Course Contract

List 2-3 specific goals you have for this course.
I will be perfectly honest and let you know that one of my goals is to work hard on all assignments and tests in order to earn an A grade. This will help me maintain my high GPA and allow me to apply for another scholarship. At this time, I am able to work toward my educational goals through scholarships and grants and I hope to be able to maintain this avenue. Another goal which I have is to learn and understand appropriate teaching techniques and apply them to my future classroom in order to be a successful teacher. As the time for me to have my own classroom approaches, I realize it is extremely important for me to know how to teach, motivate, and encourage the students in my classroom. Finally, I hope to maintain a positive attitude by keeping the big picture in mind in order to maintain a sense of what is really important in my life.

Describe your weekly preparation plan. Be specific. What will you do each day of the week to prepare for this course.
I will refer to the schedule and look for the chapter that I need to read for the class that we are discussing it. While reading the chapter, I will highlight information that I think is important. If I have been given a study guide, I will go over the questions prior to beginning reading, and look for the answers as I read. After I have completed reading the chapter, I will then type my notes from my reading in outline form including the highlighted items. I will then print out my notes and scan them daily. For key words, I will put them onto cards so that I can study them. After attending class, I will type my class lecture notes and with red pen write into my reading notes any additional information I would specifically like to remember. I will complete my assignments in a timely fashion, completing the bulk of any work on Friday and Saturday. I will make time available as necessary to meet with any group members if I need to do so during the school hours on Monday through Thursday. On Sunday evening and Monday morning, I will quickly review my reading notes on the chapter that is going to be discussed on Monday.

Outline the study strategies that you will use to understand the material.
I will carefully read each assignment. When necessary, I will re-read particular sections to try to understand what it is saying. When necessary, I will consult the internet for additional information. I will make clarifying notations in my notes with a red pen and then I will review my notes and note cards on a frequent basis. I will get together with other classmates to review for tests and assignments as needed.

Explain the process you will follow if you do not understand a topic.
First, I will re-read a section to see if I missed something. Next, I would read further in the text to see if I can clarify my question there. I would consult the Internet to shed further light possibly. I would contact my friends and classmates to see if they had some way to explain it to me better. Finally, I would contact Dr. Cox to get her explanation of the topic.

Complete the following statement:
I will reach my goals in this course by continuing to work hard and do my best in all I do. Since I am aware of how difficult this course is, I will apply myself, study diligently, maintain a positive attitude, and never allow discouragement or set backs to get the upper hand in my life.