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There are so many exciting ways to nibble at this course until you personalize it to meet your own needs.
The objectives in the course are set, but the way objectives are met is discretionary.
The text
book is professional and businesslike. It is packed with information but like
mostl texts, it is only an overview and at that, only one view. It is a tool
-- a way to structure information. In this course, you will not be tested over
the text. Readings will be suggested, and getting the information from the text
is the quickest way to get an overview, but it is not all there is on the subject,
or even the way you will look at the subject.
You may be a person who works well in a group or you may really hate group. If you learn best by chatting with others, there are numerous opportunities for chatting, socializing, getting a buddy or two who is also taking the course and really making a nice network. If you want to work alone - do not want group work and do not like trying to do activities together, you may choose to minimize community building over the web.
There are
several ways to take exams, including an option where you contract one on one,
with the professor, on how you will provide evidence of expertise. You can take
an objective test, write essays, do on-site visits, provide video streamed visits
to schools. As long as you check with the professor first and get agreement,
the sky is the limit.
If there are assignments that are not acceptable to you, negotiate to change them so that they are a better learning experience.
Of course, it is crucial that you get your money's worth, that you be prepared to take the next course and able to give students a great learning experience. It is also important that you be able to pass State and National teaching exams. But --- there are many ways to gain that expertise, many ways to put rigor into your studies. In this course, we can work together to individualize the learning process and make this a wonderful experience.
Remember:
1. Read the syllabus thoroughly.
2. Recognize and utilize your personal learning strengths.
3. Negotiate for changes in assignments or testing prior to turning in a changed assignment or test.
4. Assume that the answer from the professor will be some kind of "YES."
5. Get creative and excited about the course.
6. Keep track of your assignments