College Learning & Study Skills
Winter 2007
IA 201A - Course No. 33542
Instructor: Chareane Wimbley-Gouveia Meets: T/TH 9:30 – 10:50
Phone: 917- 4691 Office: WH 214 3 credits
Secretary (messages): 917- 4683 Grading: A-F or Pass/No Pass
E-mail:ffice Hours: T/TH 11- 12
Mail box access: WH 200 (give to secretary) or by appointment
Required Texts: Study and Critical Thinking in College (6th edition), by Kathleen T. McWhorter;
(bundled with) The Longman Reader’s Journal, by Kathleen T. McWhorter and The Longman Textbook Reader, Revised Edition and the College Learning & Study Skills CG 111 Course Materials Packet.
Welcome! This class will assist you in developing academic strategies necessary for being successful in a community college or four-year college. In the coming weeks you will learn many proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional, and personal success. You will learn study skills for learning from lectures and textbooks, applying memory strategies, preparing for and taking tests, and managing student responsibilities. This is an opportunity for you to sharpen your life long learning skills. I urge you to make the most of this opportunity!
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of your work in this class, you will be able to:
- apply techniques and strategies to function independently as a learner in a four-year college.
- use effective study strategies to meet learning outcomes in other college courses.
Assessment Tasks:
You will demonstrate learning outcomes by:
- developing a time management plan based on student goals
- identifying and summarizing key information in written passages
- using a notetaking format to record key ideas from a formal lecture
- developing various learning tools for college-level print and lecture information
- applying test-taking strategies to various types of tests commonly found in college courses
- demonstrating independent learning through a capstone assignment which integrates targeted skills
- demonstrating mastery of course information and skill development through midterm and final examinations
Student-Instructor Expectations:
To create the best learning environment it is important that we each do the following:
- attend class regularly and promptly,
- inform each other ahead of time if we know we will be absent,
- complete all work on time,
- work to the best of our ability,
- come prepared for class.
- contribute to a positive learning environment by showing respect towards ourselves and all others in the class.
Learning Activities:
You will be actively working with other students in groups as well as working independently. Learning will take place through discussion, shared activities, readings, lectures, skills practice, and developing study tools and strategies.
Required Materials
You will need
- 3-ring binder divided into the following seven sections: Quizzes, Learning Journal, College Success Strategies, Learning and Thinking Strategies, Applying Skills to Disciplines, Mastering Course Content, and Exams
a pack of index cards, preferably 4 X 6.
Course Requirements
- Assignments must be handed in on the due date. You may hand in three late assignments by using the late coupons (see the back page). You may submit work in class, through e-mail, or by delivering assignments to my mailbox (WH 200) before class on the due date.
- You are responsible for any assignment assigned on the day you were absent. If you miss a class, check your syllabus and assignment sheet, and contact me or a classmate BEFORE our next class to find out what assignment is due the day you return.
- Some assignments will be completed outside of class time in the LearningCenter’s Study Skills Lab with Instructional Assistants, Sandy Fichtner or Suzi Steffen. Sandy is also available to provide one-on-one support for study skills. She is available MWF 8:00 to 4:30 and T 8:00 to 3:00
- Unless you arrange with me in advance or can verify an emergency or crisis, missed tests and exams will receive a maximum grade of 70%.
Academic Integrity:
All students are expected to take tests and do their assignments with integrity, jeopardizing neither their own honesty nor that of other students. First violation: 0 for the assignment or test and a written warning. Second violation: F for the course and a written report to the Dean of Students.
Grading Policy:
Your final grade will be determined by combining your scores from your quizzes, journal writings, assignments, mid-term test, and the final exam.
In-class Quizzes 15% of your total grade
One of the most important factors in college success is consistent and active participation. To encourage and reward your preparation for active participation in every class, the first five minutes of each class will begin with a short quiz or reflection. The quiz will cover the concepts addressed in class or in your reading assignment. No make-ups are allowed. Your three lowest scores will be dropped.
