Welcome Class of 2014 to your Freshman Orientation Mock Class

1. Welcome Class of 2014to yourFreshman Orientation Mock Class

2. Focus on LEARNING • Today you will • Learn a bit about the Marymount course syllabus • Learn about our focus on inquiry learning • Participate in a mock class

3. Syllabus Every course has a syllabus that looks something like this Your instructor may hand it out on the first day of class, or (to go green) will post it on Blackboard It provides important information about the instructor and how to contact him/her, as well as: Purpose of course Objectives How the class is conducted

4. Syllabus Other information on the syllabus: How your grade is calculated What you can expect to happen every day, and what you need to do to prepare for class The textbook and other readings Additional information the instructor thinks is important

5. Syllabus Every syllabus also lists standard University statements about academic integrity, special needs accommodations, our use of your work for assessment purposes, and snow or other emergency closings. This may be on the FIRST page or the LAST page The bottom line: READ YOUR COURSE SYLLABUS!!!

6. Learning at Marymount University

7. Inquiry Learning “… classroom practices that promote student learning through guided and, increasingly, independent investigation of complex questions and problems, often for which there is no single answer.” Starting with DSC 101, inquiry classes focus on: Formulating good questions Developing and implementing a strategy for identifying and collecting evidence Using analysis, synthesis/creation, and evaluation to reach a conclusion Developing a final product Reflecting on your learning

8. In an inquiry class… • You may participate in case studies or lab work • There will be an emphasis on group activities during class • Lots of discussion will happen in class • You will be learning skills for research and may do a research project

9. Annual Student Research Conference