CODE 221 Learning Contract

Your Goal Grade

A Work	B Work	C Work
-Misses one class or less, or completes make-up work for excused absences -Annotates all readings thoroughly -Makes substantive comments in discussions -Completes all assignments on time (or has an approved extension request) -Work demonstrates intellectual engagement, care, effort, and growth in response to feedback -Collaborates substantially, contributes to vision, works equally with peers	-Misses two classes or less, or completes make-up work for excused absences -Annotates readings -Often participates in discussion -Completes all major assignments on time (or has an approved extension request) -Completes most SAs on time -Work demonstrates care, effort and growth in response to feedback -Collaborates equally, completes required work	-Misses three classes or less, or completes make-up work for excused absences -Completes most readings -Sometimes adds to discussion -Completes all major assignments on time (or has an approved extension request) -Completes at least four SAs -Meets minimal expectations on assignments; shows limited growth in response to feedback -Completes required collaborative work

First-Week Introduction

This semester in codes is exciting and I’m looking forward to better things this semester.

Midterm Introduction

This midterm semester I have built relationship with my CODES groups. Recently, my group and I went to visit a site and this was very interesting to me. As we go toward the end of the semester, I look forward to experiencing more in the end.

Final Introduction

Now it is the end of the semester, it has been a journey. This semester has been different because I got to learn more about groups and experiencing that very thing we discussed the first weeks of codes 221 class.

Course Goals

Choose five goals from the CODES Student Learning Outcomes that you’d like to work toward. Choose goals that are relevant to the scope of this course, select artifacts/examples based on activities assigned for this course, and explain characteristics in a way that illustrates how your artifacts/examples demonstrate your progress toward the goal.

Goal 1 (20%)
Based on : (3c):Applies ethical concepts to a question and considers their full implications.

What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill?	What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning?	What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal?
I will consider the questions on my assignment and answer them with clarity.	Implementation plan reflection 2 reflection 3 reflection 4	Explanation that is understandable Answers with clarity

Before going onsite, all I needed was clarification so I can do my part with no confusing. Before going I just imagined us walking in a park. My plan, as discussed with the JJK is I will be working and researching about the species that is in that area. Not just that, I will also be designing the charts and flyer for the data me and my partner Aiden will gather. Honestly the only obstacle I would say is there is if im overloaded with work or may not understand what to do. My partners and I are excited especially since we had a good site visit and it went well and everyone knows what they are doing. Sometimes the barriers to building trust is not knowing the person, how the person act, and bad experiences from the past. I will keep in contact with my team and make sure we are on the same page and help each other out as needed. We went on the site and outside was nice but it is still in construction. We talked about the plans and how we could help out by researching certain things for the JJK. – reflection 2.

This evidence I have chose, my reflection because it shows that I applied the concept and answered the questions fully. I clarified my answers and showed my understanding. I mentioned how in our meeting we discussed our needs and implications for the future.

Eriel – The outcome of my research will be good for the JJK to help them understand what environment will be safe and healthy for the animals and other species. By me studying in the area and what animals and creatures live there, I will have a better understanding of what the need is and how all species will get along in the environment. I need to know your needs and if the information I am giving you helpful or not. I can benefit from this because it shows me what more I need to do and how you can help me get it done. Eriel: The data I will need to answer my question is ethnographies. I will observe the animals and do research on what environments are helpful to the animals. My last CODE class we collected data on ethnography and how much people liked east St. Louis parks. We went to two parks in east St. Louis and observed the parks and all that were in it. We did a group presentation on that ethnographic project on east St. Louis. By doing that ethnography in my other CODES class, I now have experience doing them and they also can benefit by the jjk an idea of what might be helpful to the environment for animals. – Implementation plan

This is another evidence for this goal. I chose this evidence because I also clarified and answered the questions presented to me. I also discussed my plan for my part and the future.

Yes, I have completed a couple of on-site visits at JJK Fan, and each one was a really positive experience for me. During the meetings, we went over the plans for JJK and talked about what tasks they needed us to complete. At first, I felt nervous because I didn’t want to miss any important details or end up doing something wrong. But as the conversations went on, I realized how important communication and confidence are in situations like that. I think my behavior influenced the interactions in a good way because I stayed focused and made sure to show that I was listening. Even when I needed clarification, I didn’t let that keep me from paying attention to what was being explained. In the past, I sometimes struggled with situations where I didn’t fully understand something someone said. Instead of asking questions, I would try to figure it out on my own, and most of the time it didn’t work out the way it should have. This experience helped me understand the difference between simply listening and actually hearing what someone is saying. Hearing means paying attention, processing the information, and making sure the message is clear. I’ve learned that speaking up when something is confusing doesn’t make me look unprepared; it actually helps avoid mistakes and builds stronger communication. Working with JJK Fan has pushed me to grow in how I listen, communicate, and collaborate with others. I feel more comfortable asking questions when I need to, and I’ve gotten better at staying engaged during discussions. Overall, the site visits taught me a lot about how to present myself, how to interact with people professionally, and how to make sure I understand what is expected of me. – reflection 3

