Q: What is EDUC 1300 Learning Framework?
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) lower division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) provides a list of courses and course descriptions that can be used with minor modifications by Texas community colleges. The EDUC 1300 course description written below contains underlined revisions recommended by the Core Learning Framework Committee.
EDUC 1300 — Learning Framework
This interdisciplinary course addresses 1) research and theory in learning, cognition, and motivation, 2) factors that impact learning, and 3) 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 help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned. Critical thinking serves as the foundation for different thematic approaches using a variety of academic disciplines. (Cross-listed as PSYC 1300)
Q: Who has to take EDUC 1300? Do they have to take it their first semester?
Students who enroll in DCCCD with fewer than 12 college-level credit hours will be required to enroll in EDUC 1300 Learning Framework. Students should take the class their first semester to prepare them for college success.
Q: Why is the course now being called EDUC 1300 and not LRNG 1300 as suggested by the Core Committee?
Any lower-division course awarding academic credit must be consistent with the Texas Common Course Numbering System and be listed in the ACGM. Learning Framework in the ACGM is either EDUC 1300 or PSYC 1300.
Q: Is EDUC 1300 transferable?
EDUC 1300 will transfer to all Texas public universities as an elective.
Q: Why do students have to be "Reading Met" in order to take this course?
After a thorough analysis of the THECB requirements and the EDUC 1300 course description, the Learning Frameworks Committee made the decision to recommend that students enrolling in EDUC 1300 be TSI Reading Met.
The lower-division ACGM provides the following statement to distinguish EDUC 1300 Learning Framework from study skills courses: "While traditional study skills courses include some of the same learning strategies — e.g., note-taking, reading, test preparation, etc. — as Learning Framework courses, the focus of study skills courses is solely or primarily on skill acquisition. Study skills courses, which are not under-girded by scholarly models of the learning process, are not considered college level and, therefore, are distinguishable from Learning Framework courses."
Approximately 60 percent of the FTIC students entering the district are Reading Met.
Q: Who will be eligible to teach EDUC 1300?
Since EDUC 1300 is designed as an interdisciplinary course, all DCCCD employees with a master's degree will be invited to attend information sessions that outline the EDUC 1300 course design and describe credentialing requirements. Those who are interested in teaching EDUC 1300 will be eligible to do so after completing one of several professional development activities.
Q: Computer literacy doesn't appear as a new Core requirement. Does this mean the Core 2009 Committee believes students already possess necessary computer literacy skills?
The committee is aware that some, but not all, students possess computer literacy skills. The committee believes computer literacy skills are essential to success in all required Core courses. The current enrollment patterns indicate that COSC 1300 (intended to provide these skills) is one of the last four courses taken by Core completers. This pattern shows that students who enroll in this course are not taking it to acquire and apply skills necessary for college course work. Feedback from students, faculty and advisors provide additional information:
Q: Students with fewer than 12 credit hours will be required to take a computer literacy assessment test unless they've earned college credit for an appropriate computer course. How will the computer literacy assessment test be designed?
The interdisciplinary Core Computer Literacy Committee will conduct an online survey in October to determine what knowledge and skills are needed for DCCCD students to be successful in college-level course work. The results of this survey will be used to select or develop an assessment test. The assessment test will provide sub-test data to enable advisors to recommend the appropriate course(s) for remediation.
Q: If students fail one or more sub-tests in the computer literacy assessment tests, will they be required to enroll in a course? If so, when?
Students will be required to enroll in an appropriate course for remediation. The Core Computer Literacy Committee has not established the parameters for the remediation time frame, yet.
Q: What opportunities exist for students to enhance computer skills in this Core Curriculum?
Faculty teaching courses in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 will have the opportunity to provide reinforcement and application of information literacy and technology skills since students will possess college-level computer knowledge and skills upon enrolling in courses.