Great Basin College
Course Syllabus
ECE 204: Principles of Child Guidance, Web Campus
Fall 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 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 well-being.
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 email. 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:
Assessments/Measurement
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.
Quiz #1
Exam # 1
Essay/Discussion Board - #1
2. Define pro-social behavior and outline
strategies for initiating positive behavior in
children.
Exploration of Classroom Design
Quiz #1
Exam # 1
Essay/Discussion Board - #1
3. Identify effective listening strategies,
recognize the rationale for positive statements
of instruction, and discuss strategies for
positive communication.
Observation Project
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
5. Develop specific strategies for effective
guidance and identify methods of shaping
positive behavior.
Internet Research
Quiz #4
Exam #1
Essay/Discussion Board - #2
6. Recognize typical ages and stages of early
childhood and identify developmental
milestones that affect behavior.
Observation Project
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
8. Define the typical characteristics of problem
behaviors, list steps to resolve conflicts
between adults and 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.
Application/Project
Quiz # 7 & 8
Exam # 3
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.
Topical Outline

Child Rearing in Today’s World
Quiz # 10
Exam # 3

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 Questions
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 send
their assignments through Webcampus e-mail. 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

This course will officially begin on August 25th. All assignments are due
on Monday at 8:00 A.M. beginning September 8th. 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. 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 assignment guidelines outlined
in the Learning Modules. 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,
audio/visual material, Power Points and Internet research 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 available 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
sent through Webcampus e-mail.

There will be 2 graded Discussion Board assignments on Chapter 2 &
Chapter 5.

The Web Links are provided as resources for student information and
research.
Date:
8/24
Content:
Chapter 1
(Two weeks to orient
to course, purchase
book and read first
chapter).
Read Ch. 1
Assignments Due:

Introduce yourself through
the Discussion Board 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 Friday,
September 4th. Not
Graded!

Chapter 1 Quiz – You may
take each quiz up to 2 times
to improve your score. Be
timely! Due dates will not be
changed.
Complete Quiz
Introduce
Yourself through
the Discussion
Board by Friday,
September 4th.
Check your e-mail at
least twice a week!
9/7
Assignments:
Chapter 2
Remember Discussion
Board Assignment!
Read Ch. 2
Complete Quiz
Quiz Due: Monday, September
7th by 8 am
 Chapter 2 Quiz

Don’t Forget: 1st
Discussion Board
Response
Post response in Discussion
Board by Monday and
respond to a minimum of 3
other students by Friday.
Post Discussion Board: Monday,
September 14th by 8 am
9/14
Chapter 3
Read Ch. 3
Complete Quiz
9/21
Chapter 4
Read Ch. 4
Complete Quiz
1st Exam Due
Respond by: Friday, September
18th by 8 am
 Chapter 3 Quiz
Quiz Due: Monday, September
21st by 8 am
 Chapter 4 Quiz

1st Exam Due: Chapters 1, 2,
3&4
Quiz Due: Monday, September
28th by 8:00 am.
Exam Due: Monday, October 5th
by 8:00 am
10/5
Chapter 5
Remember Discussion
Board Assignment
Read Ch.5

Chapter 5 Quiz
Complete Quiz

Post response in Discussion
Board by Monday and
respond to a minimum of 3
other students by Friday.
Don’t Forget:
2nd Discussion
Board
Response
Quiz Due: Monday, October 12th
by 8 am
Post Discussion Board: Monday,
October 12th by 8 am
Respond by: Friday, October 16th
by 8 am
10/12
Chapter 6
Read Ch. 6

Chapter 6 Quiz
Complete Quiz
10/19
Chapter 7
Read Ch. 7
Quiz Due: Monday, October 19th
by 8 am
 Chapter 7 Quiz
Complete Quiz
10/26
Chapter 8
.
Read Ch. 8
Complete Quiz
2nd Exam Due
11/16
Chapter 9
Read Ch. 9
Complete Quiz
11/23
Chapter
10 & 11
Read Ch.10
Quiz Due: Monday, October 26th
by 8:00 am
 Chapter 8 Quiz

2nd Exam Due: Chapters 5,
6, 7, & 8
Quiz Due: Monday, November 2nd
by 8:00 am
Exam Due: Monday, November
9th by 8 am
 Chapter 9 Quiz
Quiz Due: Monday, November
23rd by 8 am
 Chapter 10 & 11 Quiz
Two weeks to
complete exam.
Remember to Post 3rd
Exam by 12/7 or
before.
Complete Quiz

3rd Exam Due: Chapters 9,
10, & 11
3rd Exam Due
Note: Read Chapter
12 on your own! This
information will be
covered in depth in
ECE 200, The
Exceptional Child.
Quiz Due: Monday, November
30th by 8:00 am
Final Exam Due: December 7th or
before by 8 am
End of Class.
Have a wonderful holiday!
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. Collegelevel 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
(Set of 3 quizzes per chapter)
200 Points
Discussion Board/Reflective
Essay
(2 @ 50 possible points)
100 Points
Chapters 2 & 5 only!
Participation/Positive
Attitude:
Exams
(3 @ 75 possible points each)
75 Points
Your Score
225 Points
600 Points Possible
Grade
Percentage
Points
A
B
C
D
F
90 - 100 %
80 - 89%
70 - 79%
60 - 69%
0 - 59%
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.