{"id":43,"date":"2015-04-07T21:51:20","date_gmt":"2015-04-07T21:51:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/fitness1xmaster\/?post_type=chapter&p=43"},"modified":"2015-04-07T21:51:20","modified_gmt":"2015-04-07T21:51:20","slug":"notes-from-your-instructor","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-fitness-2\/chapter\/notes-from-your-instructor\/","title":{"raw":"Notes from your instructor","rendered":"Notes from your instructor"},"content":{"raw":"\r\n\r\nBeginning a\u00a0wellness life\u00a0can be exciting, but it can also cause a little anxiety if you do not know where you are going or how you are going to get there.\u00a0 Fortunately, I will be your guide for this semester, and there is no need to feel anxious.\u00a0 Even if you are already familiar with fitness and wellness, you can still benefit from the directions here.\u00a0 There are two<\/span> types of information you need for this particular journey: fitness\/wellness information, and course procedures information. All of your fitness and wellness information is available when you click on the Course Units button. If you have questions about how the course operates and the answer is not in the syllabus, look for it in the Instructor's Notes button.\u00a0Think of this as a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.<\/strong> In all likelihood, you will find your answer here.\r\n

\"Teachers open the door.\u00a0 You enter by yourself.\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

This Chinese proverb sums up the underlying philosophy of this course.\u00a0 Wellness is about learning to do for yourself, and that is what you are expected to do in this class.\u00a0 It might take a bit of trying to get it right, but eventually you will.\u00a0 The information in this section is designed to make sure you start out on the right path and continue on the right path until the end of the semester.\u00a0 If you get lost along the way, you can always come back to this information for a \"refresher course.\"<\/p>\r\nStudent-Centered Learning<\/strong>\r\n

The quote above is also consistent with student-centered learning.\u00a0 What is student-centered learning? \u00a0The article \"Student Centered Learning\" by Barbara Nanney<\/a>\u00a0defines it as \"a broad teaching approach that encompasses replacing lectures with active learning, integrating self-paced learning programs and\/or cooperative group situations, ultimately holding the student responsible for his own\u00a0advances in education.\"\u00a0\u00a0 Again, you will find that you are responsible for your learning in this course and, as the article says, the idea is to make you better prepared to deal with the world beyond school.<\/blockquote>\r\nA Learning Community<\/strong>\r\n
As I mentioned in my Welcome, if you have taken\u00a0self-paced on-line courses, you will find that this course\u00a0is different because it\u00a0is limited<\/span> self-paced with mandatory due dates.\u00a0\u00a0However, many online\u00a0courses are now using this model, so it might not be completely unfamiliar to you.\u00a0 As I also mentioned in my Welcome, this\u00a0is a learning community.\u00a0 In other words, we all share in the process.\u00a0 Learning will occur as you\u00a0complete the assignments I have provided, and also as you interact with your classmates through a variety of\u00a0structured and unstructured opportunities.\u00a0\u00a0In addition, you are expected to use the Open Forum if you have a question or need clarification on something that has not been answered in the syllabus or instructions for a particular assignment.\u00a0\u00a0Chances are, if you have a question about something, someone else in the class has the same question.\u00a0 Even if no one else has thought about your question, they might learn something from your asking.<\/blockquote>\r\nMore About the Open Forum<\/strong>\r\n
The Open Forum is a place for you to share information, ask clarifying questions, and interact with your classmates. However, there are certain types of questions that do not belong there such as questions about your grades. Questions about your grade are\u00a0personal and should be asked by email. \u00a0 Furthermore, there is a comments section for each grade and you can find comments there. \u00a0And before you ask a question, look at the titles on the buttons on the left side menu and decide which one will most likely contain the information you are seeking. \u00a0If you cannot find the information, feel free to use the open forum as your classmates may have the same question as you.<\/blockquote>\r\nTextbooks<\/strong>\r\n
There is no required textbook to purchase for this Open Educational Resources (OER) version of the course. \u00a0The materials you will need (reading material and video content) are available in this book.<\/blockquote>\r\nAnnouncements<\/strong>\r\n
Although many -\u00a0if not most -\u00a0of your questions about the course\u00a0have been anticipated and answered in advance, sometimes I will need to give you up-to-the-minute information.\u00a0\u00a0 Be sure\u00a0to check the Announcements page regularly (at least once a week) during the semester for updates and \"hot-off-the presses\" information about the course or school\u00a0happenings in general..<\/blockquote>\r\nAssignments and Grades<\/strong>\r\n
All assignments are to be typed using current software (see \"Course Prerequisites\"<\/a>).\u00a0 All assignments are to be submitted using standard English: slang and \"text speak\" are not acceptable in any written communications.\u00a0 There are several ways to submit\u00a0assignments (blogs, journals, discussion boards, and assignment links).\u00a0\u00a0Each assignment has clear instructions regarding which method to use. \u00a0You must use the specified method so\u00a0the system can keep a record of your assignment along with your grade for the assignment. \u00a0Discussion board\u00a0 assignments should \u00a0be\u00a0typed directly in the provided space.<\/blockquote>\r\nGetting Credit for Assignments\/Late assignments\/Exams:<\/strong>\r\n
Due dates must be followed.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Late Assignments\u00a0can be subjected to a penalty of up to 25%<\/span>. \u00a0Late assignments put you at a disadvantage for completing all of the assigned work within the allotted timeframe and are, therefore, discouraged.\u00a0 If you fall too far behind, you might be withdrawn from the course, or you might not be able to complete the course with a passing grade.<\/blockquote>\r\nCheating:<\/strong>\r\n
Sadly, cheating is on the rise, and there is a need to implement stronger policies regarding it.\u00a0 The penalties are harsh and not really worth it if you are caught cheating.\u00a0 If you cheat on any assignment, you can lose points up to and including the maximum number of points for the assignment.\u00a0 If you submit the same assignment as someone else, both parties will be subject to the penalty.\u00a0 The policy for cheating on exams is included in the syllabus.\u00a0 Please read it because the penalty is very strong, and you risk failing the course.<\/blockquote>\r\nTips for success:<\/strong>\r\n
It should quickly become clear that\u00a0this course requires a lot of independent action on your part.\u00a0 The instructions are here to guide you, but you must make the effort to submit your assignments and follow the path as it is laid out out for you.\u00a0 Past experience has shown that there are several pitfalls that keep students from doing their best work.\u00a0 If you are careful to avoid these traps, you can very likely improve your performance in the course:\r\n
    \r\n\t
  1. Read the articles and assignments carefully and follow all directions.\u00a0 This might seem\u00a0 obvious, but it is very important.\u00a0 You might think you are familiar with certain information, or you might believe certain things about fitness that just are not true. \u00a0The articles are your source for reliable information.<\/li>\r\n\t
  2. When submitting assignments, make sure you follow all directions and you\u00a0answer all<\/span> questions unless otherwise directed.\u00a0 Again, this might seem obvious, but something as simple and straightforward as turning the page to see if the lab has additional questions can make a difference in whether or not you receive full credit for an assignment.<\/li>\r\n\t
  3. If you have read all of the information and you still have a nagging feeling about something, it is better to ask your question in the Open Forum than to make an incorrect assumption about what you should do.\u00a0 Better to be safe than sorry!<\/li>\r\n\t
  4. If you follow the three steps above, you will probably improve your assignment scores and you will definitely reduce the likelihood that you will be asked to resubmit an assignment.\u00a0 However, if you are asked to resubmit an assignment, do not take it as a personal criticism.\u00a0 It often takes a while to get used to fitness and wellness procedures.\u00a0 The sooner you respond positively to the request, the sooner you will be on your way to demonstrating fitness and wellness behaviors!<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nThese\u00a0simple tips can make a difference in your grade on an assignment.\u00a0 Remember, it is your responsibility to submit your assignments correctly and on time.\u00a0 Following these tips can help you do that.<\/blockquote>\r\n

