Table of Contents
Advanced College Success Skills - RSS 1510A .................................................................. 2
Prerequisites ......................................................................................................................... 2
Class Meeting Times and Location ......................................................................................... 2
CAI Lab……............................................................................................................................. 2
Tutoring Lab………………… ..................................................................................................-----2
Texts/Supplies....................................................................................................................... 2
Instructor Information: .......................................................................................................... 2
Catalog Description ............................................................................................................... 3
Course Objectives .................................................................................................................. 3
Classroom Policies ................................................................................................................. 4
Campus Assistance ................................................................................................................ 6
Students with Disabilities ...................................................................................................... 6
YSU Non-Discrimination Policy .............................................................................................. 6
Course Requirements ............................................................................................................ 6
Course Assignments and Points ............................................................................................. 8
Final Grading Scale ............................................................................................................... 8
Tentative Course Schedule .................................................................................................... 8
Advanced College Success Skills - RSS 1510A
Spring 2016 CRN: 22026
Ms. Nicole E. Peterson, M.S.Ed
(under supervision of Dr. Karen Becker)
Prerequisites
Placement in this course is based upon the candidate’s COMPASS® Reading Test scores, which
indicated a reading score between the grade levels of 10 and 12. The candidate’s raw score may
be obtained from the candidate’s academic advisor.
Class Meeting Times and Location
T/TH 9:00 A.M. to 10:50 A.M.
Lecture Room: Beeghly, Room 4406
CAI Lab: Day:___
Time:____
Tutoring Lab: Day:___
Time:____
Room:_____
Room:_____
Tutor:_______
Tutor:_______
Texts/Supplies
Becker, K.A., and Towler, K. (2015). The Art and Science of Quality Learning. (4th Edition),
Van-Griner Publishing, Cincinnati, OH
ISBN – 978-1-61740-260-9
3 ring binder (for student portfolio)
Instructor Information:
Nicole Peterson, M.S.Ed
R&SS Center Office: Maag 154
RSS Phone: 330-941-3099
E-mail: Sleisnaugle@ysu.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment
R&SS Website: http://web.ysu.edu/rdgstudyskills
ASQL Website: http://artsciencequalitylearning.com
Catalog Description
1510A. Advanced College Success Skills. A course designed to develop students’
skills essential for college studying. The primary focus is improving the
comprehension and retention of college textbooks. Major topics include reading rate
flexibility, vocabulary growth, learning style preferences, and critical reading skills.
Students meet for classroom instruction, computer-aided instruction, and small group
tutoring sessions to discuss and practice strategies. Open to students based on
Composition and Reading Placement Test (CRPT). Grading is A, B, C, NC. Does not
count toward graduation hours. 3 s.h.
Course Objectives
A. Knowledge. The University student, henceforth referred to as “student”, will:
(1) Gain an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses as college learners.
(2) Apply study strategies to textbook and workbook exercises in class with instructor, in
small tutor groups, and to STEM area textbooks outside of class.
(3) Improve self-management relating to the college learning process and as applied to
STEM material.
(4) Improve their command of concepts in STEM disciplines.
B. Skills. The student will:
(1) Practice and adopt a variety of reading and study skill strategies for college learning,
including note-taking, test-taking, and making visual study tools.
(2) Work to improve reading rate and comprehension through computer assisted instruction.
(3) Improve learning in STEM disciplines, including mathematical-logical reasoning and
the scientific method.
(4) Practice problem solving in mathematics, science, and technology.
C. Dispositions. The student will:
(1) Learn to view himself/herself as responsible for, and capable of, adopting strategies to
increase his/her academic successes in STEM disciplines.
(2) Consider the roles of self-awareness, self-responsibility, and life-long learning in the
learning process.
(3) Focus upon his/her successes through specific goal setting steps.
(4) Learn to appreciate the academic rigor and structural thinking in STEM disciplines.
Classroom Policies
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES: Students are expected to attend all class and tutoring sessions
and arrive on time. Attendance is considered when assigning a final grade, and is a significant
portion of your tutoring grades in CAI and small-group tutoring. In-class assignments (including
journals) cannot be made up for unexcused absences. An excused absence means you have
informed the instructor via e-mail or phone that you will be absent AND have written medical
notification of your absence. Only medical excused are acceptable for missing tutoring sessions.
Students who fail the course due to non-attendance will be assigned a grade of NAF.
If you miss an exam due to illness or uncontrollable circumstances, you must notify the
instructor before the exam begins. You must make-up the exam within one week and will be
given a different exam. If you are unable to make-up the exam within one week of your return,
you will be assigned 0 points for the exam.
READING ASSIGNMENTS: It is expected that you prepare for your class. I understand that
you may have other obligations and courses to prepare for, but I expect you to attend to your
assignments in a professional manner. Reading the assignments will help you understand the
material when presented – and prepare you to ask questions for clarification. It is expected that
you will bring your textbook to every class and tutoring session as we will use it during in class
assignments. For those who may not be able to immediately afford the textbook, copies are on
closed reserve in Maag Library and the Curriculum Resource Center in Beeghly Hall. You may
use these reserved textbooks to complete readings and assignments while IN the library or CRC.
