W.I.N.S. Communication

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

From this course, participants will:

1. Learn tools to proactively help start communicating on a positive note.
2. Develop listening and empathy skills.
3. Learn ways to intentionally create conditions to help people feel more seen, heard and
   appreciated.
4. Learn key information and ideas related to what is happening in the brain before and during
   communication efforts.
5. Learn common reasons why communication often goes astray.
6. Learn practical ways to cultivate healthy relationships.
7. Develop practical communication skills which can help participants feel more safe and
   connected.
8. Learn how to embed self-care into daily communication.
9. Cultivate social and emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness competencies as part of
   communication efforts.
10. Understand and apply concepts related to zero, negative and positive sum games.
11. Practice a four-part communication process which can be used during one-on-one conversations,
    group interactions as well as via interactions using technology (email, social media, etc.)
12. Develop the capacity to communicate effectively through intentional, deliberate means.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will learn how the seven habits of effective people apply to schools and how to use them when working with teenagers to utilize constructive habits for living.
2. Teachers will examine how to use positive and proactive habits to build personal bank accounts as well as the needed skills and social Rewards on Investment (ROI).
3. Educators will be presented with the skill (habit) of visioning with the "End in Mind" as well as prioritizing tasks and behaviors for maximum benefit.
4. Students will be able to synergize knowledge, information and resources to seek understanding and negotiate win-win strategies for social success.
5. Teachers will develop writings and activities that apply the 7 habits into their instructional program so students can apply them in schools and their personal lives.

Assertive Discipline

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will learn how assertive discipline approaches assists and supports teacher rights, authority and responsibilities.
2. Teachers will examine myths and misinformation that often unjustifiably blame teachers for issues beyond their control or authority.
3. Educators will be presented with numerous discipline plans and behavior modification strategies for implementation into the classroom environment.
4. Students will be able to use the specific directives, implementing consequences and on-task behavior strategies for classroom management.
5. Teachers will develop a discipline plan or classroom management activity that utilizes positive recognition along with limits, structure and respect for authority.

Anger Management for Youth: Stemming Aggression and Violence

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will review the issues related to anger management and the traditional approaches that have been utilized to address anger in youth, society and schools.
2. Participant will present sample lessons, key concepts, learning objectives and various approaches to develop working model lessons that they can design and implement.
3. Educators will learn about defining anger acceleration, its sequences and methods to control anger responses. Handouts and strategies are provided for use in class settings.
4. Participant will explore the use of coping strategies, self-talk and appropriate expressions of anger in group settings and how to apply them in counseling, school, home, work and personal relationships.
5. Educators will research a topic related to anger management and develop a written application essay and/or unit/ lesson plans or anger management processing activity for classroom or school settings.

Motivation and Learning

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Teachers will review student relationships and how to make learning easier without lowering standards. They will learn how to use various teaching tips and strategies.
2. Students will read about various quick-tips for increasing motivation and learning. They will examine and apply the various ideas for possible applications into their teaching environment.
3. Educators will examine how motivation works in human behavior and how to get students to be intrinsically motivated. The video: The Law of Attraction and are also viewed to blend mental consciousness concepts into motivation applications.
4. Educators will examine the motivation tips as they relate to instructional content and teaching for classroom implementation.
5. Teachers will learn about assessments, testing, and grading tips as they check for validity regarding testing and how they can be used for motivating students

Eliminating Student Excuses

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will develop an understanding of how the mind is programmed to believe and behave in certain negative or positive patterns that are socially conditioned.
2. Participants will analyze the social and psychological beliefs of the 18 most commonly utilized excuses for not exploring or experiencing new ideas, goals or endeavors.
3. Educators will learn about the seven excuses be-gone principals for reprogramming thoughts in order to change limiting, preconditioned beliefs and self-defeating behaviors.
4. Participants will examine the paradigm shifts needed for a new way of thinking and shedding subconscious habits and acquire strategies to develop a new way of being.
5. Educators will write an application essay and develop a lesson or project activity that applies the course content to classroom instruction and school learning environments.

A Guide to the Scientific Method

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Teachers will develop knowledge, understanding and strategies for applying and implementing the Scientific Method into various academic disciplines.
2. Educators taking this course will be able to discern between Scientific Opinion vs. Scientific Methods by complying with valid procedures for accurate results.
3. Teachers will learn about the practices of scientific journals both positive and negative regarding their funder’s goals and journal publications conclusions. 
4. Educators will learn about Confirmation Bias and its influence on objectivity as it relates to advocacy, promotion and acceptance of unreliable research. 
5. Teachers will research valid Scientific Methods use as they related to medical issues, policy and procedures that affect students’ health and safety in school.
6. Teachers will examine these issues and develop lessons/activities that utilize strategies in the book for improving the use of scientific method applications.

Adolescent Girls' Interaction: Queen Bees and Wannabees

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will review the changes that take place in adolescent girls as they become involved in more complex interpersonal interactions with other girls in school settings.
2. Participants will examine the interpersonal behaviors such as gossip, cliques, teasing notes and appearance and how these behaviors play themselves out in schools.
3. Educators will learn about power and influence in-between girls as well as jealously and judging behaviors that take place on the internet and in school settings.
4. Participants will explore dating issues, the influences of boys, crushes, matchmaking and a variety of adolescent sexuality issues and dramas that take place in schools.
5. Educators will research this topic to be able to provide guidance and solutions to teen girls in school settings. These wells help preventing young girls from the dangers of sex, drugs and negative interrelationships in school and society.