Learning Journal 15% of your total grade
During the quarter, you will write up to 10 numbered journal entries outside of class. In addition, you will write occasional lettered journal entries in class. The journal prompts will be used to help you reflect and synthesize what you are learning. At various times you will have an opportunity to read a journal entry to one or more classmates, so please bring your journals to each class.
Assignments: 20% of your total grade
Homework and classroom assignments provide you with practice and the opportunity to apply the skills you are learning. It also allows me to coach you and give you feedback to strengthen your skills. If you need more practice on an assignment that can be revised, I will write, “keep working” on your paper. The assignment can then be revised and resubmitted within a week. Be sure to meet with me, Sandy Fichtner in the Study Skills Lab, or a peer to get the support you need.
Midterm: 25% of total grade
The midterm will be given during week 6. If you have a time conflict, you must pre-arrange a time to take the test before the class takes it.
Final Exam: 25% of total grade
The final will be given, here in IA 201A on ______ If you have a time conflict for the final, you must pre-arrange a time with me to take it.
The grading scale is:
Other grades:
90% - 100%AINC – Incomplete: if personal crisis or illness occurs. Student
80% - 89%B must have completed at least 75% of the course work
70% - 79%C with a passing average.
60% - 69%DY – No basis for a grade: if attended less than 25% of class
59% or below F and submitted insignificant course work.
Pass – C or betterWP -Work in progress: if pace of course exceeds student’
No Pass – D or F in spite of appropriate effort by student.
If you want a P/NP, you must fill out a P/NP option form at the registration counter in Takena Hall no later than the end of the sixth week of class.
Support Services at LBCC:
Office of Disability Services (ODS):
LBCC accommodates students with documented disabilities. If you believe you have a documented disability, sign up with the Office of Disability Services through the Support Lab in HO 116 and submit your Request for Accommodations form each term at least 3 weeks prior to your need for accommodations. Requests for books on tape require 3-5 weeks to fill. ODS may be reached by email to and by telephone 917-4789.
The AlbanyLearningCenter (WH-212)
The LearningCenter provides academic support and a comfortable place to study. Drop-in math, writing, science, study skills, and reading help are available. You can also sign up for free peer tutoring by appointment in the tutoring center.
LearningCenter Hours:
MW – 7:30 am to 7:00 pm
TH - 7:30 am to 9:00 pm
F - 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Study Skills Lab Hours:
M-F 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
AlbanyWritingCenter
M-F 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Important Dates
Last day to add a classEnd of week 2
Last day to drop this class with refundEnd of week 2
Last day to submit Pass/No Pass FormEnd of week 6
Last day to withdrawEnd of week 7
Other important dates are in LBCC’s free 2006-07 Monthly Planning Guide
Tentative Course Outline
The following schedule is tentative and may be modified to meet students’ needs. Also, the pace of the course may vary according to the needs of the class. Many of the skills and strategies will be combined with each other in the same way that you use the skills when studying. If you are absent, be sure to check with another student or your instructor to verify assignments and readings.
WeekTopicMcWhorter TextChapter #
1) The College System 1*
Taking Charge of Your College Career2
Organizing Your Life for College Success3*
2) Learning Styles and Teaching Styles8
Thought Patterns of Academic Disciplines12*
Previewing Your Textbooks14*
Study Strategies for Academic Disciplines10*
3) Learning and Memory9
Concept CardsCourse Materials
Preparing for Exams18*
Learning Specialized and Technical Vocabulary11
4) Establishing Goals3* Preparing for Exams 18*, 19*
Poster Sessions 4, 5, 6, 7
5) Managing Your Time3*
Learning from College Textbooks14*
6) Learning from College Textbooks14* Thought Patterns of Academic Disciplines 12*
Midterm
7) Organizing and Synthesizing Course Content 16
Putting it all together: Capstone Assignment
8) Note Taking for Class Lectures13
9) Study Strategies for Academic Disciplines10*
Putting it all together: Capstone Assignment Quiz
10)Preparing for Exams: The five day study plan
Taking Essay Exams20*
Personal Philosophy of Success Essay
11) FINAL Tuesday, March 209:30-11:20 IA201A
* Indicates that specific pages will be assigned for reading in this chapter. Check your weekly assignment sheet and my instructor webpage for details.