IMPORTANT NOTE:  I often respond to email using my personal address: kpsych123@gmail.com. PLEASE be sure to (immediately) add this address (and kroberts@bcconline.com) to your "safe senders" list so that my emails don't bounce back to me!  I don't click on those "SPAM Blocker" links (when someone sends you an email, they get a return email that says "we think this might be SPAM - click the link to let us know it's not, and we'll let your email through" (Earthlink accounts commonly do this).  Some of those links collect personal information (especially the ones you download for free), so I won't click on them.  Just be sure I'm on a "safe sender" list and you shouldn't have any problem.)  (You should still send emails to me at the kroberts@bcconline.com address - they are forwarded to my personal address.)  

One last note about email:  I ALWAYS respond to email within 24 hours (not including weekends/holidays).  If you have not received a response from me in that time, it is likely that I didn't receive your email (or more likely that I have responded and it was blocked by your internet provider or put into your SPAM folder).  Please send another email letting me know that it is your second email (or send me a message using an Instant Messenger).  If you still don't receive a response to your email, please do two things: email again using either an alternate email account or include your phone number so that I can call you AND call/email the college instruction office - (760) 252-2411 - to email me or call me with your phone number.  I try hard to stay in contact with my students, but I've had a small number of students over the past years who never received my responses and we didn't know what was happening until very late in the semester.  I don't want that much time to pass if you are trying to reach me.

User Name and Password:

You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these words you will not be able to access the course materials. The format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page of your course. This information is posted in red on the course homepage. Be sure to use your EXACT email address on everything, otherwise important information will not reach you.  If you still need assistance with your username and password please go to this page and read the instructions: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm, to receive further assistance. 

In the box below please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, and if you have yours:

E-mail (the fastest and most reliable way to reach me): kroberts@bcconline.com

Online Office Hours:   Wednesdays: 8-9 pm. (I will be online during these hours and will respond immediately to any E-mail sent during these times.) Additionally, you may contact me via Instant Messenger: Yahoo Messenger: kroberts124 or MSN Messenger: Kroberts123@hotmail.com (please do not use these addresses for email - I don't check them! Use the email address posted above.).

Berger, K. S., (2008). The developing person through childhood and adolescence (8th Ed.) New York: Worth Publishers.

Email Updates

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

Development of children from prenatal through adolescent periods of growth. Consideration of case studies. Requires a one hour of observation at child care center or other approved setting. Degree Applicable. 3 UNITS

None

Upon completion of this course, the student should be provided with a basic foundation of the principles of child growth and development:

Generally, the student will develop his or her overall perspective of the study of human development, how and why people change as they grow older, as well as how and why the stay the same. Specifically, the student will be able to understand, describe and apply the following:

1. The goals, values, and methods involved in the scientific study of human development and practical application.

2. Several theoretical perspectives that offer insight into why we develop in the ways that we do and how we learn to act in new ways.

3. The interactions between genetics and environment that affect the developing person.

4. What happens during the first nine months of life, the prenatal period.

5. The impressive physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of infancy through the first two years, the play years (2 to 6), the school years, and adolescence.

6. Three major areas of controversy in the study of human development.

7. Developmental research including: The steps of the scientific method, ethical concerns, two basic research designs, and ways to test hypotheses.

1. You will demonstrate your understanding of materials presented in online lectures, online discussions, text, etc., by way of written exams and one report or project.

2. You will determine your knowledge, opinions, patterns and preferences regarding text topics by completing and evaluating self-assessment exercises.

3. Through interaction with the course materials and online discussions, critical thinking skills will be sharpened. Such skills will be measured by writing a research report on an approved topic and essay questions on exams.

4. Writing skills will be emphasized

5. Communication skills will be sharpened through weekly assignments and online discussions. Participation in live and posted discussions will be emphasized.

6. The student will be provided with enhanced behavioral skills to facilitate the business of living.

7. The student will be provided with an opportunity to gain insight on questions fundamental to thinking individuals throughout recorded history regarding the human condition, such as, what is the nature of human nature and/or why do we do what we do, how do values develop in children and how do they learn to live the good life.

