Introduction

How do I know I am learning? This is a question you may find that you ask yourself from time to time throughout your academic journey. Below is some basic information to help you wrap your head around what a GCU course looks like, and how to engage with the different components of your classes to help you answer the question when it arises.

GCU Program Components

There are various types of programs GCU offers to students. These programs include: Bachelor's Degrees, Master’s Degrees, and Doctorate Degrees. Every program at GCU consists of a set of components. Here is a brief description of these components:

Domains: Every program is designed and structured around a unique set of Domains. Domains are simply categories of the major areas of knowledge a program covers. There are typically three to five Domains in each program.

Competencies: Each Domain in a program has a set of Competencies associated with it. Competencies are short statements of the most important skills students will gain in the program by the time they graduate. There are typically three to five competencies under each Domain.

Benchmark Assignments: Every competency in a program is clearly and fully assessed by an assignment at some point in the program. These assignments that assess specific competencies are called benchmark assignments. Benchmark Assignments are not worth more than other assignments and they don’t affect student grades more than other assignments. Benchmark Assignments are simply assignments that clearly measure student’s ability in regards to a competency. The university pulls data on the scores all students attain on a benchmark assignment to determine how well students in general are meeting the competency.

Mission Critical Domains: Every program as GCU is also guided by a set of Domains based on the mission of the university. These Domains inform assignments throughout a program and ensure that all students engage with the mission of the university throughout the curriculum.

Courses: Every program is made up of a number of courses. Courses are designed to prepare students to meet the competencies of the program. Courses complement and build on each other as a student progresses through a program. Students should not view courses as obstacles to complete to obtain a degree, but rather as opportunities to concentrate on an area of study and gain the skills necessary to excel in a field.

GCU Course Components (Refer to Walk to Class videos for a visual reference.)

Topics: Each course you take will be organized into a set of topics that will be covered in the course. Each topic will have objectives and you will complete an assignment, quiz/exam, or discussion question to demonstrate your accomplishment of that objective. 

Objectives: Objectives are brief statements that explain what you, the student, will be able to do by the end of the Topic. Before you start each Topic, pay close attention to the objectives; this will help you to recognize the point of the assignments, which help you to achieve the skills outlined in the objectives.

Syllabus: The course syllabus at GCU is provided to inform students about the topics, objectives, and assignments for each course. Each Topic has a set of readings/resources, assignments, and mandatory discussion questions.

Topic Resources: Topic Resources include textbook readings, GCU Library resources, websites, and any other learning materials required for successful completion of each Topic.

Assignments: Assignments are required to demonstrate successful learning of course objectives. Make sure you are following the assignment instructions carefully as you complete your assignments. Pay attention to things such as the required word count for papers and when the assignment is due. Before you turn an assignment in, refer back to the instructions to make sure what you produced meets the requirements.

Rubrics: The assignment rubric (if available) or grading criteria is what the instructor uses to grade assignments. You should use the rubric or grading criteria to guide you as you complete assignments. The rubric/grading criteria will specify what needs to be addressed to achieve a certain grade. Using rubrics/grading criteria will make your assignments better. Look over the rubric/grading criteria before, during, and after you complete your assignment so you know you are meeting all the requirements.

Tracking Your Progress

Course Calendar: The digital classroom Course Calendar is an excellent resource for helping you keep track of what is due in your courses and when. The calendar shows when discussion question responses are due as well as when all of your course assignments are due.

GradeBook: To keep track of your course progress, you should view your grades in the GradeBook. Your instructors will record your discussion and assignment grades weekly. You should keep track of your progress and always take the initiative to ask your instructor for areas in which you can improve. 

Conclusion

Assignments are at the heart of what you will be doing as a student. They help assess and build the knowledge you have gained. They affect your grades and grade point average (GPA). Your goal as a student should be to make sure you are doing all of your assignments correctly and on time. Prepare as necessary so you can meet this goal.