DUE DATES/ASSIGNEMENT SUBMISSION POLICY: All due dates are listed by week on
your course schedule. Specific due dates will be announced throughout the semester. All work is
expected to be turned in on time at the start of class. Assignments will not be accepted late until
prior approval is given by the instructor. Reflective writings are to be at least 1 page in length.
Certain assignments will be accepted via e-mail.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT: I expect all students to be courteous, respectful, and non-disruptive
to not just me but to your fellow students and your tutors. If I believe you are being disruptive I
will ask you to leave class and/or tutoring. Please see the Student Handbook regarding disruptive
behavior. TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS AND
TUTORING AND PLACE THEM IN YOUR BOOKBAG. If you must make or receive a phone
call during class or tutoring please leave the room quietly before answering the phone. Take out
all ear buds, ear phones, Bluetooth devices and sunglasses before class begins. Participation in
class and tutoring is expected. Participation will be factored into your final grade.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST: Both pre- and post- test is mandatory. Please DO NOT miss class on this
day. This is a standardized test required of all RSS students. If you miss the test you must make
the test up outside of class within one week. If you do not make-up the test your final grade will
be lowered by 20 points. A grade is not given for the test but extra credit points may be
assigned.
CONCERNS/FRUSTRATIONS: If at any time you are feeling frustration at your progress in
this class or believe you are having trouble in the course. PLEASE come see me sooner as
opposed to later. I will work with you as long as you have shown an effort to take responsibility
for your grade.
Course fees: Each student registered for this course is charged a $35 technology fee to cover
costs for items consumed in and or maintenance of the Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) lab,
a required component of the RSS curriculum.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT: Cheating on exams, submitting work of other students as your own,
or plagiarism results in penalties ranging from an “F” on an assignment to expulsion, depending
on the seriousness of the offense.
CLASS CANCELLATION: If the class is being cancelled for any one day because of instructor
illness, or other reasons, notification will be sent to the student’s YSU email or if planned in
advanced will be told in class at least one week prior to the cancellation. Please be sure to sign
up for YSU’s Text Alert system for notification of University closings.
Campus Assistance:
Students requiring additional academic assistance should consider contacting the following
FREE campus services:
Center for Student Progress, 330-941-3538, Kilcawley Center West
Foreign Language Lab, 330-941-3465, DeBartolo Hall 501
Maag Library, 330-941-3677, Maag
Math Assistance Center, 330-941-3274, Cushwa Hall 3090
Reading and Study Skills Center, 330-941-3099, Maag 154
Writing Center, 330-941-3055, Maag 171
Counseling Center, 330-941-3151, Jones Hall 1034
VA Office, 330-941-2503, 633 Wick Ave.
Students with Disabilities
Youngstown State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all
persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternative format upon request. In
accordance with University procedures, if you have a documented disability and require
accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact me privately to discuss
your specific needs. You must be registered with the Center for Student Progress Disability
Services, located at 275 Fifth Avenue, and provide a letter of accommodation to coordinate
reasonable accommodations. You can reach CSP Disability Services at 330-941-1372.
YSU Non-Discrimination Policy
Youngstown State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age, religion or
veteran/military status in its programs or activities. Please visit www.ysu.edu/ada-accessibility
for contact information for persons designated to handle questions about this policy.”
COURSE REQUIREMENTS (Points Breakdown is below)
•
Attendance & Class Participation: You will be expected to attend each class and tutoring
session this semester. If you need to miss class for ANY reason, please notify your
instructor in writing or via email BEFORE missing class. In case of emergency, please
contact your instructor immediately after the emergency is resolved. Documentation for
missed classes will be expected by your instructor; however, points cannot be awarded
for excused absences. You will receive 2 pts for each day of attendance.
•
Book & Binder Check: You will be given credit for obtaining your book and a 3 ring
binder in a timely manner. This assignment is important as you are expected to utilize
your book for class EVERY DAY.
•
Tutoring Lab Work: Reading (small group) lab work and CAI lab work, plays an integral
part in this course. Grades are assigned from the tutor based on attendance and
motivation. For every 10 minutes you are late or leave early tutors are instructed to
deduct one attendance point.
•
Definition Cards: The candidate will prepare twenty definition cards for terms in any
other class you are enrolled in this semester. These cards should have a question
regarding a term, concept, or example of such on one side and the answer on the other.
•
Exams: There are two exams in this course. Exams will be made up of lecture material,
reading material, tutoring material, and work presented from other sources (videos,
presentations, etc.).
•
Library Tour : The class will be taking a tour of Maag Library during which the students
will find a peer-reviewed research article from their respective major. Students should
print and submit the first page of the research article they find and give a brief summary
IN THEIR OWN WORDS of what the article is about.