The student will be provided with opportunities to improve general academic skills:

1. Through interaction with the course materials, weekly assignments, and online group discussions.

2. Sharpening and measuring critical thinking skills by weekly essay questions, discussion groups, and exam questions.

3. Emphasizing writing skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

A. Define Learning Outcomes of this Course

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of cognitive, social, emotional, physical development of children through developmental stages of life.
2. Compare major elements of language development.
3. Identify the differences of genetics and environmental factors of children’s development.
4. Analyze and evaluate current research methods on growth and development of children.
5. Contrast, compare, and develop conclusions affecting the understanding of development.
6. Apply techniques of unbiased observations on children at various developments.

 Critical thinking tasks/assignments might include (but are not limited to) the following:

Critical thinking shall be demonstrated by one or more of the following:

1. Essay questions from various chapters in each of the weekly assignments, exams and quizzes given during the semester.

2. A term project to be researched, written in report format, and submitted for a grade.

3. Participation in online group discussions and exercises.

1. . Weekly attendance at all classes as shown by participation in discussion groups and work submitted (see attendance policy)

2. Reading: All reading assignments will be read prior to the due date unless otherwise specified in the lesson.

3. Appropriate participation in class discussions and assigned materials related to course content (points will be deducted for inappropriate, rude, or derogatory comments).

1. Study
2. Required reading
3. Written work (may include essays, reports, exams, weekly assignments, critical thinking exercises, research)
4. Participation

1) Examinations and quizzes which may be essay, fill-in, short answer, true/false, matching, multiple-choice, or other types or a combination of any of these formats.

2) On campus or proctored (by an authorized representative) off-campus exams will be scheduled and given mid-way through the course (mid-term exam) and at the end (final exam). See statement on "Proctored Exams."

3) Written reports, presentations, quizzes, and class exercises will be executed with proper grammar in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. Peer tutors are available at no cost to students for proof-reading and assistance in the construction of required work, and general writing guidelines are included at the back of this syllabus.

1. Online Discussion Group questions: 225 points (9 discussions at 25 points each)
3. Quizzes: 150 points (15 quizzes at 10 points each)
4. Observation report: 200 points
5. Final examination: 100 points
6.  Extra points: 25 automatic extra points for each student to even out the total points possible

700 - 630 = A
629 - 560  = B
559 - 490  = C
489 - 420  = D
419 or less = F

Grades for each week are posted in the Instructor Post Area of the Discussion Board, which you are responsible to check at least weekly.  (Grades are not emailed - they will be posted to the online gradebook by Friday after the week ends.)  For the online gradebook, you will need to provide a "fake name."  You can use any name you like as long as it doesn't easily identify you.  For example, you may not use your real name, username, or portions of your email address.  If your "fake name" might be easily identifiable, is the similar to another student's real name, or is similar to someone else's "fake name," you will be asked to select another name. 

(The following general criteria will be used in evaluating all work. Additionally, specific criteria for each assignment will be given. Note: The pluses and minuses are for in-class information only. Barstow College does not assign pluses and minuses in the final grade.)

A & A- Grades (90-100% of possible points): Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Has unusually sharp insight into material; initiates thoughtful questions. Sees many sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines; anticipates next steps in progression of ideas. Shows outstanding ability to apply theories to practical applications.

B+, B, & B- Grades (80-89% of possible points): Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. Is an active listener and participant in class discussion. Speaks and writes well. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work in and out of class is of high quality though rarely outstanding. Shows improvement throughout semester in combining theories with practical applications.

C+, C, & C- Grades (70-79% of possible points): Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes the minimum requirements and communicates orally and in writing at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a general understanding of all basic concepts.

D+, D, & D- Grades (60-69% of possible points): Minimal comprehension of subject matter. Accomplishes less than the minimum requirements for the course. Work that is completed is below a level acceptable for a college course. Is unable to demonstrate general understanding of basic concepts.

