Month: October 2024

Introduction

This semester feels like it is going by so fast. I cannot believe we are basically half way through already. Having both of the Codes classes being 3 hours, once a week, has been an adjustment, but I think I do prefer it over the 3 classes a week. I really appreciate Dr. Aranda and her being very accommodating, especially for a science class, which has never been my strong point.

Now that the semester is over, I am mostly happy with my performance in this class. I wish I did better on the first test, but that is all I can really think of. The research paper was really stressful but in the end felt rewarding after our presentations.

Goal 1 (30%) – Based on (4) Global Learning

Evidence

Above is a screenshot from reflection 3, which displays my learning of global topics.

Above is our final reflection after finishing braiding sweetgrass, and I am just proud of it and think it displays the learning outcome.

Goal 2 (25%) – Based on (5) Information Literacy  

Evidence

Above is a screenshot showing Juan (my partner) and I creating a research question and reviewing 10 sources.

Juan-and-Troys-Project

Above is our final research project, which is where I reviewed 5 articles to help create a research paper.

Goal 3 (15%) – Based on (9) Problem-Solving Skills  

Evidence

Below, I have a very small screenshot of the first exam we had for this class. Which I got a 75% on. I could have done better, but still demonstrates the outcome. Hopefully the final exam will also provide evidence for this outcome.

Goal 4 (30%) – Based on (10) Quantitative Literacy  

Evidence

Above is just another screenshot showing that Juan and I are actively working and doing our research for the research project.

Below is again, my final research project as I believe it demonstrates this goal as we looked through several articles that had data that we looked at. We also created our own data based on what we thought it would look like based on the articles.

Juan-and-Troys-Project

Student Name: Troy Shaffer

Grade Contracted For  __X__ A            ____ B                    ____ C 

What concepts are you going to learn, or skills are you going to develop?	How will you learn the content/ develop the skill?	What evidence will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning?	How will you and I assess the evidence of your learning/skills?
(30%) Based on (4) Global Learning	Engage in both readings and class discussions to learn about multiple worldviews, cultures and experiencesPrepare for class discussions on global issues	Choose 2-3 reflections that reflect my discussions on global issues Research report – introduction to topic (rubric #2) will highlight significanceResearch report – summary and reflections will reflect on issues (rubric # 6)	Attend and actively participate in at least 90% of class sessions Complete weekly reflections on time and answer questions fullyPrepared for 90% of class sessions.Perform “Excellent” work according to the research report rubric (rubric #2, #6)
(25%) Based on (5) Information Literacy	Collaborate with research group to develop a research question/ hypothesisAnalyze various sources of evidence for the research report  Work with SIUE resources to format references	Research report – research question (rubric #3)Research report – literature review and analysis (rubric #4)Research report – Reference page (rubric #7)Annotated Bibliography	Perform “Excellent” work according to the research report rubric (rubric #3, #4, and #7)Perform “Excellent” on the pre-assignments for the research report (e.g., annotated bibliography)
(15%) Based on (9) Problem-Solving Skills	Class lectures on course content to learn how to solve problems	At least one unit exam that shows achievement in problem solving	Achieve an average of 85% or higher on unit exams
(30%) Based on (10) Quantitative Literacy	Class lectures and work to learn how to analyze dataAnalyze various sources of data for the research report	Research Report – Proposed experiment (#5)	Perform “Excellent” work according to the research report rubric (rubric #5)

Introduction

This semester has been pretty enjoyable and stress free for this class so far. We are still in the beginning stages of creating our project for Missouri Botanical Gardens. My group, which consists of Kasey, Kadynce, Evitt, and myself, get along and work very well together. Our project is going to be an Indigenous Knowledge based tour/scavenger hunt.

Now that the semester is coming to a close, I must say it felt really fast. My project has really come along with Kasey, Evitt, and Kadynce. I am very happy to be in a group with them, we all get along very well. Our tour has gone through a few changes, one of which being that we are going to take the current Native Plants Tour and update it and make it our own.

Goal 1 (20%)

Works independently towards goals by contributing and meeting deadlines.

Evidence:

This is a goal that I feel like I very much kept up with this semester. Since most of our assignments were with our group it definitely motivated me to stay on time and get my stuff done early if not just on time. I do believe that all of my reflections except maybe one which I turned in during class were on time. Evidence for this goal may be hard to find, but I am pretty sure that I turned everything in on time.

Goal 2 (20%)

Takes risks in assignments and in approaches to create new knowledge.

Evidence:

This is a goal that I feel like was demonstrated most during our visits to the Gardens. When we talked with Sean and Ashley about our projects trying to figure out what exactly we can and cannot do. This is when we got most of our questions out and ultimately got on track for what exactly we were doing for our project. For evidence I am putting a picture of us talking with Ashley and our Dear Sean Letter.

Goal 3 (20%)

Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate mastery of the subject, conveying the writer’s understanding, and shaping the whole work.

Evidence:

This is a goal that was definitely demonstrated in more of our written assignments, like our reflections and a few of our group assignments. This is something I have displayed slightly in reflections so far, so I will put a few as evidence. I would also say our final presentation, since we finalized all of the planning we have been doing for the semester into a presentation.

The link is to our presentation.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eJB7-MqPrci1JF15qybgUMmC7e_71zWy4jWO0l1CONo/edit?usp=sharing

Goal 4 (20%)

Responsibly integrates research and demonstrates full understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on information use.

Evidence:

This goal I feel like was not represented as much this semester but maybe a few times. This semester was mostly just planning and planning for what we are going to build next semester, so we haven’t done too much research. But part of our dear Sean Letter applies since I was responsible for looking at the ethical considerations. I would also say that my research project for Dr. Aranda’s class would be good evidence since my topic (How to keep people engaged at MOBOT) was picked to help our project for this class, so that we make something that is actually engaged with and not overlooked. So for Evidence I will also put my presentation for that research essay.

Goal 5 (20%)

Uses deep knowledge of global systems to develop and advocate for informed, appropriate action to solve complex problems. 

Evidence:

This is a goal that I feel like was demonstrated mostly with our group assignments, specifically our final presentation and maybe our Dear Sean Letters. Since both of those assignments are based on us trying to tackle the problem of Indigenous Knowledge lacking at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Below is the link to our final presentation and our Dear Sean letter document.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eJB7-MqPrci1JF15qybgUMmC7e_71zWy4jWO0l1CONo/edit?usp=sharing