Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Online
Course Description
Analysis of the psychology behind adult learning and learning programs across the lifespan.
Differentiates between adults and traditional learners in terms of practice and performance in
classroom and work environments. Examines the intellectual, social, emotional and performance
components which underlie the psychology of adult learning.
Objectives
The objectives are that you would complete EPSY 5473 with (a) a strong understanding of the
various theoretical frameworks of adult learning and education, (b) an understanding of the unique
strengths non-traditionally aged learners bring to the classroom, and (c) increased confidence in your
ability to teach non-traditionally aged learners.
Required Readings
Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., and Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive
guide (3rd ed.). San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Svinicki, M. D. (2004). Learning and motivation in the postsecondary classroom. Bolton: Anker Publishing
Company, Inc.
Course Requirements
Response to Peers
Additionally, you are expected to respond to at least two of your peers posts by midnight the
following Saturday. Your peer-responses are expected to be meaningful. You may expand or
challenge the post, but either way, please be mindful of your peers own learning and development.
That is, please respond in a way that is supportive and respectful, and draws upon the principles you
are learning from the course. I would strongly encourage to avoid merely agreeing with your peer.
This is the least advisable course you could take as mere agreement is unlikely to further your peers
own thinking. However, if there is a week that you find this difficult to avoid, you will want to be
specific about what was posted and how it helped further your own understanding. It is expected
that each peer-response will be at least two substantive paragraphs. If they contain citations, then a
reference list should be included. Each response is worth 2.5 points (x2/week x 15 weeks=75 total
points).
Weekly Assignment
Weekly Assignments are due weekly (by midnight Saturday). That is, you will need to complete one
each week. You can choose from the following options described below. You are under no
obligation to stick to a particular option throughout the course. Indeed, I would encourage you to
try each at least once during the semester. Doing so, I believe, will give you greater insight into
learning in general, and strategy-use and task-strategy match specifically.
Annotated Bibliography
Create an annotated bibliography for the assigned readings for the week. The annotated bibliography
should consist of an APA-style reference followed by two parts (one to two paragraphs each): (1) a
short summary of the reading, and (2) a reaction to the reading. This reaction may include an
evaluation of the reading and/or implications in terms of your future research. It should make
connections to previous readings whenever possible. There should be an entry for each of the
assigned readings. Bibliographies will be graded based on their adherence to APA-style, adherence to
the parameters of the assignment, the demonstration of your understanding of the readings, and the
quality of your reflection.
Concept Map
Create a concept map that depicts the major concepts across all assigned readings for the week.
Relationships should be depicted. It is anticipated that most weeks readings will allow for
3
recognition of relationships of concepts that cut across readings (that is, that a concept from one of
the readings would be naturally related to a concept from a separate reading).
Question-Answer Outline
Your assigned readings are from textbooks or textbook chapters. Textbooks are full of answers. But
what are the questions they are answering? A question-answer outline makes these often implicit
questions explicit. Your outline should list the question (in bold) followed by the answer. Please
refer to the page(s) in which the answer is found. An example entry might look something like this:
What specifically do children need to know in order to solve addition and subtraction problems?
Arithmetic knowledge (which requires problem schemata which are derived from the semantic structure of the
problem statement, action schemata which are stored actions for solving problems, and strategic knowledge for
sequencing solutions to problems); language used in the problem statement; text comprehension and arithmetic
problem solving, and the developmental level appropriate for the problem (concrete operations needed to begin to
understand concepts for much of mathematics learning). (pp. 323-328)
Your outline should cover all the answers found in the assigned readings.
Midtermish Assignment
You may choose one of two options to meet the Midtermish Assignment: Teaching or learning. The
window to turn in the Midtermish Assignment is between 11/7 and 11/19 (midnight).
Learning
To complete this option, you must engage in a learning experience. You are strongly encouraged to
choose a learning experience outside of the courses for which you are registered through OSU. The
experience should be somewhat formal. That is, it needs to involve a teacher. Though it is possible
that learning is occurring as you are navigating a part of Tulsa you are unfamiliar with, this would
NOT be an appropriate experience for this assignment. Examples of appropriate experiences
include (but certainly not limited to), a line-dancing classes taken through a community center, a fly-
fishing lesson/course through a private instructor, or getting a friend to show you how to change
the brake pads in your car. If you are unclear as to what would/would not be an appropriate
experience, please email me.
