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GJHS Course Syllabus

 

Course Name:         College Notetaking

Instructor:               Mrs. Potasnik—JHS Room C111    (814)533-5601 Ext. 3111

                                                ppotasnik@gjsd.net

Course Overview:

                College Notetaking is a course that uses the abbreviated writing system known as SuperWrite. You will learn these outlines which are based primarily on the alphabet and secondarily on phonetics (sound). This class will benefit you greatly in taking notes as you prepare to move on to further your education in college or seek employment in the work force. The class will assist you to make legible notes at a faster speed, thus giving you the ability to finish your work in record time.

 

When you complete this class, you will have a solid understanding of the many SuperWrite outlines and abbreviations. You will be provided with the necessary tools, not only to further your education but for any career in the business world. It will be necessary to use the outlines that we learn constantly to maintain a high rate of proficiency in taking notes. In College Notetaking, you will strive for accuracy as you key the material taken from your notes.

 

The class will consist of an introduction to the new outlines presented in each lesson. You will practice these outlines in your steno pad (spiral notebook provided) as I dictate them. A listing of abbreviations, which we will memorize, will also be given in my introduction to each lesson. Questions concerning the material covered in class are always welcomed. My strategy is to make sure that each student comprehends the material and feels confident in writing the outlines with accuracy and speed. Continuous repetition is a “constant” in this class. I walk around the room often to offer help when needed.

 

Please note that College Notetaking is a year-long class meeting every day for 42 minutes. It is imperative that you attend class each day to gain knowledge of the material covered and to practice the outlines and abbreviations that are given. In this way, you will build your accuracy and speed in taking notes. During the class throughout the year, we will be using the computers. Proper posture and keyboarding techniques will be strictly adhered to.

 

 

Course Objectives:

      Learn each SuperWrite outline and abbreviation presented in the lesson.

      Identify and understand the meaning of the vocabulary used in each lesson.

      Read all material/directions before beginning to work.

      Continue to key properly on the computer using correct posture and keying techniques.

      Key your dictated SuperWrite notes with accuracy and speed.

      Challenge yourself by constantly practicing all SuperWrite outlines and abbreviations learned.

Classroom Rules:

• Attendance:

It is absolutely necessary that you attend class every day. This class, like any other skill-building class, will follow a rigorous and continuous schedule in which new features and material are introduced and practiced every day. By missing one class, you will lose valuable learning that will affect your future work. Also, your accuracy and speed levels in writing the outlines will drop drastically.

 

Granted, sometimes sickness or family emergencies enter into the picture, in which case, it is your responsibility to see me in the mornings (7:15-7:30) on the day you come back to school so that I can explain the material that you missed and you may have a chance to log onto the computer to practice what you missed. Do not wait until class to ask “What did I miss?” I cannot stop class to explain to you individually all that you missed. That would not be fair to the other students. Missed handouts, documents, and assignments will be kept in an “absentee folder” for you to gather.

 

If you are absent the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due the day you return. If you are absent on the day of a quiz or a test, be prepared to take that quiz or test on the day of your return. All makeup work must be completed within three (3) days of your return to school, or you will receive a zero.

 

If you are absent, you must visit your academy office to get an excusal slip from the secretary. Do not enter the classroom without an excusal slip. Should you “forget” to get the excusal slip, you will be given only one chance to go to your academy office to pick up your excusal slip without having teacher detention. If you “forget” to get your excusal slip on the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, etc., you will be assigned my teacher detention. Should you refuse to come for the teacher detention, a discipline log will be sent to your academy office. This policy will drastically cut down the number of students in the hall and will assure that you are in my room for instruction the entire class period. An unexcused absence will result in a zero for any assignments, quizzes, tests, or activities performed that day.

 

• Behavior:

      We are all mature individuals in this room and are expected to behave accordingly. I expect you to come to class promptly every day and have all your materials (textbook, workbook, steno pad, pens, and folders taken from your cabinet slot to your assigned seat at the table). Responsible and respectful behavior is expected at all times. Putting your head down on the table/desk and sleeping will not be tolerated. You must concentrate on the material or directions being presented by the teacher. Pay close attention to the points listed in the Code of Conduct Contract that will follow.

 

• Tardiness to Class:

      You must arrive to class on time! This does not mean “running in the door and saying that you made it.” I expect you to have your textbook, workbook, steno pad, and ink pen at your assigned seat at the table ready to begin class when the late bell rings. I will begin the class promptly when the late bell rings.

 

      Coming to class late is a disruption in the educational process of others. Accurate records of “lates” will be kept in a notebook. If you are late to class two (2) times, a phone call will be made to your home. If you are late to class three (3) times, you will be assigned “teacher detention”. If you refuse to take my teacher detention, a discipline log will be written and sent to your academy office and another phone call will be made to your home. If you are late to class 4, 5, etc. times, additional discipline logs will be written.

 

      If a teacher, secretary, administrator, or anyone else causes you to be late for my class, make sure you ask them for an admit. Verbally telling me that they held you up will not erase the fact that you were late. Again, it is extremely important that you are on time every day to class.

 

• Dismissal from Class:

      This class is not a study hall. Your attendance is mandatory. Please do not ask if you can go to another teacher’s room, the gym, or any other activity in the building while my class is going on. You need to be here! Restroom privileges should not be abused. Should I see that occurring, I will notify the nurse who will then call your home. For safety reasons, stay seated until the dismissal bell rings to move on to your next class.