I collected data on animals by researching the key things they need to survive and thrive in their natural habitats. First, I chose which animals I wanted to focus on, and then I went deeper into their habits, environments, and the challenges they face. I decided to focus on frogs in southern Illinois because they play an important role in the ecosystem, but many of them are experiencing serious declines. Some frog species in this region are considered threatened, meaning their populations are dropping and they could eventually disappear if their habitats keep getting damaged. This usually happens because of habitat loss, pollution, and environmental changes caused by human activity. Three of the most threatened frog species in southern Illinois are the Illinois Chorus Frog, the Bird-voiced Treefrog, and the Eastern Narrow mouthed Toad. The Illinois Chorus Frog lives in sandy prairies and relies on temporary ponds for breeding, but these areas are shrinking due to farming and land development. The Bird-voiced Treefrog depends on forested wetlands and cypress swamps, which are disappearing as more land is cleared. The Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad needs moist environments and spends most of its time under logs or leaf litter, but it struggles to survive when wetlands are drained or destroyed. While doing this research, I learned just how fragile these species really are and how closely their survival depends on healthy environments. Understanding their needs such as clean water, safe breeding spaces, and natural food sources helps us figure out how to protect them. This project made me realize that studying animals is not just about gathering facts. It is about seeing how everything in nature is connected. Protecting frogs means protecting the balance of their entire ecosystem, and that helped me understand why conservation work is so important. – reflection 4

Goal 2 (20%)
Based on (4b): Uses deep knowledge of global systems to develop and advocate for informed, appropriate action to solve complex problems.

What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill?	What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning?	What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal?
I will actively study how global social, environmental, and economic systems interact. I will use course readings, research credible sources, and analyze real-world case studies.	reflection 4 Data on animals(CODES 221 report) reflection 2 reflection 3	Clarification of the questions

Local Amphibian research- Eriel Johnson 1. American Toad
• What are they? Bumpy, brown toads common across Illinois.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Insects, worms, spiders, and beetles.
• Habitat: Forests, gardens, and grassy areas near shallow water.
• Benefits: Control insect populations and feed larger predators.
• Drawbacks: Compete for space and water during breeding season.
2. Fowler’s Toad
• What are they? Similar to American toads but with lighter skin and three warts
per dark spot.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Ants, beetles, and small invertebrates.
• Habitat: Sandy or loose soils near rivers, fields, or forests.
• Benefits: Help control insect pests.
• Drawbacks: Vulnerable to pesticide exposure.
3. Bullfrog
• What are they? The largest frog in North America, known for its deep “jug-o-
rum” call.
• Native or invasive? Native to southern Illinois but introduced elsewhere.
• Diet: Insects, fish, snakes, and even small birds.
• Habitat: Large, permanent ponds and slow-moving rivers.
• Benefits: Provide food for larger animals and control some pests.
• Drawbacks: Can overeat smaller native frogs and fish.
4. Green Frog
• What are they? Greenish-brown frogs with a ridge running down each side of the back.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Insects, snails, and small fish.

• Habitat: Streams, ponds, and lakes with vegetation.
• Benefits: Keep insect and snail populations balanced.
• Drawbacks: May compete with other aquatic species for food.
5. Northern Leopard Frog
• What are they? Green or brown frogs with dark round spots across their back.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Insects, spiders, and worms.
• Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and grassy ponds.
• Benefits: Help reduce mosquitoes and flies.
• Drawbacks: Sensitive to pollution and habitat loss.
6. Southern Leopard Frog
• What are they? Similar to the northern leopard frog but found mostly in southern
Illinois.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Insects and other small invertebrates.
• Habitat: Shallow ponds, marshes, and flooded fields.
• Benefits: Control insect populations.
• Drawbacks: Declines with wetland destruction.
7. Pickerel Frog
• What are they? Brown frogs with two rows of rectangular spots on their backs.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Insects, spiders, and small crustaceans.
• Habitat: Clear, cool streams and wetlands.
• Benefits: Natural pest control and indicator of clean water.
• Drawbacks: Their skin toxins can harm some predators.
8. Wood Frog
• What are they? Brown or tan frogs with a dark “mask” across the eyes.

• Native or invasive? Native, found in northern Illinois.
• Diet: Beetles, flies, and worms.
• Habitat: Moist forests and temporary woodland pools.
• Benefits: Aid nutrient cycling and insect control.
• Drawbacks: Vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss.
9. Crawfish Frog
• What are they? Large, spotted frogs that live in burrows made by crayfish.
• Native or invasive? Native but uncommon in Illinois.
• Diet: Insects and small invertebrates.
• Habitat: Grasslands and prairies with crayfish burrows.
• Benefits: Help manage insect populations.
• Drawbacks: Depend on specific burrowing habitats, easily disturbed.
10. Plains Leopard Frog
• What are they? Brownish-green frogs with broken dorsolateral folds.
• Native or invasive? Native to western Illinois.
• Diet: Insects and other small animals.
• Habitat: Grasslands, ponds, and slow streams.
• Benefits: Eat pests and serve as prey for larger wildlife.
• Drawbacks: Sensitive drought and pollution.
11. Gray Treefrog
• What are they? Small, tree-dwelling frogs that can change from gray to green.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Moths, crickets, and beetles.
• Habitat: Wooded areas and backyards near water.
• Benefits: Control insect pests and signal healthy ecosystems.
• Drawbacks: Compete with other treefrogs for food and breeding space.