This assignment should contain two parts: (a) a description of what happened, and (b) your
reflection of the experience. The description can read like a recipe or lesson plan. It should entail the
date/time, location, setting, subject, discernable learning objectives, etc. Bullet-points are an
acceptable format for this part. The reflection portion should ultimately address the question: What
did you learn about adult learning? It is expected that you will draw heavily upon the assigned
readings while addressing this question. The best papers will also use the experience to critique the
material from the course, the assumptions about learning you had prior to this course, or both. You
may also get an idea for a research study or instructional strategy based on your experience. If so,
this would be an excellent place to include it!
Teaching
The teaching option is similar to the learning option in every way except your role in the experience
as teacher rather than learner. Again, the experience should be somewhat formalit needs to
involve a learner. Teaching yourself to re-tile the bathroom floor is NOT an appropriate experience
for this assignment. The other caveat is that the learner needs to be an adult. Coaching your nieces
soccer team or showing your son a new card trick are also NOT appropriate experiences. As with
4
the other option, this assignment should contain two parts: (a) a description, and (b) your reflection
on the experience. See the Learning option for the expectations for these sections.
Final Assignment
There are two options available to complete the Final Assignment: (a) a more traditional end-of-the-
term paper, or (b) a research proposal. The Final Assignment is due 12/10 (midnight).
End-of-the-Term Paper
The end-of-the-term paper option entails writing a 5-8 paged single-spaced paper (12 pt. Times New
Roman font, 1 margins). The expectation is that your paper would explore a specific topic
appropriate for the scope of the course. You must have a minimum of 15 peer-reviewed references
Though academic book chapters do not technically fall under this category I will allow a maximum
of six (additional chapters will not count toward the 15). You may cite the texts assigned in this
course (or other text books), but they will not count toward the required number of references. I
would strongly encourage you to keep these to a minimum (less than two). APA format for
headings, citations, and references is expected.
Research Proposal
Research proposals are restricted to 2000 words (not including references, tables, or figures) and are
expected to contain the following clearly delineated sections: (a) Introduction (which should
contain the objectives or purpose of the study); (b) methods; data analysis (including the sources,
evidence, objects, or materials); and (d) scientific or scholarly significance of the study of the work.
You will need to have a minimum of 15 peer-reviewed references (which will most predominantly
appear during the lit review portion of your introduction as well as the scholarly significance). It is
recommended you have had an introductory course on research methods and design in choosing
this option. APA format for headings, citations, and references is expected.
Course Outline
Late work will be reduced by 20% of the maximum possible before being graded. Thus, an assignment that
would have been scored 55/60 will be scored 43/60 (20% x 60 5). Work more than a week late will not be
accepted. Having said that, I totally understand that life happens with little regard for due dates. If you find
yourself in such a situation, please contact me as soon as possible so that we can negotiate alternative
arrangements.
IMPORTANT DATES
Last day to add a class (without instructor permission) 8/22/2016
Last day to drop a course with no grade and 100% refund 8/22/2016
Last day to add a class (requires instructor & advisor
permission) 8/26/2016
Last day to drop a course or withdraw from the
University with an automatic W and receive
a partial refund (requires advisor signature) 8/26/2016
Last day to post 6 week grades 9/27/2016
Last day to file diploma application (for name to appear
in Fall Commencement program) 11/1/2016
Last day to drop a class or withdraw from the University
with an automatic W 11/4/2016
Last day to withdraw from all OSU classes with an
assigned grade of W or F 11/18/2016
Pre-Finals week 11/28/2016-12/2/2016
Final examinations 12/5/2016-12/9/2016
Note: Outreach, Internet, and short courses have unique drop/add and refund deadlines; lookup the specific deadlines for these
courses on the Short, Internet, and Outreach Class Schedules page of the Registrars website http://registrar.okstate.edu/SIO-
Schedule.
DROPPING A COURSE AND WITHDRAWING FROM THE UNIVERSITY, students often confuse these terms.
