MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
NORTH CAMPUS
SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
THE
PREPARING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
SLS 1510
2007-1
3 CREDITS
PROFESSOR:
OFFICE:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
Dr. Sheryl M. Hartman
2256-40
305 237-1027
sheryl.hartman@mdc.edu
TEXTBOOK:
Sherfield, R. (2008). Cornerstone: Building on Your Best, Fifth Edition.
New Jersey, Prentice Hall.
Course Dates: Aug. 29 – Dec. 21, 2007
Course Objectives
Course
goals:
This three-credit course is designed to assist students in the development and achievement of their
academic, vocational and personal goals. The course objectives are organized into three units:
I. Foundations for Success
II. The Learning Environment
III. Planning for Academic and Vocational Success
Unit 1: Foundations of Success
Unit 1:
1. Comprehension of the role of aptitudes, interests, strengths and values as related to career
choice.
2. Analysis of interests, values, and self-concept by completing inventories and assessing the
results obtained in relation to career choice.
3. Knowledge of goal setting and career planning techniques by identifying general criteria for
establishing personal goals.
4. Application of decision-making skills by using effective techniques to establish personal goals.
5. Application of decision-making skills by using knowledge of personal values, strengths and goals
to effectively manage life.
6. Knowledge of computers and computer applications by identifying their relevance to academic,
career, and personal success.
7. Knowledge of resources available in academic environments to assist in academic progress and
movement to the workplace.
8. Knowledge of shaping influences, learning styles and habits as they relate to self concept and
self esteem
9. Analysis of operative values as they relate to conceived values by identifying the significance of
both in educational and career situations.
Unit II: The Learning Environment
Unit II:
1. Synthesis of techniques to improve concentration in class and when studying by analyzing the
activities and habits involved in successful learning.
2. Knowledge and application of listening skills by identifying effective listening techniques and
practicing these skills in classes.
3. Knowledge and application of efficient note taking skills by identifying appriopriate techniques,
and applying these methods in current classes.
4. Application of critical thinking skills by using analytical and problem solving skills in the
completion of course requirements.
5. Knowledge and application of test taking principles by identifying strategies for taking true-false,
multiple choice, matching and essay exams.
Unit III: Planning for Academic and Career Success
Unit III: 1. Comprehension of educational motives by describing reasons for completing selected program of
study.
2. Application of academic program planning.
3. Synthesis of educational motives and academic progress by developing an educational plan that
incorporates completion of academic program goals.
4. Synthesis of self assessment, career exploration and decision making skills by developing a
career plan which incorporates the results of the assessment and goal setting activities of the
course.
The goals and objectives of this course will be achieved by several activities
Lectures
Small group work/discussions
WebQuests/WebCT assignments
Technology Inventories
Personal Philosophy of Success Essay
Quizzes
Oral presentation(Individual or Group)
Final Exam
Class attendance
Miami Dade College Policy requires that attendance is taken every class. Regular classroom
attendance is expected.
Many learning objectives and activities leading to successful completion of the course objectives
require class participation. If for any reason you are absent, it is the responsibility of you, the
student, to find out what has occurred in the class and to be prepared for the next class session.
You are allowed two absences after which 10 percentage points may be deducted from your final
course point total for each absence. In addition, point carrying critical thinking exercises reinforce
the importance of attendance. You must be present to earn these.
Late arrival, early departure, eating, drinking, ringing, buzzing or musical signals are inconsiderate
behaviors and are to be avoided. Repeated instances of the above may constitute one absence.
Evaluation
Activity
Critical Thinking Exercises (4)
Discussion Board Postings (2)
In class participation (10
sessions)
Personal Philosophy of
Success Essay
Quizzes (2)
Presentation
Final Exam
Point Value
30
15
100
15
10
15
15
Grading Policy
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Interpretation
Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Point Value
180-200
160-179
140-159
120-139
Below 120
Calculating your progress: Divide the number of points you have earned by the number assigned.
The quotient is your current grade.
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ASSIGNMENTS AND DUE DATES
Week 1
Sept. 8
Chapter 1: Change
Adjusting to the Culture of College and Setting Your Goals
Week 2
Sept. 15
Chapter 2: Engage
Developing Your Academic and Personal Passion
Week 3
Sept. 22
Week 4
Sept. 29
Week 6
Oct. 6
Week 7
Oct 13
Week 8
Oct. 20
Week 9
Oct. 27
Week 10
Nov. 3
Week 11
Nov. 10
Week 12
Nov. 17
Week 13
Week 14
Nov 24
Dec. 1
Week 15
Dec. 8
Week 16
Dec. 15
Chapter 3: Persist
Learning and Using the Tools of Self Management
Critical Thinking Exercise #1
Chapter 4: Prioritize
Planning Your Time and Reducing Stress
Stress Mastery Training
Chapter 5: Read
Building Your Reading and Comprehension Skills
Quiz 1
Degree Audit Interpretation/ Registration
Individual Education Plans
Critical Thinking Exercise #2
Library Resources
Critical Thinking Exercise #3
Chapter 6: Learn
Using Your Dominant Intelligence, Learning Style, and
Personality Type to Become an Active Learner
Quiz 2
Chapter 7: Record
Cultivating Your Listening Skills and Developing Note-Taking
Systems that Work for You
Critical Thinking Exercise #4
Student Presentations
Chapter 8:Remember
Empowering Your Memory and Creating Your Study Plans
Student Presentations
Chapter 9: Assess
Developing Successful Test-taking Tactics that Work for You
Student Presentations
No class-Holiday Period
Ch 14: Live
Developing Your Plan for Wellness, and Personal Responsibility
Student Presentations
Chapter 15: Plan
Focusing on Your Professional Career and Living Well
Personal Philosophy of Success Essay
Final Examination
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Student Presentations
Guidelines:
1. Students will work in pairs.
2. Students must have their project approved by Professor and provide her with a
preliminary project outline as well as a final product.
3. Choose a method for students to experience and understand your topic – podcasts,
music, workshop, skits, PowerPoint’s, other technology.
4. In the process of your presentation/demonstration, you must:
a. Define, explain, and discuss your topic so that the class understands it.
b. Describe the benefits of being effective and knowledgeable in this topic
c. Describe the consequences of lacking effectiveness and awareness on this
topic.
Presentations will be graded on:
1. Content: How thoroughly did you cover the topic? How well did you describe the
benefits of being aware and effective and the consequences of lacking effectiveness?
2. Organization: Was the presentation organized so that your audience could
understand your message?
3. Delivery: Did you use professional presentation strategies in your delivery? How
effective was your delivery? Was it well rehearsed and not read?
4. Methodology: How creative were you in using media and other methods in your
presentation?
Topic List – You may add additional topics
1.
Developing Stress mastery
2.
Seeking Balance: Mind, Body and Spirit
3.
Mastering Time: Stephen Covey’s Time Management Quadrant
4.
Resolving Conflict in the Workplace
5.
Anger and Learning to Control Anger
6.
Being an Effective Leader
7.
Finding and Choosing the Career for you
8.
Getting the Job You Want: Job Searches and Interviews
9.
Developing Win-Win Solutions
10.
Benefits of Emotional Intelligence: Understanding Yourself
11.
Benefits of Interpersonal Intelligence: Understanding Others
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