Module 1: Fundamentals of Responsible Behavior

The initials of the words in the course title spell the word STAR. The main goal of this course is to help you become a STAR teacher who is proficient in creating a learning environment that models, invites, and teaches self-responsible behaviors. As your students learn the skills and strategies you teach them, they will express themselves in self-responsible ways, becoming STARS both in the classroom and in their lives.

During this course you will review four "families" of strategies for teaching Self-Responsibility:

• Personal Power
• Mental Models
• 4-E Model
• Positive Student Confrontation

Here is a modular breakdown of the content of this course as it relates to the course strategies. Throughout the course you will see "STAR Maps" that will act as guides through the different Self-Responsibility Strategies. Maps with the "mouse" symbol in the upper right corner link directly to the content for each strategy so you can use them to access materials for review.

View the STAR Navigation Maps (opens in new browser)

One of the most meaningful, practical, and exciting aspects of the course is that each week you will apply or practice effective strategies. You will then reflect on your experience by participating in online class discussions and completing assignments. Some of the assignments require working with a student, child or possibly a group of children. If you’re not currently in the classroom, you may apply the strategies with your own child, a relative’s child, or children you may work with in youth groups or other organizations.  

Module One introduces Personal Power and Mental Models — two concepts that form the foundation for the entire course. As you begin this course, try to visualize a newly purchased tool box. As you proceed through the course, you will add "Self-Responsibility" tools to this tool box, filling it to the top. You may not use all of the tools every week or even every year, but you will have access to these strategies for teaching Self-Responsibility to your students when you need them.

Activity Checklist

Open the Learning Activity Checklist (pdf).

Module One Objectives

At the completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Relate the meaning of Self-Responsibility and explain its value in managing students in your own classroom.
• Discuss the concept of personal power and how it relates to a student's ability to be responsible and self-directed.
• Discuss and explain the concept of mental models and how they relate to a student's ability to be self-responsible and self-directed.
• Complete brief research and exploration on the topic of "Self-Responsibility," "Personal Power," and student success.