Great Basin College
Course Syllabus
ECE 204: Principles of Child Guidance, Web Campus
Spring Semester 2015 - 3 Credit Course
Instructor: Leafe Eriksen-Wedmore, MA, Edu.
Message Phone: 753-2239
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 through e-mail at
helpdesk@gwmail.gbcnv.edu. 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 wellbeing.
Text
Positive Child Guidance by Darla Ferris Miller, 7th Edition – You must
purchase the 7th edition for this class. Previous editions will not suffice.
(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, 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:
1. Identify contemporary practices in
child care, recognize the purpose of
child guidance, and describe ideal
early environments for optimum
development.
Assessments/Measurement
Quiz #1
Exam # 1
Essay/Discussion Board - #1
Exploration of Classroom Design
2. Define pro-social behavior and
Quiz #1
outline strategies for initiating positive
Exam # 1
behavior in children.
Essay/Discussion Board - #1
Observation Project
Quiz #2
Exam #1
3. Identify effective listening
strategies, recognize the rationale for Essay/Discussion Board - #2
positive statements of instruction, and
Literacy Research - Bibliotherapy
discuss strategies for positive
communication.
4. Create a setting that is supportive to Quiz #3
positive child guidance, define logical
Exam #1
and natural consequences, and
understand their importance in
Essay/Discussion Board
guidance.
Internet Research
Quiz #4
5. Develop specific strategies for
effective guidance and identify
methods of shaping positive behavior. Exam #1
Essay/Discussion Board - #2
Observation Project
6. Recognize typical ages and stages Quiz #5
of early childhood and identify
developmental milestones that affect Exam #2
behavior.
Internet Research
7. Recognize children’s behavioral
Quiz #6
limitations based on typical stages of
Exam #2
moral development.
Internet Search
Application/Project
8. Define the typical characteristics of Quiz # 7 & 8
problem behaviors, list steps to
resolve conflicts between adults and Exam # 3
children, and define strategies for
meeting special needs.
9. Identify personal biases that affect
guidance, list effective observation
strategies, and identify the
components of the observation
sequence.
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 # 9
Exam # 3
Observation/Analysis/Plan of Action
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

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

Reflective Essay Exams

Internet Research/Reporting

Discussion Board Responses

Observation/Analysis & Plan of Action

Application/Reflection/Exam Question
Student Responsibilities
1. Participation is very important since students will be responsible for
reading material, class activities, discussions, and information presented by
the instructor weekly. This class requires that work be completed
weekly. Students 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 should be completed weekly so that students can
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.

Exams MUST be posted as an attachment. Students may not write their
responses in the drop box. If this occurs, the assignment(s) will be
returned and/or assigned a failing grade. If a student does not know
how to type a Word document and post it as an attachment, he or she
must take steps to learn the process prior to taking this class. If students
need assistance, the Help Desk is available through the GBC Internet or
by calling 775-753-2239.

Discussion Board assignments DO NOT need to be posted as an
attachment. Student responses can be written in the drop box, however
Discussion Board guidelines must be adhered to and all submissions
must be grammatically correct. Texting grammar is not acceptable at
any time. Using this type of grammar may result in a failing grade!
Schedule

All assignments are due on Monday at 8:00 A.M. beginning February
3rd . Students will be given two weeks to orient themselves to the
course. Text books must be purchased prior to beginning the class. A
grade of a “0” will be given if quizzes and exams are not posted on time.
DUE DATES WILL NOT BE CHANGED. This is not negotiable. This is
a very rigorous, fast-paced course. In order to succeed, students must
be self-starters and dedicated learners. A Quiz or Discussion Board will
be due weekly. (See Course Calendar)

Prior to the first assignment, I am asking that all students introduce
themselves through the Discussion Board by writing a one paragraph
introduction. 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. Details are discussed in an introductory letter on
the Home page.

Weekly, students are required to follow the assignments guidelines
outlined in the Modules. The Module link can be found on the left-hand
side of the screen. The links for Assignments, Quizzes and Discussion
Boards have been purposefully removed from the link options. This was
done intentionally to encourage students to access all of the
assignments through the weekly Modules. Simply start at the top of
each Module and work your way to the bottom. This will ensure that you
you do not miss essential reading material, quizzes, discussion board
postings or exams. Students will begin by reading the Chapter
Objectives and continue through the links.

Students will be administered weekly Quizzes.

Three Reflective Essay Exams will be administered throughout the
progression of the course: Exam #1: Chapters 1 – 4; Exam #2:
Chapters 5 – 8 & Exam #3: Chapters 9 – 12. Each exam will consist of
a set of essay questions. The questions are based on chapter
information as well as personal reflection. Each exam 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 at the beginning of the semester. Students have the
opportunity to begin working on the exams at any time. All exams must
be written in a Word document and posted as an attachment. Under NO
circumstances will exams be accepted if they are written in the drop
box.

There will be 2 graded Discussion Board assignments on Chapter 2 &
Chapter 5.
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
email 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 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 personal views with concrete evidence provided in the
text. Additional Internet research is encouraged. 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. Late submissions will have
an adverse affect on the overall grade for the course. 75 points possible
ECE 204 Child Guidance Point System
Students are encouraged to make an appointment with the instructor at any
time during the semester to discuss grades, questions, or concerns about the
course.
Assignment
Worth
10 Quizzes @ 20 points
each
200 Points
(Set of 3 quizzes per chapter)
Discussion
Board/Reflective Essay
100 Points
Chapters 2 & 5 only!
(2 @ 50 possible points)
Participation/Positive
Attitude:
75 Points
Exams
225 Points
Your Score
(3 @ 75 possible points each)
600 Points Possible
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percentage
90 - 100 %
80 - 89%
70 - 79%
60 - 69%
0 - 59%
Points
540 - 600
480 - 539
420 - 479
360 - 419
0 - 359
Calculate your letter grade at any time by dividing the total points
accumulated by the total points possible to calculate the letter grade
For Example:
480/600 = 80% or a “B”
Plagiarism
Policy of Academic Integrity: GBC subscribes to the traditional policy of
academic integrity: students are expected to be honest. Students are
expected to do their own work. Students who plagiarize or commit academic
dishonesty are violating the standards of academic integrity and are subject to
consequences ranging from failing the assignment or course to dismissal from
the institution.
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s
own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of
others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through
complete, accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are
included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest writing or
speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever…

another person’s actual words are quoted.

another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely
paraphrased in the student’s own words.

facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the
information is common knowledge.
ADA Accommodations
Great Basin College supports providing equal access for students with
disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations
with students. Please contact the ADA officer in Elko at 753-2271 at your
earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate accommodations.