UNV 1102: Learning to Learn
Fall 2014 – 11:00 am class, MLC 269
Instructor: Dr. Debra Alvis, Ph.D.
Office: 201 Milledge Hall
Faculty Mailbox in 233 Milledge Hall
Office Hours: TBA and by appointment
Email: dalvis@uga.edu
(preferred method of communication)
Deci, E. (1996). Why We Do What Do: Understanding Self-Motivation. New York:
Penguin Books.
Nist, S. L., & Holschuh, J. P. (2012). College Success Strategies, (4th edition). New
York: Pearson Longman.
Pink, D. H. (2006). A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future, New
York: Penguin.
Supplies:
3-Ring binder to organize coursework; schedule (planner) book or phone app for scheduling; small stapler to carry in backpack; two pocket folders with three brads; hole punch
Purpose of the Course
UNV 1102 is an academic course designed to help you become a more engaged and efficient learner. To achieve this goal, you will be learning a wide variety of tools. These tools will include basic learning theories, how to apply these theories through study skills, motivational approaches, critical thinking, problem solving, and time and stress management strategies. As with any new behavior, practice is required to form effective, well established habits. You will be expected to apply study strategies to both to this course and the other courses in which you are enrolled. This course also emphasizes the how both hemispheres of the brain function and the importance of engaging the whole brain to facilitate problem solving, critical thinking, and retention. Whole brain engagement requires your participation in creative activities in class and at home. Through mindfulness and yogic experiences, you will learn specific approaches for managing stress and creating new neural pathways to support you in remaining relaxed, focused, and efficient during your study time. Finally, engagement with a variety of university campus activities supports academic motivation and whole brain learning. Some class meetings will involve guest lecturers with regularly scheduled class meetings being held in other locations. Class meetings involving guest lecturers may include for credit, in-class assignments designed to support you in integrating the course material.
Attendance Policy
Class attendance, punctuality, and participation are essential components of time management and strategic learning. Late arrivals to class interrupt both your professor and fellow students.
Learning to Learn is a highly interactive course. While it may be possible to simply borrow another student’s notes in another course, to meet the goal of becoming a better learner, you
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must be present in class to participate in discussions, engage in activities, see strategies modeled, and get specific directions for assignments. Therefore, in this class, there is no such thing as an “excused” absence. The grade of any student who has more than two absences for the course will be lowered by three percentage points (equals 30 points) on the final grade for that absence. A total of four absences will result in a WF
(withdrawn/failing). All tardies will count as ONE HALF of an absence. A tardy is any arrival after the designated time for beginning class. Please come to class on time (or early, at no penalty).
Students who have no absences will have two (2) percentage points or twenty points added to their final grade in the course.
Course Participation
Students are expected to behave in a courteous, professional manner towards each other and towards the professor. Each student is responsible for contributing to a positive learning environment. Any behavior that is less than courteous and professional results in a deduction from your participation grade. Turn off all electronic devices before entering the classroom .
While in class, students are expected not to fall asleep, use lap tops unless permission is given by the instructor, carry on personal conversations, read the paper, use cellular phones/text, or complete assignments other than the current class assignment. Students engaging in any of these behaviors may be asked to leave the class and will receive a one percentage point or 10 point deduction from their final grades for each occurrence. Participation is based on class behavior, contributions to class discussions, and preparedness for class.
Assignments and Expectations
Daily class and home assignments will provide opportunities to practice new skills. In class assignments will be collected randomly.
Complete them for your own benefit and think about how they will be useful to you in other courses and in your profession. If you complete these assignments only because they were assigned for credit, you will feel they are a waste of your time (and your instructor and you will complain that you are doing "busy work." All homework and major assignments, unless otherwise specified, must be typed, double-spaced using a standard font (New Times Roman, Arial) and between 10 and 12 points.