Dropping a Course (or courses) may occur during the first twelve weeks of the semester. This means, however, that you are still
enrolled in at least one other OSU course. Exceptions to the deadlines above may only be considered by petition due to
documented extraordinary circumstances and committee approval. The Retroactive Drop/Withdraw Petition and the Petition for a
Refund of Tuition and Fees forms are available on the Registrars website http://registrar.okstate.edu/Forms.
Withdrawing from the university means dropping all courses and you are no longer enrolled for the current semester. This
may occur until the Friday before pre-finals week. The withdrawal process is initiated with your academic advisor. For additional
information and dates, go to: http://academicaffairs.okstate.edu/content/adding-dropping-and-withdrawing-courses.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
101 Whitehurst/405-744-5627/http://academicintegrity.okstate.edu
OSU is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. This level of ethical behavior and
6
integrity will be maintained in this course. Participating in a behavior that violates academic integrity (e.g., unauthorized
collaboration, plagiarism, multiple submissions, cheating on examinations, fabricating information, helping another person cheat,
unauthorized advance access to examinations, altering or destroying the work of others, and altering academic records) will result
in an official academic sanction. Violations may subject you to disciplinary action including the following: receiving a failing
grade on an assignment, examination or course, receiving a notation of a violation of academic integrity on your transcript, and
being suspended from the University. You have the right to appeal the charge.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Class attendance is a critical component of learning; therefore, you are expected to attend and participate fully in all scheduled
class meetings. Many instructors consider attendance so essential that your grade may be affected by your absence. SOME
DEPARTMENTS AND PROFESSORS HAVE MANDATORY ATTENDANCE POLICIES. If no written attendance policy is
provided before the last day to add a class without instructor permission, no penalty may be assessed for class absences although
you may not be permitted to make up certain in-class activities. If you are required to participate in official university-sponsored
activities or military training, you should receive an excused absence unless the written course attendance policy indicates
otherwise. If you will be absent from class for sponsored activities, you must provide prior notification of the planned absence to
the instructor. You may be required to submit assignments or take examinations before the planned absence.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Student Email - OSU uses your OKSTATE.EDU email address as a primary form of communication. Students are expected to
check their OSU email on a frequent and consistent basis to remain informed of their official university business. If you do not
use the OSU email system you must redirect your okstate.edu email using the Orange-Key System (www.okey.okstate.edu).
Failure to maintain an accurate email address may result in missed or lost university communications. For email assistance
contact the IT Helpdesk at 405-744-HELP (4357).
Computer Labs - A complete description of computer labs and hours of operations are available at their website:
https://it.sharepoint.okstate.edu/TechnologySupport/DeskSide/default.aspx. Lab information is also available by calling the
Information Technology Help Desk at 405-744-HELP (4357).
In general, the University expects you to respect the rights of others and authorities, represent yourself truthfully and accurately
at all times, respect private and public property, and take responsibility for your own actions and the actions of your guests.
Academic Advisor - All students will benefit by conferring with an advisor on a regular basis. If you do not know your advisor
or would like to learn more, talk to the Student Academic Services Director for your college.
Bursar Office
113 Student Union/405-744-5993
http://bursar.okstate.edu/
The Bursar Office bills and collects tuition, fees, campus housing, and other university related charges. The Bursar Office also
processes and disburses all federal and campus-based funds to students' bursar accounts and refunds any overpayments on
students' bursar accounts.
Career Services
360 Student Union/405-744-5253
http://hireosugrads.com
Locate your Colleges Career Consultant on the Career Services website.
Wellness Department
405-744-5510
http://wellness.okstate.edu/
Intramurals, group fitness and sports clubs are among the many programs and services available through the Wellness
Department.
Writing Outpost
102 Q, R, S Edmon Low/405-744-6671
http://osuwritingcenter.okstate.edu
30-minute walk-in consultations for writing projects are offered on a first come-first served basis on Monday-Thursday evenings
7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Writing Center
440 Student Union/405-744-6671
10
http://osuwritingcenter.okstate.edu
The Writing Center helps writers throughout the composing process; plan to visit early and often throughout the semester, not
just the day before an assignment is due. Tutors work with students to improve brainstorming, organizational, and composing
techniques.