    \"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.\" -\u00a0\u00a0Albert Einstein<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThank you for participating in student centered learning!\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\n","rendered":"

    <\/p>\n

    Beginning a\u00a0wellness life\u00a0can be exciting, but it can also cause a little anxiety if you do not know where you are going or how you are going to get there.\u00a0 Fortunately, I will be your guide for this semester, and there is no need to feel anxious.\u00a0 Even if you are already familiar with fitness and wellness, you can still benefit from the directions here.\u00a0 There are two<\/span> types of information you need for this particular journey: fitness\/wellness information, and course procedures information. All of your fitness and wellness information is available when you click on the Course Units button. If you have questions about how the course operates and the answer is not in the syllabus, look for it in the Instructor’s Notes button.\u00a0Think of this as a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.<\/strong> In all likelihood, you will find your answer here.<\/p>\n

    “Teachers open the door.\u00a0 You enter by yourself.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

    This Chinese proverb sums up the underlying philosophy of this course.\u00a0 Wellness is about learning to do for yourself, and that is what you are expected to do in this class.\u00a0 It might take a bit of trying to get it right, but eventually you will.\u00a0 The information in this section is designed to make sure you start out on the right path and continue on the right path until the end of the semester.\u00a0 If you get lost along the way, you can always come back to this information for a “refresher course.”<\/p>\n

    Student-Centered Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The quote above is also consistent with student-centered learning.\u00a0 What is student-centered learning? \u00a0The article “Student Centered Learning” by Barbara Nanney<\/a>\u00a0defines it as “a broad teaching approach that encompasses replacing lectures with active learning, integrating self-paced learning programs and\/or cooperative group situations, ultimately holding the student responsible for his own\u00a0advances in education.”\u00a0\u00a0 Again, you will find that you are responsible for your learning in this course and, as the article says, the idea is to make you better prepared to deal with the world beyond school.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    A Learning Community<\/strong><\/p>\n

