Communication Applications

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A good orator is a good person speaking well. - Quintilin

 

 

 

Tom Bean High School                                          Ms. Henderson, Room 101

 

Course Description

For successful participation in professional and social life, students must develop effective communication skills. Rapidly expanding technologies and changing social and corporate systems demand that students send clear verbal messages, choose effective nonverbal behaviors, listen for desired results, and apply valid critical-thinking and problem solving processes. Students enrolled in Communications Applications will be expected to identify, analyze, develop, and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.  (TEKS 110.58.(1)

 


Some Specifics:

I.  Reading

Reading assignments will be given on materials from the text and teacher-prepared material on a

regular basis.  Quizzes will be given regularly (sometimes unannounced) to determine comprehension and proficiency.

II.  Speeches

Students will present various speeches throughout the year. These presentations/speeches will range      from informal to formal. Grading weight for each presentation will be announced with the assignment.

III.  Notes and Vocabulary

Students are required to take notes while reading the chapters. In addition to these notes, students will need to record the bold face chapter vocabulary terms and definitions.  There is a glossary in the back of the book to assist in finding these definitions. I caution students to not study the denotative definitions solely but to truly understand the meaning of the word and its application to the information being presented in the chapters. Note-checks are done periodically and are weighted as a daily grade.

 

Grading:     

DAILY Participation is required.  Participation includes a positive attitude, good effort, good citizenship (respect of peers, teacher, and rules) and promptness.

I.  Assignments

A.      Points: Each assignment will be worth a predetermined and previously announced amount of points. See grading scale below.

B.    Late work: All assignments are to be turned in on time.  NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED.  Any work turned in after I have collected them is considered late.  Major assignments will always be due at the beginning of class, BEFORE the day’s lesson has begun.  Absences due to disciplinary suspension  or unexcused absences may be made up at 70% maximum grade.  Readmit slips are necessary in order for absent students to make up work.

C.   Grading Scale 

Daily assignments = 40%                   Test/Quiz = 60%                  

SUPPLIES

You are expected to provide your own supplies such as: blue or black pen, pencil, paper, and a separate notebook with dividers for this course.  Organization is an essential part of your education and future career.    Your notebook and supplies will be brought to class every day.  Please organize your notebook using the following dividers:

                Section

                1.    Class Information

2.    Notes

3.        Daily Grades

4.        Tests and Quizzes

5.        Speeches

                                   

-Please keep all work.  If there is a discrepancy between your grading record and mine, you will need proof in order for me to correct your grade. 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/PLAGIARISM

This is a fair warning.  Cheating is not tolerated.  The guilty will earn an “F” on the fraudulent work, a referral to the principal, parent contact, and teacher documentation on the student’s permanent file. 

 

1.  Be responsible.  Being responsible means:

            *  you will bring all your supplies/texts/notebooks/materials to class every day

            *  take responsibility for missed work

            *  take responsibility for the grade you earn

            *  doing your own work  

            *  keeping the classroom clean

            *  being courteous and encouraging to those who share ideas in class

            *  be respectful to the speaker in class

            *  copy homework assignments in  your calendar daily

*  not packing up your belongings before the bell rings  (I will keep you in class after

                the bell rings if this becomes a habit)

            *  not bringing food, candy or drinks into the class

*  using the restroom during breaks. 

 

2.  Be punctual.  Being punctual means:

            *  turning in work/make-up work on time

            *  being on time to class

*  as soon as the bell rings, have your materials on your desk, be attentive, and ready to

    work

*  being in your seat before the bell rings  (Remember, the bell does not excuse you from

    the class, I DO) To avoid this problem, Please DO NOT line up by the door.

 

3.  Be successful.  Being successful means:

            *  using your best penmanship and spelling skills

            *  putting forth your best in all that you do

            *  using a pen at all times, unless otherwise specified

            *  being organized

            *  keeping a positive attitude and outlook on assignments

            *  always striving to do more than what is asked

            *  take advantage of outside learning opportunities

*  always striving to learn and improve

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

NO cellular phones or CD players (headphones) are to be visible in class.  Cellular telephones MUST be in your backpack/purse and OFF.  I will confiscate cellular phones and CD players and turn them in to the principal.  Also, backpacks are NOT allowed in the classroom. Refusal to give these items to me when requested is grounds for immediate referral to the office.