SLS1510: Syllabus

SLS1510 - Preparing for Student Success

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• Course Information
• Instructor Information
• Course Description
• MDC Learning Outcomes
• Course Competencies
• Required Textbook and Materials
• Course Calendar
• Technology Requirements
• Coursework Requirements
• Grading Scale
• Grading Criteria
• Miami Dade College Policies

This course provides an orientation to college life and helps develop academic, career, and personal goals. Students will learn college success strategies, goal-setting, learning style assessments, as well as general and discipline-specific study skills in the context of various theoretical, practical, and experiential perspectives.

This course addresses the following MDC learning outcomes:

Learning Outcome #1:

Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Learning Outcome #3:

Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.

Learning Outcome #4:

Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.

Learning Outcome #7:

Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.

Learning Outcome #8:

Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.

Learning Outcome #9:

Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.

Learning Outcome #10:

Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.

You may also view learning objectives here:

• Learning Outcomes at MDC

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Competency 1: 

The student will develop the strategies and attitudes for success specific to the learning environment by:

1. 1. identifying preferred learning styles and developing a study system that is compatible with it;
   2. describing study skills and using effective study strategies;
   3. applying different learning strategies to determine the most efficient strategies according to personal learning styles;
   4. employing effective modes of reading to suit various types of reading material (skimming, scanning, rapid reading, and personal, analytic, study reading);
   5. applying knowledge of efficient note-taking skills, including active listening, organizing, and recording;
   6. identifying memory principles, and constructing mnemonic devices and mental maps; and
   7. identifying different study strategies for effective test preparation for a variety of test types and applying test taking strategies for objective and subjective tests. 

Competency 2:

The student will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that provide a general foundation for college success by:

1. 1. analyzing his/her self-concept through selected inventories which measure areas of psychological awareness;
   2. describing the role of taking personal responsibility for making changes necessary for success and achieving one's goals;
   3. discussing the impact of his/her aptitudes, interests, strengths, and values on success;
   4. developing critical thinking skills, including organizing information and planning; 
   5. identifying useful time management systems and making appropriate use of strategies in specific college applications;
   6. describing and applying problem-solving techniques and conflict resolution in decision-making;
   7. identifying appropriate classroom etiquette; and 
   8. applying stress reduction strategies to college experiences.

Competency 3:

The student will demonstrate utilization of discipline-specific study skills by:

1. 1. identifying and using strategies to reduce math anxiety, including using math tutors and math support services;
   2. identifying and using strategies to increase reading and writing proficiency, including reading and writing support services;
   3. identifying various discipline-specific study strategies, and selecting and applying a strategy appropriate to a specific content area;
   4. comparing test-taking strategies for different types of examinations;
   5. developing strategies for working effectively with professors in and out of class;
   6. expressing his/her academic needs to the appropriate support resources; and
   7. visiting and using the campus library and computer facilities to locate discipline-specific information.

Competency 4:

The student will develop the knowledge and attitudes that provide a general foundation for social and life management skills by:

1. 1. understanding the importance of a positive attitude;
   2. demonstrating the ability to assume responsibility for actions and decisions;
   3. demonstrating the ability to give and receive constructive feedback;
   4. explaining the importance of maintaining openness to change;
   5. demonstrating initiative and proactivity;
   6. describing the relationship between health, wellness, and social issues and success;
   7. analyzing current events and social issues from several perspectives;
   8. understanding how to work effectively with others;
   9. describing how to work and communicate with diverse people;
   10. utilizing effective conflict resolution skills;
   11. exhibiting personal and academic honesty;
   12. demonstrating punctuality and good attendance practices;
   13. recognizing the relevance of recent computer technology in achieving success; and
   14. developing informational literacy and technology skills effectively. 

Competency 5:

The student will demonstrate an understanding of the process of career development and employability skills by:

1. 1. discussing the impact of his/her aptitudes, interests, strengths, and values on academic program and career selection and success;
   2. evaluating information from self-assessments, career inventories, occupational types, and general career information acquired from various sources including the Internet
   3. matching knowledge about one's own characteristics and abilities to information about job or career opportunities;
   4. identifying preferred careers to select an academic program as part of a career plan; 
   5. developing an educational plan for meeting graduation requirements, including the requirements needed for transfer to upper-level institutions; and
   6. developing an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning to career and life success.

Competency 6:

The student will develop an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning to career and life success by:

1. 1. identifying resources available at the College for successful academic progress including tutoring services, advisement, financial aid, and career information office;
   2. describing college policies and procedures including Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, degree program, and graduation requirements; and
   3. describing and applying the registration procedures including degree audit, adding and dropping courses, official withdrawal policies, transcripts, and the Standards of Academic Progress.

Your required textbook is Composing a College Career, ISBN9781778772573 (by Top Hat). This class is eligible for MDC Shark Pack. Before your class starts, you will receive an email to your MyMDC.net student email address with instructions on how to access your required textbook at a reduced cost. If you need help, contact me at (305) 237-5021 or lgarci16@mdc.edu. 

In brief, the content of this course is organized as follows:

This class takes place on campus, in-person. However, we will complete most assignments using the electronic Top Hat textbook (via Canvas). Prepare your laptop before the first day of class to be sure you can access Canvas and are familiar with this learning management system.  If you don't have a laptop, you can borrow one from the library before class in D101.

Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are standard for MDC Online courses. Microsoft 365 is available at no extra cost to MDC students at https://www.mdc.edu/office365/. 

Please view the MDC Academic Calendar for important college dates, such as withdrawal dates, drop dates, and holidays:

• Academic Calendar,

A complete list of course assignments and due dates for this course can be found by viewing the summary located on the Syllabus page.

To successfully complete this course, set up a weekly time schedule that allows you sufficient time to complete the assigned coursework by the required due dates. Do not procrastinate! Turn your work in early or by the due date. If you need help, contact me at lgarci16@mdc.edu or (305) 237-5021. 

Participation is an integral part of the learning process. Your participation is your attendance, and it will be measured by the completion of chapter assignments.

Late and Makeup Policies

Don’t procrastinate! Turn in your work by the due date. THE PROFESSOR WILL DEDUCT FIVE POINTS FOR EACH DAY AN ASSIGNMENT IS LATE (unless medical documentation is submitted in a timely manner by the student to the professor).

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