•
Portfolio: This is a three-ring binder which will have three dividers titled: class
notes/handouts, tutor work and graded work (student prepared tests/journals/etc). The
final portfolio will be turned into the instructor at conferences during Week 16 and will
be worth 35 points.
•
Reflective Writing: This assignment will give you the opportunity to reflect on your
experiences as a student. Topics will be given at least five days before assignment is due.
Reflective Writing 1 page in length minimum. All assignments must be typed in 12 point
font and 1” margins.
•
Study Guide: The candidate will prepare a study guide to help you prepare for each
examination. Points will be awarded based on the amount of information included in the
study guide and the demonstrated amount of effort put into the study guide.
•
Syllabus Quiz: Students need to be completely familiar with their class syllabus in order
to achieve a passing grade in this course. Students will be quizzed on relevant nformation
from their syllabus.
•
Use of Resources: As an effective and successful student, you should be utilizing
resources on campus such as the Center for Student Progress (Student Tutorial Services,
First-Year Student Services, and Supplemental Instruction), the Writing Center, the Math
Assistance Center, and the Language Learning & Resource Center. You will receive 5
points for each visit to each service up to 50 points. If the service does not have a method
of notifying instructors (i.e. record of visit form), please ask the provider of that service
to email your instructor at nepeterson@ysu.edu each time you use the service.
•
Visual Organizer: The candidate will create a mindmap or other visual organizer to
demonstrate their ability to organize the information in a chapter from a textbook in
another class. Your visual organizer should look as though you put thought and time into
its creation. You will present your mind map on the day the assignment is due.
•
Extra credit: Throughout the course there may be the possibility for extra credit points at
various times.
Course Assignments and Points
Attendance 50pts
Book/Binder 30pts
CAI Lab 100pts
Tutor Lab 100pts
Definition Cards 10pts
Exams 150pts (3 at 50 pts each)
Library Tour 25pts
Portfolio 35pts
Reflective Writing 60pts (3 at 20 pts each)
Study Guide 90 (3 at 30pts each
Syllabus Quiz 25pts
Use of Resources 50pts
Visual Organizer 30pts
Total Points: 765
Final Grading Scale:
765-701 = A
700-637 = B
636-573 = C
572-0 = NC (and you must complete the course again)
Tentative Course Schedule (this schedule/syllabus can be changed at the
discretion of the course instructor in order to meet the course objectives)
Academic Week / Date
RSS
Topics/Assignments
Section
Week 1 / January 11th-15th
Introduction to Course
Syllabus Overview
Maps
Studying to Learn: A Science
and an Art
Pre-Test
(Bring pencil & Student ID)
*date subject to change
MAPS: Quality Learning and Quality Living
Module 1
Week 2 / January 18th -22nd
University Closed: 1/18
(Martin Luther King Day)
Last Day to Add Classes or
Change Grading Option:
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Week 3 / January 25 th-29th
Module 9
Module 13
Reading for Quality Learner
Resources Beyond the
Classroom
Modules 4
Sunday January 24th Last day
to withdraw with 100% refund
* First Week of
Reading/CAI Labs
*Tutoring Begins*
The Practice of CAAP for
Quality Learners
Syllabus Quiz
Due: Reflective Writing #1,
Book and Binder
Week 4 / February 1st-5th
Learning to Study
Module 2
Week 5 / February 8th-12th
Strategies for Quality Learners
Due: Study Guide
Week 6 / February 15th-19th
Exam 1
Due: Resource Slips (1-5)
Test Preparation/Anxiety
Quality Foundation
Due: Definition Cards
Taking Notes from Text
Due: Reflective Writing #2
Week 7/February 22nd-26th
Week 8 / February 29th-Mar 4th
Week 9 / March 7th-11th
Module 3
Module 5
Module 8
Module 6
Spring Break Period:
Monday, March 7, 2016
through Sunday, March
13, 2016
Spring Break Period: Monday, March 7,
2016 through Sunday, March 13, 2016
Week 10 / March 14th-18th
Taking Lecture Notes
Reading for Quality Learning
Due: Visual Organizer
Module 7
Module 9
Week 11 / March 21th-25th
Library Tour
Due: Study Guide #2
Spring Break Period:
Monday, March 7, 2016
through Sunday, March
13, 2016
March 23 Last day to
withdraw with a “W”
Week 12/March 28th –Apr 1st
Week 13 / April 4th-8th
Week 14/ April 11th-15th
Exam #2
Due: Library Article Summary
Reading to Learn
Anatomy of Reading
Reading Tune-Up
Due: Resource Slips (6-10)
Reading to Research and Write
Post-Test (: Bring pencil &
Student ID)
Module 10
Module 11
Module 12
Module 14
Week 15/ April 18th-22nd
Week 16/ April 25th-29th
Week 17/ May 2nd-6th
Final Examination Review, Conference Scheduling, Reading Post Test
Instructor Conferences-Due: Reflective Writing #3, Study Guide #3, Portfolio
Final Examinations Week