How I Love Thee

Eric Thomas UGS101 Course Transformational Outline

The Office of Supportive Services Freshman Seminar - UGS 101 - is a one credit University orientation course for program students. You will enroll in this seminar during your first year at MSU. This course is offered during the fall and spring semester. The seminar is entitled: Success Strategies in Higher Education. This interactive seminar is designed to build a foundation of knowledge for your college career as a learner and future leader. We'll explore academic, social, personal, and career decisions that students face in college, with a focus on the first year.

10:20 a.m. Motivational Minute

10:25 a.m. Week in Review

10:35 a.m. Overview and Expectation of Class

10:40 a.m. Jeopardy Computer Technology Lesson (I will divide the subject matter into 4 categories and slip the students in 4 teams)

11:00 a.m. Collaborative Group Presentation (Sections 4b. -5l will be divided amongst the collaborative groups to reinforce the lesson). Students will be encouraged to make their sections engaging.

11:20 a.m. Comments, Questions and/or Concerns

11:30 a.m. Final Reflections and Homework Assignment

11:40 a.m. Dismiss Class

Rationale: I have designed my course to address and meet the unique needs of the Office of Supportive Services student population. A number of our students experience continuous personal challenges which produce high levels of anxiety. In keeping with these factors, the course will begin by providing student with a short, motivational anecdote to arouse their interest and get them excited about the class. In addition, I will dedicate a few minutes in the beginning of class to any student who would like to share an experience with the class in order to build sense of community.

The expectations of the class will be introduced in the beginning of the course so each student is clear as to what is expected of them. Additionally, there will be an overview from the previous course to reinforce the previous lesson and to ensure that the common thread of the course is captured.

Games in general can be effective teaching and learning tools. In this instance, Jeopardy is designed to strength the students’ ability to retain the subject matter and improve their critical thinking and problem solving techniques.

Based on the research that suggests students gain a richer experience when they are engaged in the learning experience, the course is infused with a collaborative component to encourage team building, vertical and horizontal networking and leadership.

Finally, the course will end with a reflective exercise. Student should learn to frame and reframe complex or ambiguous problems, test out various interpretations, and then modify our actions consequently.