The Learning Commons

The Learning Commons

Mission of the Learning Commons

The Learning Commons at The Leelanau School builds upon the Leelanau School’s mission of igniting a passion for learning through academic engagement and celebration of everyone’s unique learning styles by providing an additional

nurturing and supportive learning environment where students use resources to bridge personal gaps leading to success with the school’s college preparatory curriculum. One aspect of this support is the Learning Skills class.

Course Description

The Learning Skills Class for seniors builds on the skills and self-awareness that has developed in previous years. Using what we know about our personal learning styles and intelligences, we will become fluent self-advocates in preparation for college, while continuing to practice relevant, advanced academic skills to prepare for the demands of senior year, and beyond. Students should expect to work with me to set long term and daily goals to ensure overall academic and personal success. Students can expect to give a high level of input into the skills and content that is taught and practiced and should be ready to engage and participate at an equally high level.

 

Required Materials

Every class period, you will need:

• Planner (school issued, or personal approved alternative)
• Personal Device (laptop or tablet, cell phone doesn’t count)

Course Expectations

Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the policies set forth in the Student Handbook. Students are to arrive on time and prepared to begin class on time. Students will respect the School dress code. Students will respect the classroom policies about personal technology, respectful contributions to a positive environment, and active engagement.

 

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of themselves as learners.
2. Identify those academic strategies which work best for them.
3. Accurately manage the time needed to complete a task, assignment, or project.

Grading

Students will receive a grade for the Learning Skills class that is based on a daily participation grade.

Daily Point Breakdown:

Arrival on time 5 points

Contributing to a positive class environment 5 points

Completion of a well written daily journal entry 5 points

Bringing appropriate materials 5 points

Actively engaged in the group lesson 5 points

Completion of goal sheets/reflection expectations 5 points

Keeping well organized notebooks and backpack 10 points

Use of planner 10 points

Total Average Daily Points 50 points

 

 

Assessment Strategies

There are no formal assessments in Learning Skills, nor will homework be assigned. Students will be asked to practice the skills they are learning in their core content area classes. Students will also be asked to periodically conference with the teacher to monitor progress and long term goal setting. Ongoing communication with parents can be expected about student progress in those long term goals.