STLC 101: Application of Learning Theories to College Studies

Syllabus

STLC 101 is a study of critical theories of learning with application to academic performance.

The course objectives are:

  • To help the student understand cognitive processes and their application to college learning.
  • To help the student understand motivational theory and how it applies to learning.
  • To increase the student’s ability to use metacognitive skills and strategies to regulate learning.
  • To help the student develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • To help the student understand learning styles and how to apply active learning techniques.
  • To increase the student's ability to use effective time management strategies.
  • To develop the student's ability to set goals and understand the goal-setting process.
  • To increase the student's ability to use effective methods of textbook reading.
  • To help the student develop listening and note-taking skills.
  • To increase the student's ability to use effective methods of preparing for tests and coping with test anxiety.

Grading Policy

Your success in life is greatly dependent on your efforts, and so it is in this class. No grades at Texas A&M University are automatic; you will have to work for them.

Your grade will be computed from the basic components of the course. The weight of the assignments is distributed as follows:

Projects/Exercises 40 %

Exams/Quizzes 60 %

Note: No assignment will be accepted after the due date unless prior arrangements are made. Extra points are not awarded for attendance or class participation.

The grading scale is as follows:

A: 90-100%
B: 80- 89%
C: 70- 79%
D: 60- 69%
F: Below 60%

Attendance

Attendance in class is fundamental to your academic success in any course. Attendance is required with the exception of University excused absences as defined in the current issue of Texas A&M Student Rules. Unless you have a University excused absence, all work is due on the assigned dates. If you have an excused absence, it is your responsibility to determine and complete the work you missed.

YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TWO (2) UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WITHOUT PENALTY. EACH UNEXCUSED ABSENCE AFTER THIS WILL RESULT IN THE LOWERING OF YOUR COURSE GRADE BY ONE (1) LETTER GRADE. Example: If you have three unexcused absences at the end of the term and have a course average of B, your final course grade will be C.

Handouts and Plagiarism

The handouts used in this course are copyrighted. By handouts, I mean all materials generated for this class, which include but are not limited to syllabi, quizzes, exams, in-class materials, review sheets, and additional materials. Because these materials are copyrighted, you do not have the right to copy them unless I expressly grant permission.

As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one's own ideas, words, writings, etc., which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated.

If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the current issue of the Texas A&M Student Rules, under the section, "Scholastic Dishonesty."

Know the Code: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.”

Required Materials

  1. Academic Transformation, by Sellers, Dochen, & Hodges
  2. 3x5 notecards (1 for each class day)
  3. Calendar with space for daily entries

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal antidiscrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Cain Hall, Rm. B118, or call 845-1637.