Course Assessment Table
Assignment Outline
The course has a variety of assignments, click on each tab below to learn more about each one:
Introduction Discussion- 10 points
Please spend a fair amount of time becoming acquainted with your colleagues in this class. It is very important that together we become a learning community over the next several weeks. Make your classmates part of your life as you offer and receive learning. To earn your Introduction points, be sure to say hello to at least 1/3 of your classmates and begin to develop a collegial relationship with them. This introduction discussion will set the stage for additional graded discussions throughout the course and help us all feel more connected.
Readings
Each week has readings and other learning materials. You will either complete a short quiz, engage in a discussion, or prepare a reflection to share what you have learned from the assigned reading. Please make sure you read or watch the learning materials in the presented order to get the most out of this course and put your best effort toward all assignments.
Discussions - 105 points
There are seven discussions, and each is worth 15 points. To qualify for full credit for each week's discussion:
- Post one thoughtful, original response per prompt (at least 200 words).
- Reply to at least two classmates (at least 100 words each) in ways that move the conversation forward, such as:
- Asking a follow-up question
- Building on their point with an example or personal insight
- Offering a different perspective respectfully
- Respond to at least one classmate who replied to your original post.
This adds up to a total of 4 posts per discussion.
Please note:
- Initial post is due on Tuesdays
- Replies to classmates are due on Fridays
- Replies to initial post are due on Sundays
Late discussion posts will NOT be accepted. A late discussion post does not contribute to the community environment we are trying to build with each other. It would be like showing up to a classroom discussion after the class has ended and speaking to an empty room.
My recommendation is to post your response to the discussion prompt as early in the week as possible to get things started. If we all commit to that approach, we can spread out the replies over the week. Please review all posts before selecting one rather than just replying to the posts at the top of the discussion board.
Reflections - 230 points
There are 13 reflections, and each is worth 20 points. As you can see, these reflections are worth the most points of all assignments and assessments in the course. I have been very intentional about this aspect. The reflections are a way for you to dig in and push your thinking, and they will be a nice compilation of your responses to the various readings or other content. They will provide an outlet for you to speak freely, analyze what you have learned, make connections you may not have made before, and think more deeply about the concepts introduced.
Quizzes - 75 points
You will have 14 quizzes in this course. While that might sound like a lot, they are all very brief and a quick way to assess comprehension of the required readings. You will have two attempts to successfully complete each quiz. Quizzes must be submitted no later than the module assigned due date. You may use your textbook or notes to complete the quiz.
Assigned Content
Each week has readings and other learning materials. Although you are not quizzed on all of them, there will be points assessed for the discussions and reflections in response to these readings. Specific grading rubrics are included in this course to make the assessment of these activities clear. To get the most out of this course, make sure you don't write a reflection or join in a discussion if you haven't read or watched the learning materials beforehand.
Leadership Portfolio - 50 points
Throughout this course, we will work to understand leadership needs in animal services by reflecting on the historical roots and challenges of the field, opportunities to evolve the field, and some of the “soft” and technical skills leaders need to make their way forward. This final assignment provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your growth as an animal services leader and to articulate your vision for becoming or further developing as an animal services leader.
Prepare your portfolio as a Microsoft Word document (doc or .docx) and submit it as either a Word document or a PDF file. The document should include headings, professional formatting, and any supporting visuals or links required by the assignment. You will learn more about the Leadership Portfolio assignment in the Getting Started Module.
A major theme of this course, and in turn, a theme that will show up in your Leadership portfolio, is:
Becoming a leader who is…
- Grounded in and learning from our history, so that we won't repeat it and will question the status quo.
- Strategic, and who finds a way to not be continuously mired in the day-to-day operational aspects of the job.
- Knowledgeable about data, and who feels empowered to make decisions based upon facts and not emotions.
- Focused on lifesaving programs and community support.
- Community-centric, and who emphasizes relationship and coalition building and advocates for collective impact to move this industry into the future.
- Empowered to view and lead in animal services with a business leadership approach.
- Forward-thinking on how this field can be more inclusive.
Grading Scheme
The following grading breakdown will be used in this class: