Learning Opportunities

Get excited for some awesomely exciting learning opportunities (aka: “assignments” [but who likes to talk about 'assignments?' - they are really just great opportunities to learn!]) . And we truly say that with all sincerity (don’t laugh). In developing these assignments we have done our best to consider multiple learning styles, the vast opportunities that our incredible internet provides us, and the fact that our ultimate goal is, well, changing the world. Therefore, all of our assignments will pretty much focus on producing some pretty cool change. And whats not exciting about that?

We have developed a total of 4 different formal learning opportunities (“formal” because there of course will be many other times throughout the quarter where you learn – or at least we hope so! – but these are the 4 “formal” ones that you will be graded on).

We will review each one in more detail throughout our time together, but the following are the four opportunities which you will recieve a grade for, and their assigned values, all 4 totaling 100 points.

Take a look, and start planning!

ASSIGNMENT #1 (20 points):  BLOGGING | DUE DATE: CONTINUOUS

Here’s the deal: Giving that we live in 2010, that our society has become ever dependent on the wonder of our multi-media and technological advantages, and that all of you (who are we kidding – all of ”us”) spend more time on the internet than you (we) spend anywhere else, we thought blogging about our shared experiences of changing the Fraternal Movement to impact the world, would be very appropriate.

Now before all of you non-bloggers stress out about your non-blogging experiences, take a deep breath, and instead of thinking of how difficult keeping a blog may be, begin thinking about how much potential and creativity you have in keeping a blog. And watch this:

Oh the potential!

Whose excited?

Good!

Each of you will be asked to, for at least the 10 week duration of our class, keep a Blog entitled “(insert name here – that would be your name)’s Leading Elevation Blog. That means, if your name is Bob, Bobs blog would be called “Bob’s Leading Elevation Blog.” But we probably all figured that out already. Now for those of you who already have your own blog, awesome! You should then link it to your NEW Leading Elevation Blog!  (read: you must create a seperate new blog for the sake of this course). You may use any Blogging service out there (Google Blooger, WordPress etc), however we suggest Google Blogger.

So, before we go into explaining what we’re going to use the Blog for, go ahead and make your super new cool Blog right now. Never made one before? Here is some help:

Once you create your blog, each week you will be given a Blog Prompt, based upon that week’s topic/discussion.  Blog prompts are posted on-line on this Master Blog (www.sfledu.wordpress.com) under the Course Schedule Tab.

While you will not be graded on each individual blog entry (you can take a deep breath now!) you will be graded on your overall comprehensive blogging.  You can receive up to 20 points for your blogging this quarter.  The 20 points will be distributed as follows:

• Completion: Did you complete ALL blogs (by the due date), and answer all prompts thoroughly?  ~ 5 points
• Creativity: Did you have fun with your blogs?  Did you go above and beyond by not JUST answering the question via text?  Rather, did you use metaphors? YouTube videos? Pictures? Did you have fun with the use of your personal voice?  Did you make us laugh?  :)  ~ 10 points
• Commenting on Peers:  Did you take the time to read (and comment) on the rest of your classmates (and instructors) blog?  Make sure you are not only writing your own blog…make sure you are reading one another, and commenting on each others!  We’ll be watching!  Good rule of thumb… comment on at least one other classmates blog per week  ~ 5 points

You won’t recieve your Comprehensive Blogging Grade until the end of the quarter, but, at three different points throughout the quarter, we will give you a progress report as to where you stand WERE you to be graded at that point in time.  Got it?  We’re here to help!  The 3 dates we will give you a progress report are: 10/19, 11/9, and 11/23.

Ready to Blog! Ready to read?

READY, SET, BLOG!

ASSIGNMENT #2 (30 POINTS): PERSONAL LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT | DUE DATE:   11/2/10 UPDATED: 11/9/10

At the completion of Part I of the course, you all will be asked to write a 5-7 page reflection paper discussing what you see your personal leadership style being, and making a commitment to what you will challenge yourself to. More details and a specific rubric will follow in the coming weeks. We’ll also discuss this more in class, but prepared to utilize Social Change Theory and concepts from the text within your response.

ASSIGNMENT #3 (35 POINTS): ELEVATION INITIATIVES (FINAL EXAM) | DUE DATE: 11/30/10

In groups of 4-5, (which will be assigned by your instructors!) you will be asked to use the Social Change Theory and other concepts from our course discussion to prepare an Elevation Initiative: that is, what is one thing that you and your group want to elevate our community towards?  Do you want to elevate us to the point where every single chapter interacts with each other on a regular basis?  Do you want to elevate us to the point will all four councils become one council?  Do you want to elevate us to the point where 30% of the student body are joining our organizations, instead of the current 7%?  Do you want to elevate us to the point where hazing is only a thing of the past?  The sky is the limit, as to where you can elevate us to.  Think BIG.  Think HARD.  Think CRAZY.  Don’t be stopped.

You and your group will have to come up with your initiative, and then using the Social Change Model and other class concepts, prepare a plan of action as to how your group will achieve such elevation.  You will have the entire quarter to prepare your elevation, and each group will present their elevation initiatives to the class during our lass class period.

Groups will be assigned during Week 3, at which time a rubric and specific directions will be provided as well.  But, in the meantime, get excited to elevate our community!  We can’t wait to see what you all come up with.  And most importantly, we can’t wait to see you actually act upon your initiatives and make them happen

ASSIGNMENT #4 (15 POINTS):  ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION | DUE DATE: CONTINUOUS

Aw, like you didn’t know this one was coming. We’re 15 points away from 100, and where do you think those last 15 points come from? You know it. Attendance. Be in class. All of them. Any unexcused absences will automatically result in a drop of one letter grade. Participate. Be an active learner. Raise your hand. Ask questions. Challenge us. Challenge your peers. Teach us. Teach your peers. Elevate  your council. Elevate your chapter.  Change your community. Change the world.