What is a Learning Based College

 A learning based college approaches education differently than other colleges. The college, both inside and outside the classroom, places greater emphasis on student learning and student mastery of set educational objectives.

This student learning outcome model at Georgia Military College emphasizes:

1. Clearly stated student-learning objectives.
2. Explicit identification of the knowledge, skills and abilities the student is expected to acquire.
3. On-going assessment (evaluation) of what the student has learned, the effectiveness of the instruction and the service the college provides.

Each course at Georgia Military College has a learning outline (syllabus), which sets forth the specific learning objective for each student. An explanation of how the student and the faculty member will assess the student’s progress toward attaining the objectives follows the learning objectives.

The learning outcomes for each course at Georgia Military College are designed to meet specific guidelines;

• To clearly state the course objectives.
• To relate the learning objectives to life situations.
• To express those skills the student will take away from the course.

This emphasis on student learning is not only a part of the classroom experience but student centered learning is emphasized in the college degree programs and throughout the college community. This reinforcement at multiple levels and throughout the institution insures that the entire college community is focused on the same educational objectives.

A key element in the student’s responsibility for success is to assess (or evaluate) routinely, throughout the course, whether he/she is mastering the learning objectives. Knowing where you are and where you need to be provides you, the student, with the tools necessary to achieve success. The syllabus for each course includes guidance on assessment, which will assist you in this critical learning element.

Student responsibility also includes a set of routine behaviors that are foundations for success in college as well as in life. If you have ever had a part-time or full-time job, you are familiar with many of these routine expectations.

• Attend class, or put another way, “Come to work everyday.”
• Come to class on time. Most employers say, “Don’t be late.”
• Be prepared to accomplish your job.

Preparing to accomplish a college student’s job means:

• Having carefully read the assigned readings or completed the homework.
• Bringing a notebook, pen or pencil, calculator, textbook or any other expected essential tool for the course.
• Always demonstrating respect for the opinions of others in the class.
• Fully participating in class by contributing thoughtful ideas or opinions in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Working cooperatively and faithfully with others in the group or class.
• Completing one’s work in an ethical manner. This means that the work is the student’s own work, not someone else’s, and is given to the instructor on or before the due date.

 The faculty of Georgia Military College believes that these elements are critical to successful completion of a degree at any college. That is why they had adopted them as key components of the student’s responsibility in this learning community that is your college.

Georgia Military College believes that an education has two vital and integrated elements: the development of the intellect and the elevation of character. Given this philosophy, the college has incorporated into each course a component that focuses on ethics within the discipline under study. Ethical exercises and discussions are designed to foster the habit of ethical and critical thinking that is so essential to success, not only in class, but also in life.

The Honor Code is an integral part of maintaining a climate of academic integrity on campus that allows the community of learners of the college to function freely and unencumbered in the pursuit of knowledge. The expectation is that we are a community of ladies and gentlemen of honor whose words, actions, and deeds reflect the highest standards of behavior. Each student is an important player in maintaining the strength of the community’s integrity.

At Georgia Military College, we believe that Character Counts! We also believe that the daily practice of strong character values that are exemplified in duty, honor and country make stronger citizens, stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger Republic. Our Republic, a beacon of liberty that is admired around the world, derives its strength solely from the character of its citizens. That is why Character Counts!