F Grade (59% or below of possible points): Few or no requirements for course were met. Work is unacceptable for college level. Does not demonstrate comprehension of subject matter or understanding of course concepts.

< Any student who fails to complete the first week's work will be considered a "no show" and dropped from the course.  Failure to actively participate the 2nd or 3rd week may also result in being dropped from the course without further notice.  After the 3rd week, the instructor cannot drop a student, and at all times, it is the student's responsibility to drop the course.

>Participation will be accomplished through online discussions and completion of weekly quizzes turned in on time.

>Students are expected to have read all material prior to the due date to incorporate the material into assignments and discussions. It will be through active participation that course information is learned and retained.

>Students are expected to complete all class work. Missed discussions and the course paper will be accepted for one week after the due date and will receive a 50% point deduction. Quizzes will not be accepted late. Other coursework that is more than one week late will not receive credit. 

>Instructors can no longer drop students after the 3rd week of class. Please note that in all cases it is the student’s responsibility to drop a class, not the instructor’s. If the student does not drop, but remains on the class roll, a grade of F will result. (If you need to drop - please check at the Barstow College office for the drop deadline.)

>Emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. You must send a note to the instructor explaining the emergency. Documentation or verification may be required. Whenever possible, ADVANCE notice is preferred. Contacting the instructor does not guarantee that your late work will be accepted or that you will avoid any grade deduction.

A one-hour observation of a child (2-4 years old) in a preschool setting is required for this class. After the one hour observation, you will write a brief report (3-5 pages) describing your observations and relating them to the theories in the course. This report is a major portion of your grade and due at the end of Week 6. (a Sample Paper is provided to give you a general idea of the content of this paper.  Copying this "sample paper" in part or in whole is plagiarism - it is there as a guideline only.) 

< Call the child care center before going to make an appointment and see if they have any requirements for identification or verification.  You may need to take your course syllabus with you.

< The child must be between 2 and 4 years old, in a professional childcare setting, and may NOT be a child you know.  Siblings, children, the children of relatives or friends, or children you teach are not acceptable for observation purposes.

< Please do not use children with known or obvious disabilities/special needs for this project.  The focus of this project is to associate the child's normal developmental behaviors with child development concepts and theories based on normative populations.  

< The paper will be typed, DOUBLE SPACED, and 3 to 5 pages in length. Use of a word processor is recommended, and the font must be 10-12 points, using common fonts such as Times New Roman, pica, or elite. "Script" type is not acceptable.

< Each paper will contain a title page at the beginning and a "references" page at the end, which are not included in the 3 to 5 page length of the paper.

< APA (American Psychological Association) format should be used (click here for the basics).  Please do not use online resources for this writing style, as they tend to be inconsistent. E-mail the instructor for any additional questions about this writing style.

< Pages should be numbered, however the title page is not numbered.

<  You may use MS Word or Works.  If you use any other word processing program, please save the file as .rtf (rich text format) file so that I will be able to open it.  Please email with questions.

< A rough draft of the paper may be turned in early (see course schedule for final date) for instructor review (AFTER you have reviewed your paper against the "Paper Grading Criteria" provided), and will be returned to you for final revisions before the final draft is due. THIS IS AN OPTION available to you to improve your grade on the paper and must be turned in no later than the end of Week 4.

< Reports must be submitted via E-mail, and should be submitted as an attachment to your E-mail, not included in the E-mail itself.  Any observation paper submitted in the body of the email, and not as an attachment, will be returned to the student. (This report is the ONLY assignment that I will accept as an attachment.  All other work submitted as an attachment will be returned.)

< Additionally, all papers will be required to be submitted to www.turnitin.com,  which compares papers with thousands of textbooks, professional journals, internet sites, other students' papers and even prior submissions of your own papers!  Turnitin.com compares papers for plagiarized sections of the paper and sends a report to me.  The site is completely confidential and no one but myself will have access to the papers.  This is a requirement of the course, and failure to submit the paper to turnitin.com will result in a failing grade on the paper.  (You still need to submit a copy of the paper to me via email.)  I will post detailed instructions in the Instructor Post Area and a course password so that you will have access.

