Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

134 ACTIVITY 17: MINING A SYLLABUS: TIME MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE: REVIEW WHEN ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE TO PRACTICE TIME-MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND BUILD AN UNDERSTANDING ABOUT HOW AND WHY THE COURSE IS STRUCTURED AS IT IS. TASK: FILL IN SYLLABUS INFORMATION FOR ONE OF YOUR CLASSES. It is important to spend time analyzing the syllabus and other information from your courses at the beginning of each term. You may have multiple assignments due in the same week in different classes. Often, academic classes require more reading than English language classes, and the writing assignments are more frequent and often longer. Look at all assignments that have been listed in the syllabus and note their due dates. Also, see if you can find an explanation for why the instructor is giving the assignment. If the instructor doesn’t explain the purpose, try to think of what it might be. Knowing what is due when is an important strategic approach that you can use to ensure the best possible learning outcome (and grade) in each of your classes. INSTRUCTIONS: Select a class and review the course syllabus and calendar. Understanding this information will help you organize your time and effort. 1. What are the assignments and when are they due? 2. Consider why discussions and readings come before writing assignments in most courses. 3. Why do you think you have to do these particular assignments in this order? In other words, predict the purpose of each of these assignments. STEP 1: WHAT ARE THE FIRST TWO READING ASSIGNMENTS ? TITLE OF READING DUE DATE PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT 1. 1. 1.