Course Description

This course is designed to help new students make a smooth transition from high school or the workplace to BYU-Idaho (college) life. Our desire is to help students have a positive and successful academic college experience.

Course Objective

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the unique culture of teaching and learning at BYUI- Idaho. The course has four outcomes that are fundamental to having a successful college experience at BYU-Idaho and a successful learning experience in any setting:

  1. Help student to be faithful and wise stewards at BYU-Idaho for their relationships, the gift of the Holy Ghost, their talents, and their learning.
  2. Introduce students to the principles and processes of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model.
  3. Equip students with basic college study skills and increase self-awareness.
  4. Familiarize students with helpful campus resources.

By the end of the semester students should know, be able to do, or have become the things listed below.

  1. The typical pattern of adjustment for new freshman.
  2. Some typical symptoms of adjusting to a new “culture” away from home.
  3. Principles of Emotional Intelligence.
  4. Services, Resources and Department located on the campus of BYU-Idaho.
  5. The four stewardships students have at BYU-Idaho.
  6. Build Zion in their apartment by following the Principles of Student Living.
  7. Get involved in associations, societies and activities on campus.
  8. Hold an Apartment Council.
  9. Areas of Multiple Intelligence.
  10. Characteristics of successful college students.
  11. Personal responsibility—creators/victims.
  12. The 5 principles of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model.
  13. The 3 process steps of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model.
  14. Recognize breakdowns in the learning process.
  15. Disciple Leaders.
  16. Time management techniques.
  17. The SQ3R method.
  18. Text comprehension and marking techniques.
  19. The Cornell Note taking technique for reading and lectures.
  20. How to succeed in online courses.
  21. Learning Styles.
  22. Some advantages of spaced review.
  23. Utilize the Academic Support services.
  24. The Advising Center (Academic Discover center) and how they can help students choose and plan a major.
  25. The University’s Academic Standards.
  26. Navigate the BYU-Idaho and David O. McKay Library web sites for basic information.
  27. How to calculate one’s GPA.
  28. Understand University Language.
  29. How to think critically to resolve case studies and ethical dilemmas.
  30. How to obtain scholarships and financial aid.
  31. Manage personal finances.
  32. Where to go on campus for specific purposes.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes (Prove)

  1. Weekly quizzes will be given. These quizzes will focus on the learning that took place during the week’s lesson assignments. These quizzes will represent short term learning. These quizzes cannot be made up.
  2. An end of course survey will provide the chance for students to indicate those outcomes that they would have difficulty explaining.
  3. Students will complete an end of course self-assessment to see how they personally changed from the beginning to the end of the semester.
  4. Homework will focus on building and reviewing what was learned in each lessons activities.
  5. The final exam comes in two formats:1) A cumulative test beginning from day one of the class and 2) A portfolio that serves as a “take away” tool for the course.
  6. Because an educated person is able to communicate well in writing, grammar and spelling will always count toward the points for your grade on any given assignment.

Learning Model Architecture

Each week there are two short lessons. Each lesson includes three activities to help you to meet the learning outcomes for that particular lesson. We will teach one another through discussion boards, online meetings, and activities in which you teach others not in the class. Various activities along with quizzes will help you to ponder and prove what you have learned.

We will progress through the course together and you will not be able to work at your own pace. We need to all stay together so we can fully participate in the group discussion and help each other along the way.

This is a 2 credit class and should require approximately 6 hours of work per week.

Prerequisites None Required Materials

Grading Policies

Each assignment will be given a point value and your final grade will be calculated from the total number of points earned. There are roughly 800 points possible. Every assignment (accept the Pre-survey, Post-test, and Final Portfolio) are worth 10 points each.

Grade Percent Grade Percent
A 100-93 C 76-73
A- 92-90 C- 72-70
B+ 89-87 D+ 69-67
B 86-83 D 66-63
B- 82-80 D- 62-60
C+ 79-77 F 59-00

Course Policies

  1. All policies in the BYU-I handbook will be followed. Late assignments will not be accepted. Quizzes may not be made up.
  2. “In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, all qualified students enrolled in this course are entitled to “reasonable accommodation.” It is the student’s responsibility to disclose to the teacher any special need she/he may have before the end of the first week of class.”
  3. Students should check their BYU-Idaho Email every day.

Daily Course Architecture (Rhythm)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Look at and begin the three activities to Odd # Lessons (1, 3, 5 etc.) Make Posts to the Discussion Board (if there is one) in the Odd # Lessons. Make Response Posts in the Discussion Board to Odd # Lessons. Submit work for Odd # Lessons Look at and begin the three activities to Even # Lessons (2, 4, 6 etc.) Make Posts to the Discussion Board (if there is one) in the Even # Lessons. Make Response Posts in the Discussion Board to Even # Lessons. Submit work for Even # Lessons