Quizzes will be given after each chapter except for 2 chapters. They will consist of multiple choice questions. You may use the lessons, your book or your notes on the quizzes. They are not timed. Quizzes are located at the bottom of the corresponding lesson. Because it is critical for study and retention of the material that students be able to request their quizzes to see what they did wrong, I do not accept late quizzes.  This way I can honor requests for a copy of the quiz within a short time after the quiz ends.  (If you wish to have a copy of a quiz and the correct answers, please send a request to me after the week is over.  I will not send out quiz answers while other students still have to turn in the quiz. For more information on requesting quizzes, please see the Online Gradebook instructions.)  Quiz links are located throughout the lessons and are clearly marked.  In general, there are two quizzes in each lesson. 

(There is no mid-term exam for this course) The final exam will be given during the week listed on the course homepage and will take approximately three hours to complete. The final exam requires that you either take the exam at the college or arrange for a proctor in a supervised location (follow the instructions on the "Proctor Form" on the course homepage). The exam is worth 100 points and covers all of the course assignments including the chapters listed in the course outline and the accompanying lessons.  Some questions will be from the book only, some from the lessons only, and some from both - you need to be familiar with the information contained in all required readings. Questions will consist of multiple choice, true/false exercises and will be an open book/open note exam. Please see the "Exam" link on the course homepage for additional information.  LATE EXAMS WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT AND MISSED EXAMS CANNOT BE MADE UP. 

All students are required to take the final exam at an adequately supervised location. The exam for this course will be given on-campus in the Barstow College Computer Labs, the Miramar Campus, or at the Fort Irwin Resident Center during the week scheduled. Students should plan to take the exam on the Main Campus or at Fort Irwin during the scheduled week (call to schedule an appointment or verify their hours) unless notified otherwise. (If you intend to take the exam at the college, either campus, you do NOT need to submit a proctor form.)

If you are unable to take the exams at either of these locations because you do not live close to any of the college campuses, you may take the exam at a location near you, using a proctor approved by your instructor. You must inform the instructor (using the Proctor Form on the course homepage) at least two weeks prior to the exam date that you intend to take the exam at another location so that your instructor has time to approve the proctor and location. Specific proctor guidelines are listed on the Proctor Form.  In general, students who live in close proximity to the college are expected to take the exam at the college: proctors will not be approved for those residing in Barstow or Fort Irwin except in special circumstances.  Email the instructor before submitting the Proctor Form. 

Please note that online courses are available for the convenience of students with varying needs. These courses are neither easier nor less time-consuming than a normal "in-class" course: just more flexible. While they allow the student to "attend class" (so-to-speak) at the student’s convenience, they still require self-motivation and time-management on the part of the student. Because this online course is also a 9-week course, it is far more concentrated than a typical 18-week course, in or out of the classroom and you should expect it to take double the time, each week, of an 18-week course.  Students should expect online courses to take at least as much time and dedication as in-class courses, and should plan their schedules accordingly.

Written reports, presentations, quizzes, and class exercises will be executed and/or performed in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. Points will be deducted for incorrect spelling and improper grammar, and also for inappropriate, rude, or derogatory comments.   The student is STRONGLY encouraged to save ALL work.  For purposes of this online course, the student is also strongly encouraged to print or copy/paste the completed quizzes (before submission) and the page that comes up after submission of an assignment.  This is your ONLY proof that an assignment/quiz was submitted on time (the email confirmations you receive are not proof.  Do not take this suggestion lightly - although it rarely happens, online work CAN be lost in cyberspace and never reach the instructor.

1. You must do your own work. Papers, quizzes, tests, etc. MUST be your own work in your own words.  All course work should be done individually.  I realize that some are concerned with "English writing ability" and want someone else to "check" the work. I strongly suggest that you put everything in your own words FIRST, then, if you desire, have someone proofread for you. Proofreading involves checking for errors, not re-writing sentences and paragraphs. If revisions are needed for clarity, the YOU make those revisions; don’t expect your proofreader to do it. 