12. Spring Peeper
• What are they? Tiny frogs with an “X” on their back, known for their peeping calls in
spring.
• Native or invasive? Native.
• Diet: Small insects and spiders.
• Habitat: Moist forests, wetlands, and ponds.
• Benefits: Reduce insect numbers and indicate healthy wetlands.
• Drawbacks: Sensitive to pollution and water changes.
13. Blanchard’s Cricket Frog
• What are they? Very small, warty frogs that hop quickly along pond edges.
• Native or invasive? Native but declining in some areas.
• Diet: Mosquitoes, gnats, and small insects.
• Habitat: Shallow ponds, marshes, and stream edges.
• Benefits: Control mosquitoes and serve as prey for birds and fish.
• Drawbacks: Easily harmed by pollution and habitat destruction. – My CODES 221 report

Goal 3 (20%)
Based on (8A) : Uses clear organizational patterns and is skillful at presenting content cohesively.

What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill?	What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning?	What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal?
I will improve this skill by outlining my work, practicing clear transitions, and revising my writing and presentations so they are organized and easy to follow.	Data on animals(CODES 221 report) reflection 2 reflection 3 reflection 4	Each piece uses clear introductions, smooth transitions, and well-structured paragraphs that build on each other.

This is the data I recorded for the animals I researched, which gave me practice by outlining my work.

Goal 4 (20%)
Based on (9b) : Identifies and evaluate multiple approaches for solving problems.

What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill?	What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning?	What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal?
I will practice analyzing problems by brainstorming several possible solutions instead of stopping at the first idea. I will research how others have approached similar issues, compare different strategies, and consider their outcomes.	reflection 4 CODES 221 report implementation plan reflection 3	explain why each approach could work, what limitations it might have, and which option is most effective based on evidence.

This assignment demonstrates by me researching how the animals are affected by the environment.

Goal 5 (20%)
Based on (11C) : Reads using an appropriate lens and can engage in a continuing dialogue within and beyond a discipline or a community of readers.

What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill?	What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning?	What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal?
I will practice identifying the lens best suited for each reading and use it to guide my interpretation. I will take notes that focus on key themes, perspectives, and questions.	reflection 2 reflection 3 implementation plan CODES 221 report	show that I can read texts with a clear purpose and use the appropriate lens whether cultural, analytical, historical, scientific, or rhetorical to understand deeper meaning.

Eriel: The data I will need to answer my question is ethnographies. I will observe the animals and do research on what environments are helpful to the animals. My last CODE class we collected data on ethnography and how much people liked east St. Louis parks. We went to two parks in east St. Louis and observed the parks and all that were in it. We did a group presentation on that ethnographic project on east St. Louis. By doing that ethnography in my other CODES class, I now have experience doing them and they also can benefit by the jjk an idea of what might be helpful to the environment for animals. Eriel – The outcome of my research will be good for the JJK to help them understand what environment will be safe and healthy for the animals and other species. By me studying in the area and what animals and creatures live there, I will have a better understanding of what the need is and how all species will get along in the environment. I need to know your needs and if the information I am giving you helpful or not. I can benefit from this because it shows me what more I need to do and how you can help me get it done. – implementation plan I showed that I can take notes that focus on key themes, perspectives, and questions by using my notes to answer the questions for this assignment.

APPENDIX B

Your Goal Grade

First-Week Introduction

Midterm Introduction

Final Introduction

Course Goals

Goal 1 (20%)Based on : (3c):Applies ethical concepts to a question and considers their full implications.

Goal 2 (20%)Based on (4b): Uses deep knowledge of global systems to develop and advocate for informed, appropriate action to solve complex problems.

Goal 3 (20%)Based on (8A) : Uses clear organizational patterns and is skillful at presenting content cohesively.

Goal 4 (20%)Based on (9b) : Identifies and evaluate multiple approaches for solving problems.

Goal 5 (20%)Based on (11C) : Reads using an appropriate lens and can engage in a continuing dialogue within and beyond a discipline or a community of readers.

Goal 1 (20%)
Based on : (3c):Applies ethical concepts to a question and considers their full implications.

Goal 2 (20%)
Based on (4b): Uses deep knowledge of global systems to develop and advocate for informed, appropriate action to solve complex problems.

Goal 3 (20%)
Based on (8A) : Uses clear organizational patterns and is skillful at presenting content cohesively.

Goal 4 (20%)
Based on (9b) : Identifies and evaluate multiple approaches for solving problems.

Goal 5 (20%)
Based on (11C) : Reads using an appropriate lens and can engage in a continuing dialogue within and beyond a discipline or a community of readers.