Great BasinCollege
Course Syllabus
ECE 204: Principles of Child Guidance, Web Campus
Fall Semester 2014 - 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 . 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 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: / Assessments/Measurement
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
Exploration of Classroom Design
2.Define pro-social behavior and outline strategies for initiating positive behavior in children. / Quiz #1
Exam # 1
Essay/Discussion Board - #1
Observation Project
3. Identify effective listening strategies, recognize the rationale for positive statements of instruction, and discuss strategies for positive communication. / 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
Internet Research
5.Develop specific strategies for effective guidance and identify methods of shaping positive behavior. / Quiz #4
Exam #1
Essay/Discussion Board - #2
Observation Project
6.Recognize typical ages and stages of early childhood and identify developmental milestones that affect behavior. / 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
Application/Project
8.Define the typical characteristics of problem behaviors, list steps to resolve conflicts between adults and children, and define strategies for meeting special needs. / Quiz # 7 & 8
Exam # 3
9.Identify personal biases that affect guidance, list effective observation strategies, and identify the components of the observation sequence. / 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. / 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 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: / Content: / Assignments: / Assignments Due:8/25
(Two weeks to orient to course, purchase book and read first chapter).
Check your e-mail at least twice a week! / Chapter 1 / ReadCh. 1
Complete Quiz
Introduce Yourself through the Discussion Board September 8th. / · 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 8th. 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.
Due: Monday, September 8th by 8 am.
9/8
Remember Discussion Board Assignment! / Chapter 2 / ReadCh. 2
Complete Quiz
Don’t Forget: 1st
Discussion Board Response / · Chapter 2 Quiz
· Post response in Discussion Board by Monday and respond to a minimum of 3 other students by Friday.
Post: Monday, September 15th by 8 am.
Respond by: Friday, September 19th by 8 am.
9/15 / Chapter 3 / ReadCh. 3
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 3 Quiz
Due: Monday, September 22nd by 8 am.
9/22 / Chapter 4 / ReadCh. 4
Complete Quiz
1st Exam Due / · Chapter 4 Quiz
· 1st Exam Due: Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4
Due: Monday, October 6th by 8:00 am
10/6
Remember Discussion Board Assignment / Chapter 5 / ReadCh.5
Complete Quiz
Don’t Forget: 2nd Discussion Board
Response / · Chapter 5 Quiz
· Post response in Discussion Board by Monday and respond to a minimum of 3 other students by Friday.
Post: Monday, October 13th by 8 am.
Respond by: Friday, October 17th by 8 am.
10/13 / Chapter 6 / ReadCh. 6
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 6 Quiz
Due: Monday, October 20th by 8 am
10/20 / Chapter 7 / ReadCh. 7
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 7 Quiz
Due: Monday, October 27th by 8:00 am
10/27
. / Chapter 8 / ReadCh. 8
Complete Quiz
2nd Exam Due / · Chapter 8 Quiz
· 2nd Exam Due: Chapters 5, 6, 7, & 8
Due: Tuesday, November 10th by 8 am
11/10 / Chapter 9 / ReadCh. 9
Complete Quiz / · Chapter 9 Quiz
Due: Monday, November 17th by 8 am
11/17
Two to 3 weeks to complete exam. Remember to Post 3rd Exam between 12/1 & 12/8. / Chapter
10 & 11
Note: You must complete a quiz and your final exam by Friday December 8th! / ReadCh.10
Complete Quiz
3rd Exam Due
Note: Read Chapter 12 on your own! This information will be covered in depth in ECE 200, The Exceptional Child. / · Chapter 10 & 11 Quiz
· 3rd Exam Due: Chapters 9, 10, & 11
Due: Between December 1st - December 8thth by8 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.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