Please exchange phone numbers and/or email addresses with a reliable classmate who can pick up handouts for you and explain practice assignment to you if you are absent. You may also see your professor during office hours to get handouts and assignments.
Students are responsible for assignments whether or not they are in class the day they are assigned or the day they are due.
Assignments are due at the beginning of class.
Should you miss class, for any reason, and wish to receive credit for a homework assignment due that day - you must get the assignment to Dr. Alvis before class.
Homework assignments will not be accepted late for any reason. One drop grade is allowed for one homework assignment. In class assignments cannot be made up regardless of the reason for the absence. One drop grade is available for in class assignments.
Major assignments will not be accepted late or exams made up without consent from Dr.
Alvis along with clear documentation of a rare emergency. In the case of a rare emergency, email Dr. Alvis prior to class. If the major assignment is accepted late, Dr. Alvis
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will establish how and when you are to turn in the assignment. Five percentage points will be deducted for any major assignment not turned in by the starting time for class on the date due and five additional percentage points for each day thereafter . No assignment will be accepted electronically.
University Honor Code and Academic Dishonesty Policy
As a University of Georgia student, you have agreed to abide by the University’s academic honesty policy, “A Culture of Honesty” and the Student Honor Code. All academic work must meet the standards described in “A Culture of Honesty” found at: https//ovpi.uga.edu/academichonesty/academic-honesty-policy. Lack of knowledge of the academic honesty policy is not a reasonable explanation for a violation. Questions related to course assignments and the academic honesty policy should be directed to the instructor.
An example of academic dishonesty in this course would be copying research or magazine articles selected and/or downloaded by another student for the Library Internet
Project.
Similarly, copying or paraphrasing another student’s article summary constitutes academic dishonesty.
Grading Scale
930-1000 points = A
869-830 points = B
769-730 points = C
<599 points = F
Grading
929-900points = A-
829-800 points = B-
729-700 points = C-
899-870 points=B+
799-770 points = C+
699-600 points= D
As with other courses, grades depend primarily on how well students perform on exams and other course requirements. No extra credit work will be assigned. Exams may consist of objective (multiple choice, short answer, and true/false), essay questions, and scenarios based on problem-solving activities. Grades will be determined using a point system and will be weighted as follows:
Homework, in class assignments, participation 300 points = 30%
Exam
In Class Essay and Related Assignment
100 points = 10%
150 points = 15%
Mindfulness Reflection Paper & Journal
Internet/ Library Project
Group Presentation
100 points = 10%
200 points = 20%
150 points = 15%
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Three major projects will be required. Assignments must be typewritten, double spaced and stapled and/or organized in a folder as indicated on your assignment sheets. You will receive assignment sheets with further details for each of these projects.
1. INTERNET/ LIBRARY PROJECT The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize you with the UGA on-line library site, as well as the library itself, to help you successfully complete the assignments that professors across campus require of you. More information will be forthcoming.
2. GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Presentations will be based on the ‘six senses’ developed in A Whole New Mind . Presentation dates and specifics will be announced at a later time.
3. MINDFULNESS REFLECTION PAPER & PRACTICE JOURNAL
As a part of your home assignments, and in class experiences, you will be learning and practicing mindfulness and yogic strategies for working with stress and concentration. The journal and reflection paper provide an opportunity to reflect on your experiences with and application of these strategies in managing stress and focusing attention. The reflection essay will also provide an opportunity to integrate learning from the Whole New Mind and the related
‘six senses’. More details will be forthcoming.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary. Students are responsible for updating their syllabus as changes are announced.
*NOTE: Please bring the appropriate text and your syllabus to each class meeting.
DATE Topics Reading & Assignments
Week 1
8.19-8.21
Week 2
8.26
– 8.28
Week 3

