Points and Moving Along

This course can be individualized. There are 15 objectives that are part of the rigor of the course. Most of the objectives are to be covered at the introductory level because this course is the first in a series of steps to competency in teaching students with special needs.

You may want to individualize some of the activities. In general, this is a good rule for determining how much an activity might be worth. There are two different ways of valuing activities.

One way is to look at the number of hours of work that are expected in a three hour course. In general, a course has about 45 hours of contact - time in class and between 60 - 90 hours of work that the student does alone or in group work --reading the text, researching, doing activities, taking exams, field trips, discussions of the material or projects to show expertise. Since this is a three hour course, that means you might expect to spend about 130 hours learning about students with special needs. When I added that up, it is roughly 25 points an hour or about 3000 points to get in those hours. So - want to know how you are doing? Keep track of the hours you are spending. If you want to do a replacement activity for an essay that would take an hour to read about and an hour to write and post, then you will want to do something that takes about 2 hours - and give yourself 50 points for it.

As you work, keep track of the activities and the points.

Another way of doing the course is to look for areas of expertise and areas of little strength. Divide up the course so you end up building as much strength as you can across the tough areas, and share your expertise with peers on the things you already know a lot about.

You can choose how you want to account for your time. It is important to see the course a little differently than some students view education. This is your time, your money, your future -- hopefully your passion. It is not just one more requirement, but rather an opportunity to understand human beings, human nature, and students with greater depth. It is an opportunity to move into the realm of professional.

Sometimes life gets in the way of education. You may need to work, you may have children of your own, health or relationship problems. You may be taking a lot of hours, not sleeping enough, never getting to play. Or, you may be playing for the first time and find it a heady experience that is hard to contain.

Remember. This teaching business is a dedication. You are learning a profession, a dedication, a passion. Don't cheat yourself by putting this course off. Instead, see it as a way to play - as a fulfillment of your dreams. Work a little each day if you can -- and for sure, put aside quality time each week.

If you cannot turn in an assignment each week, be sure and provide the professor with an update about when you will be able to get back to the course.

You are going to love this class. Give yourself a chance to love it all semester long!

Go back to Frequently Asked Questions

E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Affeld@nau.edu

Course developed by J'Anne Affeld

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