    As I mentioned in my Welcome, if you have taken\u00a0self-paced on-line courses, you will find that this course\u00a0is different because it\u00a0is limited<\/span> self-paced with mandatory due dates.\u00a0\u00a0However, many online\u00a0courses are now using this model, so it might not be completely unfamiliar to you.\u00a0 As I also mentioned in my Welcome, this\u00a0is a learning community.\u00a0 In other words, we all share in the process.\u00a0 Learning will occur as you\u00a0complete the assignments I have provided, and also as you interact with your classmates through a variety of\u00a0structured and unstructured opportunities.\u00a0\u00a0In addition, you are expected to use the Open Forum if you have a question or need clarification on something that has not been answered in the syllabus or instructions for a particular assignment.\u00a0\u00a0Chances are, if you have a question about something, someone else in the class has the same question.\u00a0 Even if no one else has thought about your question, they might learn something from your asking.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    More About the Open Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Open Forum is a place for you to share information, ask clarifying questions, and interact with your classmates. However, there are certain types of questions that do not belong there such as questions about your grades. Questions about your grade are\u00a0personal and should be asked by email. \u00a0 Furthermore, there is a comments section for each grade and you can find comments there. \u00a0And before you ask a question, look at the titles on the buttons on the left side menu and decide which one will most likely contain the information you are seeking. \u00a0If you cannot find the information, feel free to use the open forum as your classmates may have the same question as you.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Textbooks<\/strong><\/p>\n

    There is no required textbook to purchase for this Open Educational Resources (OER) version of the course. \u00a0The materials you will need (reading material and video content) are available in this book.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Announcements<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Although many –\u00a0if not most –\u00a0of your questions about the course\u00a0have been anticipated and answered in advance, sometimes I will need to give you up-to-the-minute information.\u00a0\u00a0 Be sure\u00a0to check the Announcements page regularly (at least once a week) during the semester for updates and “hot-off-the presses” information about the course or school\u00a0happenings in general..<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Assignments and Grades<\/strong><\/p>\n

    All assignments are to be typed using current software (see “Course Prerequisites”<\/a>).\u00a0 All assignments are to be submitted using standard English: slang and “text speak” are not acceptable in any written communications.\u00a0 There are several ways to submit\u00a0assignments (blogs, journals, discussion boards, and assignment links).\u00a0\u00a0Each assignment has clear instructions regarding which method to use. \u00a0You must use the specified method so\u00a0the system can keep a record of your assignment along with your grade for the assignment. \u00a0Discussion board\u00a0 assignments should \u00a0be\u00a0typed directly in the provided space.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Getting Credit for Assignments\/Late assignments\/Exams:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Due dates must be followed.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Late Assignments\u00a0can be subjected to a penalty of up to 25%<\/span>. \u00a0Late assignments put you at a disadvantage for completing all of the assigned work within the allotted timeframe and are, therefore, discouraged.\u00a0 If you fall too far behind, you might be withdrawn from the course, or you might not be able to complete the course with a passing grade.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Cheating:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Sadly, cheating is on the rise, and there is a need to implement stronger policies regarding it.\u00a0 The penalties are harsh and not really worth it if you are caught cheating.\u00a0 If you cheat on any assignment, you can lose points up to and including the maximum number of points for the assignment.\u00a0 If you submit the same assignment as someone else, both parties will be subject to the penalty.\u00a0 The policy for cheating on exams is included in the syllabus.\u00a0 Please read it because the penalty is very strong, and you risk failing the course.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Tips for success:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    It should quickly become clear that\u00a0this course requires a lot of independent action on your part.\u00a0 The instructions are here to guide you, but you must make the effort to submit your assignments and follow the path as it is laid out out for you.\u00a0 Past experience has shown that there are several pitfalls that keep students from doing their best work.\u00a0 If you are careful to avoid these traps, you can very likely improve your performance in the course:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Read the articles and assignments carefully and follow all directions.\u00a0 This might seem\u00a0 obvious, but it is very important.\u00a0 You might think you are familiar with certain information, or you might believe certain things about fitness that just are not true. \u00a0The articles are your source for reliable information.<\/li>\n
    2. When submitting assignments, make sure you follow all directions and you\u00a0answer all<\/span> questions unless otherwise directed.\u00a0 Again, this might seem obvious, but something as simple and straightforward as turning the page to see if the lab has additional questions can make a difference in whether or not you receive full credit for an assignment.<\/li>\n
    3. If you have read all of the information and you still have a nagging feeling about something, it is better to ask your question in the Open Forum than to make an incorrect assumption about what you should do.\u00a0 Better to be safe than sorry!<\/li>\n
    4. If you follow the three steps above, you will probably improve your assignment scores and you will definitely reduce the likelihood that you will be asked to resubmit an assignment.\u00a0 However, if you are asked to resubmit an assignment, do not take it as a personal criticism.\u00a0 It often takes a while to get used to fitness and wellness procedures.\u00a0 The sooner you respond positively to the request, the sooner you will be on your way to demonstrating fitness and wellness behaviors!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      These\u00a0simple tips can make a difference in your grade on an assignment.\u00a0 Remember, it is your responsibility to submit your assignments correctly and on time.\u00a0 Following these tips can help you do that.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      “I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” –\u00a0\u00a0Albert Einstein<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Thank you for participating in student centered learning!<\/p>\n

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      Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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      CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div>