Introduction/ overview

Exploring motivation

What is mindfulness & meditation?

Why meditate?

Breathing Meditation

Differences between high school and college

Active Learning

Where Do You Stand?

How You Learn o Memory o Learning Styles o Sensory Learning

Professors, Tasks, and You

Levels of Thinking

Understanding Research Articles
CSS
CSS
1 pp. 1-10
2 pp. 12-23
CSS 3 pp. 24-33
CSS 4 pp. 34-43
Readings to be provided
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9.2-9.4
Week 4
9.9-9.11
Week 5
9.16
9.30
– 9.18
Week 6
9.23- 9.25
Week 7
– 10.2
Week 8
10.7-10.9
Week 9
10.14-10.16
Week 10
10.21- 10.23

Topics Assigned for Internet Library
Project
THURSDAY, 9/4 MEET IN MLC368 ; internet library class w/ Sandra Riggs, reference librarian
TUESDAY, 9/9 MEET IN MLC 368
Internet library class with Sandra Riggs
THURSDAY, 9.11 – CLASS WILL NOT
MEET: TIME ALLOTTED FOR
INDEPENDENT WORK ON LIBRARY
PROJECT

How Do I Spend My Time? (assigned)

Academic Energy (Motivation)

Goal Setting

Aligning Academic Goals and Effort

Time Management and Organizational
Strategies
 Time Management (con’t)

Strategic Reading - Annotation

Chapter Lecture

Lecture Notes – 4 Methods of Note
Taking
CLASS WILL NOT MEET:
INDEPENDENT ASSIGNMENT -
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tuesday, September 30 – Food & Mood
Lecture, Ben Gray, R.D. (regular classroom)

Just what do you believe, anyway?

Values and Decision Making

Changing Your Beliefs

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 – IN CLASS
ESSAY

Stress Management & Test Anxiety
Chair Yoga and Deep Relaxation

Group Presentations Assigned

Rehearsal and Review Strategies
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16- EXAM

Essay & Specialty Exams

Tips for Objective Exams
A Whole New Mind,
Six Senses & Design
Introduction to the
THURSDAY, 9/4 HOMEWORK
ASSIGNMENT 1 DUE FOR
INTERNET LIBRARY PROJECT
TUESDAY, 9/9 HOMEWORK
ASSIGNMENT II DUE FOR
INTERNET LIBRARY PROJECT
TUESDAY, 9/16, INTERNET
LIBRARY PROJECT DUE
WHY 1, 2 pp.
CSS 6 pp. 57-72
CSS 5 pp. 45-55
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – HOW
DO I SPEND MY TIME?
ASSIGNMENT DUE
WHY 3,4 pp.
CSS 9 pp. 97-111
CSS 10 pp. 113-131
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
OF DIRECTORS ASSIGNMENT
DUE
CSS 7 pp. 73-83
CSS 8 pp. 84-95
WNM Introduction to the Six Senses,
Chapters1-3, pp.1-67
CSS 11 pp. 133-152
– BOARD
BEGIN MINDFULNESS JOURNAL
CSS 17 pp. 214-227
WNM Chapter 4, Design - pp. 68-99
GROUP PRESENTATION: DESIGN
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Week 11
10.28-10.30
Week 12
11.4-11.6
Week 13
11.11-11.13
Week 14
11.18-11.20
11.25- 27
A Whole New Mind, Story, Symphony
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 – CLASS
WILL NOT MEET: INDEPENDENT
ASSIGNMENT TBA
A Whole New Mind, Empathy o Self-Compassion o Self-Compassion Scale
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - MEET AT
Week 15
12.2-12.4
.
12.9 
Friday class schedule in effect for university- this class will not meet
Important Dates
Drop/Add: Monday-Friday, August 18-22
Midpoint: Thursday, October 9
Withdrawal deadline: Thursday, October 29
Last Day of Classes: Thursday, December 4 (for this course)
GROUP PRESENTATIONS: STORY
& SYMPHONY
WNM Chapters 5,6 pp.100-128
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 –
INDEPENDENT ASSIGNMENT DUE
GROUP PRESENTATION:
EMPATHY
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART
WNM, Chapters 7 pp. 129-184
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11: A Whole New Mind, Play, Meaning
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13- MEET AT
FOUNDERS GARDEN
O’Brian, Curator w/ Maureen
MINDFULNESS JOURNALS AND
ESSAY DUE
GROUP PRESENTATIONS: PLAY
& MEANING
WNM, Chapters 8, 9 pp. 185-244
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 – MEET IN
HEALTH PROMOTIONS AT
UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
Readings TBA
Cooking Class w/ Ben Gray, RD
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 – MEET
AT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER w/
Katherine Garcia, House Manager
Thanksgiving Break – Class will not meet. Optional yoga and mindfulness practice
A Whole New Mind, Meaning (con’t) &
AfterwordIntegrating whole brain
Afterword pp. 245-247 learning, study skills, mindfulness, and yoga

Course evaluation

Conclusion
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