive Attitude: These points are essential for receiving an “A.” A student’s attitude and class participation can make a difference in his or her personal growth, course progression, and success in the world of Early Childhood Education. Continual late submissions will have an adverse affect on this score. 75 points possible