Instructor: Dr. Margie Clayton

Email: claytonmw@lamarpa.edu

Phone: 4099846330

Office Hours: Bob Hope High School Room 128 TWTH-8:15-9:00 class hours, office hours (TWTH 11:00-11:30) T, W, Th Bob Hope School library 

Additional Contact Information:

Study of the research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation; factors that impact learning; and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g. learning inventories) to identify their strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become more effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned. (Cross-listed as PSYC 1300).

Textbook Title : On Course: Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life.

Ninth Edition, Cengage Publishing.

Authors: Skip Downing and Jonathan Brennan

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

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PSLO 1: Reading Skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material.

PSLO 2: Critical Thinking Skills - Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

PSLO 3: Communication Skills - Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication.

PSLO 4: Empirical and Quantitative Skills - Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

PSLO 5: Social Responsibility Skills - Expresses intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities

• Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
• Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.
• Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.
• Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.
• Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Chapter 1 Getting on course to your success

Chapter 2 Accepting Personal Responsibility

Chapter 3 Discovering Self-Motivation

Chapter 4 Mastering Self- management

Chapter 5 Employing Interdependence

Chapter 6 Gaining Self-Awareness

Chapter 7 Adopting Lifelong Learning

Chapter 8 Developing Emotional Intelligence

Chapter 9 Staying on course to your Success

Week 1: Getting on Course to Success, Syllabus Review, What's in a Name, Assignments-Plagiarism/AI

Journal Entry p. 21/Budgeting p. 37

Week 2 : Getting on Course to Success/ Accepting Personal Responsibility, GPA, Exam 1

Week 3: Accepting Personal Responsibility/Discovering Self-Motivation, Assignments-p. 46 Case Study in Critical Thinking p. 52 Journal Entry 4

Week 4: Discovering Self-Motivation/Mastering Self Management, Journal Entry 5, Victim Language p. 59, Exam 2

Week 5: Mastering Self Management/Employing Interdependence-Assignment -pp.85-86  

Week 6: Employing Interdependence/Gaining Self-Awareness, Assignment -DAPPS p. 95, Exam 3

Week 7: Gaining Self-Awareness/Adopting Lifelong Learning, Assignment- Weekly Calendar p. 131

Week 8: Adopting Life Long Learning/begin Core Project Career Awareness, Assignment - Journal Entry 15, p. 157 Assignment Exam 4

Week 9: Adopting Lifelong Learning/Developing Emotional Intelligence  Assignment - Case in Critical Thinking Debate, pp.164-165

Week 10: Developing Emotional Intelligence, Journal Entry 21 p. 209

Week 11: Staying On Course to Your Success, Assignment-Self-defeating Habit Patterns, pp. 208-209, Exam 5

Week 12: Staying on Course to Your Success, Assignment - p. 255-256 Writing Rules to Change Your Habits, Core Project Career Awareness Due

Week 13: Assignment-Case Study in Critical Thinking Debate p.277  

Week 14: Thanksgiving Break

Week 15: Career Awareness Oral Presentations, Finals Begin

Week 16: Career Awareness Oral Presentations, Last Class Day, Friday, December 11, 2026

December 1-7, 2026

 90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B 70 - 79=C 60 - 69=D Below 59 = F

Discussion-20%

Assignments/Quizzes-25%

Journals – 20%

Career Research Project-35%

AI Use Policy

As part of our commitment to preparing students for a future shaped by technology, this course supports the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

Permitted Uses of AI:

Students may use AI tools (such as ChatGPT or similar platforms) for the following purposes:

• Brainstorming ideas for assignments or projects
• Summarizing readings or notes to aid in studying
• Clarifying assignment instructions or difficult concepts
• Practicing writing or exploring different perspectives

These uses are intended to support your learning, not replace it.

Prohibited Uses of AI:

The following uses of AI are not allowed and may be considered academic dishonesty:

• Submitting AI-generated content as your own work
• Using AI to complete assignments without your own input or understanding
• Relying on AI to bypass the learning process or avoid critical thinking
• Failing to acknowledge AI assistance when required

You are expected to take full responsibility for all submitted work.

Why This Matters:

• This course is designed to help you develop your own thinking and learning strategies.
• AI can be a helpful tool, but it cannot replace your engagement, effort, or understanding.
• Following this policy ensures a fair and honest learning environment for everyone.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you're unsure whether a particular use of AI is appropriate, please ask. Open communication is encouraged, and I’m here to help you learn how to use these tools wisely.

I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by personal email. 

Disruptive Behavior Policy:

All students are expected to contribute to an environment that fosters effective teaching and learning for everyone involved. Any behavior that disrupts teaching and learning is not tolerated. Therefore, all interactions, whether in person or online, should be conducted in a civilized, respectful, and relevant manner to the topic at hand. While diverse opinions and constructive debate are essential to the educational process, any behavior that disrespects others or impedes their learning will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the class or course. Serious or repeated offenses will be referred to the appropriate departments for further action.

Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Students with more than three absences from the course will receive an academic penalty (which is spelled out by the instructor). 5 points for each absence after 3 unexcused absences (at instructors discretion)

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Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.