Course Materials:

(Students will need these items everyday in class.)

      College Notetaking textbook (Students will receive a numbered slot in cabinet for storage of books/folders.)

      College Notetaking workbook (Students will store the workbook along with other materials for the class in their numbered slot in the cabinet.)

      Steno pad (provided; as many as needed throughout the course)

      Pens (One pen will be provided during each marking period—students may bring others.)

Course Text & Readings:

                The text that is used every day is SuperWrite Alphabetic Writing System (Lemaster/Baer) Volumes 1 and 2.

            We will also be using the workbook entitled Student Workbook for the SuperWrite Alphabetic Writing System, Volumes 1 and 2.

            The SuperWrite Dictionary will also be used as a supplemental text.

Assessments:

Grades can be determined at any time throughout the year using the following grading scale:

                                                                        93% - 100%     A

                                                                        82% - 92%       B

                                                                        70% - 81%       C

                                                                        60% - 69%       D

                                                                        0% - 59%         F

Your final grade will be determined by four (4) 9-week grades and the final exam. Each 9-week grade is worth 20%, and the final grade is worth 20%. Even if you pass all 9-week marking periods, but fail the final exam, you may still fail the course. It is imperative that you take the final exams seriously.

 

Grading Policy & Procedures:

• Grading Scale

      Grades can be determined at any time throughout the year using the following grading scale:

 

                                                                  93% - 100%     A

                                                                  82% - 92%       B

                                                                  70% - 81%       C

                                                                  60% - 69%       D

                                                                  0% - 59%         F

 

• Academic Dishonesty

Any act of academic dishonesty (cheating on quizzes, tests, documents, plagiarism of homework, etc) will not be tolerated and will result in the following:

 

1)      a zero on the work involved.

2)      a phone call home to parent/guardian.

3)      a discipline log sent to the office.

 

If you need help on any assignment or in studying for a quiz or test, please see me in the mornings (7:15-7:30) or after school (2:35-3:00), and I will be more than happy to help you. Therefore, there is no reason for any dishonesty.

 

 

• Quizzes / Tests

      Quizzes will be given throughout the chapters and may be announced or unannounced. The purpose of quizzes is to help me see what areas of difficulty you may be experiencing with the material prior to taking a large chapter test. Therefore, we can correct any mistakes you are making and remediation can take place before you take the chapter test.

 

      Tests will occur at the end of each chapter. Tests will be announced at least two (2) to three (3) days in advance. A review for the test will occur before the test. This will give you a chance to ask questions of any material that you may not completely understand. If absent on the day of a test, you will need to make arrangements to take a makeup test.

 

      Progress reports will be sent home in the middle of the 9-week period for those students who are not achieving at least a “C” average.

 

• Homework

      Doing homework is vital if you are to succeed in this (or any) course. It is an important part of the lessons and must be completed on a regular basis. Homework is the learning experience which allows you to practice the concepts you are learning in class. You learn the material by doing work—each and every homework assignment is very important. Homework will be checked each time either individually or together as a class; but, it must be completed. No homework—no credit!

 

Course Outline:

 

The topics that we will cover in College Notetaking include the following:

      Principles of Construction—Letters and Symbols of the SuperWrite Alphabet (Lessons 1-25).

      Abbreviations/Brief Forms covered in Lessons 1-25.

      Spelling

      SuperWrite Vocabulary

      Speed Building

      Proofreading

      Punctuation Guides

      SuperWrite Reviews

      Dictation and Transcription

      Notetaking

 

Wishing you a great year in this class—Mrs. Potasnik

 

Code of Conduct Contract

Mrs. Potasnik

v All Greater Johnstown High School regulations, responsibilities, and disciplinary options stated in the Code of Student Discipline book will be understood and followed by every student in this classroom.

v Point values will be assigned for each infraction.

1. 1.     Respect yourself, classmates, teachers, administrators, all other staff, and property of Johnstown High School. Treat others as you wish to be treated!
2. 2.     Students will be on time for class! Sleeping or not doing work in class will not be tolerated.
3. 3.     Students will remain seated at all times.
4. 4.     Students will raise their hands to talk.
5. 5.     Students need to be prepared for each time in class. No one will be permitted to leave the classroom after the bell rings for the start of class unless they have an admit from an administrator excusing them for a legitimate reason.
6. 6.     Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism and cheating will result in disciplinary action as stated in the Greater Johnstown School Handbook and could result in a failing grade for the year.
7. 7.     Students are expected in class every day! When absent, you are responsible for any make-up work.
8. 8.     Do not bring food, candy, or drinks to class.
9. 9.     All electronic devices are prohibited in this classroom. Specifically, cell phone possession is severely restricted. Students caught with cell phones in their possession will have them confiscated, and they must be picked up by a parent/guardian in the Main Office.

 

 

 

Please return this paper to (Mrs. Potasnik) no later than (date will be given verbally and written here by the student).

 

I have read and understand the overall course structure as well as the student requirements and responsibilities.   I have also read the rules in the Code of Conduct Contract and understand them and the consequences that result if not followed.

 

Student Name:
Student Signature :		Date:
Parent/ Guardian Name:		Relation:
Parent / Guardian Signature		Date:
Class Period =	Name of Class =	Date =

 

 

Parent/Guardian Contact Information:  (Please mark information below neat/legibly.

Address (including zip code)__________________________________

Home telephone number____________________________________

Cell phone number_________________________________________

Email address______________________________________________