Learning Contract
Enhancing the Academic Eye
4 credit, Advanced

A. PURPOSE
    The purpose of this study is to sharpen students’ abilities to read, think, and communicate effectively and critically in academic contexts through writing and other formats of presentation (PowerPoint & Public Speaking). The focus of the course will also include academic/information literacy research strategies applied to a term long project. Movement from basic to more advanced development of both the mindset and skill set needed to think critically and engage in sophisticated analysis of issues are the key desired learner outcomes of the study.

B. COURSE MATERIALS
    All materials for the course will be available via links and downloadable documents send either via e-mail from the instructor and/or on the website - http://academiceye.pbworks.com/. Students will be asked to actively engage in using these resources to expand their understanding of their academic studying strategies; learning styles; goal setting; perspectives on success/failure; organization; and research skills. Students will also be asked to apply strategies to their other academic coursework and to engage in academic research.

C. LEARNING ACTIVITIES – WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS & ATTENDANCE/TOPICS

Term Long Project – Topics will be chosen during the first study group through a series of activities.  Students will engage in various steps in project management on their chosen topics. 
A. Self-Assessment, Personal Statement Essay – Before the first study group meeting, students will take 2 self-assessments (VARK & SmarterMeasure) and then write a personal statement essay including a reflection of their results and where the results fit in with their own impressions of their academic needs, strengths and challenges.
B. Written Proposal – Before the second study group meeting, students will submit their proposal for their term long project.  The proposal will include any initial ideas for their presentation activities, research needs, etc. organized in a 2-4 page paper.
C.  Project Management Plan – Students will submit a project management plan that will include a timeline, calendar of activities associated with the project, resources needed or accessed.
D. Peer Feedback Coordination – All students will engage in a peer review activity during one of the study group meetings.  Each student will design their own method for presenting their project’s main ideas and collecting and using peer feedback.  The student’s plan for how they will utilize the peer feedback, in addition to their initial proposal, will be submitted in a 2-4 page paper.
E. Class Presentation – Each student will present to the class on their chosen topic.  Presentations should be between 10-15 minutes and should include the use of powerpoint, interactive activity and audience take away.
F. Final Project Portfolio will include all the previous elements of work along with a self-evaluations and future goals statement.
Participation Activities
Individual appointments – Students will meet individually with the instructor once during the term. They will also be required to meet with one other member of the Academic Support Team (the Director of Academic Support, a Learning Coach or a Peer Coach).  All meetings should last approximately one hour.  The goals of these meetings will be discussed during the first study group session.
Study Group Attendance – Students will be expected to attend all study group sessions. 
Academic Skills Workshops – All students will be required to attend 2 Academic Skills Workshops, preferably one in person and one online.  Workshop schedules will be made available at the first study group session.

D. METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
    The student will be evaluated on the completion of all assignments and engagement in the learning process.  Evaluation will be based on the student’s ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of the assigned and researched materials.  All verbal and written activities will be evaluated by the instructor for their scope, content, and clarity of ideas.  Both written and verbal ideas must be focused and fully developed in order to achieve credit.  The student must demonstrate an ability to research using web-based and library resources. In order to get timely feedback and to fully engage in the learning process, assignments must be submitted in a timely manner throughout the term and not all at the end of the term.

E. PLAN FOR FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Expectations for students – Students are expected to attend all study group meetings and submit all assignments on time.  All assignments should be submitted via email with the exception of the final project which will need to be submitted in person (portfolio, printed in a well organized, well presented fashion).  Students are expected to email or call the instructor if they have any questions about assignments or the class in general.

Expectations for instructor – The instructor will return all assignments (turned in before or on the due date) with grade and feedback by the following study group meetings.  Any additional feedback will be presented at the student’s request.  Any assignments turned in late will be returned with grade and feedback within two study group meetings (up to four weeks) from actual submission date.  The instructor will respond to any emails within two business days.