2. When "borrowing" ideas from another source (for example, research for a paper) - ALWAYS, ALWAYS give credit.  If it is not YOUR idea, you MUST give credit whether you use the exact information or if you paraphrase.   Additionally, you cannot have too many citations in a paragraph/paper - especially a "research" paper, because you are "researching" from other sources. If you have information that did not come directly from your head (i.e., if you were "inspired" by something you read or saw), you MUST cite the reference, even if you are quoting from the text or the lessons. Claiming work as your own that is not yours is plagiarism, including copying direction from the text or lessons, even when responding to quiz, exam, or assignment questions.  If you feel you need to copy directly, then cite the reference. I deal harshly with plagiarism, because there is simply no excuse for it. 

A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, objectives, and class topic and reading schedule. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when circumstances dictate or unusual opportunities for student learning arise. Students will be notified.

Each week, students will read the assigned chapters, read the lectures for the week and answer any questions at the end, complete any other assignments listed including the weekly assignment, and participate in the discussion group. Answers to lecture questions and completed assignments must be submitted to the instructor via E-mail (or by using the automatic form at the end of each lesson - this is preferred) and discussion questions answered before Sunday at midnight of the week (see course homepage for exact dates).

SCHEDULE 

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 1    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Read the Syllabus
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Appendix B - More about Research Methods
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Course
Quiz #1
Quiz #2

Participate in Discussion #1

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 2    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Chapter 2 - Theories of Development 
Lesson #2

Quiz #3

Participate in Discussion #2

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 3    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Chapter 3 - Heredity and Environment
Chapter 4 - Prenatal Development and Birth
Quiz #4
Quiz #5
Lesson #3

Participate in Discussion #3

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 4    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Chapter 5 - The First Two Years: Biosocial Development
Chapter 6 -The First Two Years: Cognitive Development
Chapter 7 -The First Two Years: Psychosocial Development
Quiz #6
Quiz #7
Quiz #8
Lesson #4

Participate in Discussion #4

Optional Rough draft of Observation Paper Due

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 5    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Chapter 8 - The Play Years (2 - 6 yrs.): Biosocial Development
Chapter 9 - The Play Years (2 - 6 yrs.): Cognitive Development
Chapter 10 - The Play Years (2 - 6 yrs.): Psychosocial Development

Quiz #9
Quiz #10

Lesson #5

Participate in Discussion #5

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 6    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

No lesson this week - work on observation report

Participate in Discussion #6

OBSERVATION REPORT DUE

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 7    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Chapter 11 -The School Years (6 - 12 yrs.): Biosocial Development
Chapter 12 -The School Years (6 - 12 yrs.): Cognitive Development
Chapter 13 - The School Years (6 - 12 yrs.): Psychosocial Development

Quiz #11
Quiz #12
Quiz #13
Lesson #6

Participate in Discussion #7

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 8    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Chapter 14 -Adolescence: Biosocial Development
Chapter 15 -Adolescence: Cognitive Development
Chapter 16 -Adolescence: Psychosocial Development
Quiz #14
Quiz #15
Lesson #7

Participate in Discussion #8

- - - * - - - * - - - * - - -    WEEK 9    - - - * - - - * - - - * - - -

Participate in the Final Discussion Question (#9)

TAKE THE FINAL EXAM (see dates on the course homepage)

ALL WORK IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009 NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE GRANTED. NOTE THAT THIS IS A VERY SHORT WEEK, AND YOUR TIME NEEDS TO BE PLANNED ACCORDINGLY.

Disability Statement: 

If you have a disability which may impact your success in this course, you may contact the Disability Student Programs and Services (DSPS) office to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The DSPS department can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7224 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing dsps@bcconline.com.

In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I have a disability I can contact the DSPS program at the number or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the DSPS department.

In the box below type:  I understand the syllabus is a guide to the course and not a contract.  The syllabus is subject to change and students will be notified if changes occur.  I also understand that class ends on a Wednesday and will schedule my time accordingly.