Class Purpose:
The main objective of this course is to improve character and leadership traits by developing critical thinking, building basic skills, emphasizing positive changes in attitude and promoting essential components of character and leadership. To accomplish this objective: (1) students will complete readings, conduct research, discuss, and post about positive role models (2) I will utilize various forms of pop-culture to demonstrate core components of character traits and (3) students will be given different opportunities to apply the concepts of the course to their personal lives, through school and community service, and future goals.
A considerable amount of time will be spent teaching character traits, including but not limited to respect, responsibility, tolerance, honesty, integrity, perseverance, courage, self-control and appreciation. Students will discuss their own personal values, beliefs and attitudes. This course enables students to reflect on their own personal experiences, development, background and ethics while respecting the viewpoint of others. |
Weekly Discussion Posts:
Each week students will be required to complete a post (usually based on their opinion) related to the topic of that week. Often students will be expected to consider questions or scenarios that we will be covering as a class that week, this way the students are already forming their ideas/opinions on the topic before we even begin to fully cover it. These assignments will be due every Monday before class – without exception, including absences. Most of these assignments cannot be graded on a correct/incorrect basis. Therefore, students will be graded on preparation, thought, thoroughness, grammar and quality of work. Each discussion topic/forum/blog will be posted in the “Busy Bee” tab no later than the Monday (a week prior to the due date). All discussion topics will be posted by me and the students will have all week to complete their posting. Topics tend to vary in specificity (I do this purposefully), there are certain topics that I want to make very clear however, there will be other topics, skills, or hypothetical situations that can be answered in more than one way. These posts are meant to encourage critical and higher level thinking skills; students plagiarizing posts or ideas of other students or works will receive a zero. Topics will not be extremely difficult but they will be thought provoking and I expect students to post their individual ideas while respecting the ideals of others. All posts should be at least ten sentences in length; although certain discussions will require more than a mere ten sentences to fully cover the topic.
Example Discussion Topic:
Please post your thoughts on the following topic, you may include your ideas on as many sides of the topic as you wish as long as you cover it thoroughly. *Remember, do not post what you think I 'want' you to write. I want you to write what YOU think.
"In what ways do you believe you can create OR ruin a reputation through the use (or lack of use) of the following characteristics: honesty and responsibility." - Include your ideas and examples.
Example Discussion Topic:
Please post your thoughts on the following topic, you may include your ideas on as many sides of the topic as you wish as long as you cover it thoroughly. *Remember, do not post what you think I 'want' you to write. I want you to write what YOU think.
"In what ways do you believe you can create OR ruin a reputation through the use (or lack of use) of the following characteristics: honesty and responsibility." - Include your ideas and examples.
Just a few reminders:
* Disruptions in class will not be tolerated. There will be time for each student to listen and times to participate in discussions during this class. Students are expected to know the difference between these times. This class can be a lot of fun, but cooperation and maturity are needed at all times.
* Students will show respect for their fellow classmates and their instructor. During the semester, we will routinely discuss our personal values and give opinions on a variety of important subjects. “Put-downs” will not be tolerated in any form! There are many ways to disagree with somebody without resorting to criticism.
* This class is uniquely different from other classes. Personal responsibility is stressed. If a student will be absent, he/she is expected to submit the scheduled online work/postings on time.
* Finally, we all have different attitudes about school. Some love school, others view it as a waste of time and others just try to get by. Students should view this class differently – begin this class with a positive attitude. Every day give your best effort and full attention. Trust the process, be respectful, and this will be a blast!
I have never been so excited to teach a class and/or subject, this will be a truly unique and exciting learning experience for everyone involved!
* Students will show respect for their fellow classmates and their instructor. During the semester, we will routinely discuss our personal values and give opinions on a variety of important subjects. “Put-downs” will not be tolerated in any form! There are many ways to disagree with somebody without resorting to criticism.
* This class is uniquely different from other classes. Personal responsibility is stressed. If a student will be absent, he/she is expected to submit the scheduled online work/postings on time.
* Finally, we all have different attitudes about school. Some love school, others view it as a waste of time and others just try to get by. Students should view this class differently – begin this class with a positive attitude. Every day give your best effort and full attention. Trust the process, be respectful, and this will be a blast!
I have never been so excited to teach a class and/or subject, this will be a truly unique and exciting learning experience for everyone involved!