Transcript Transition

Making the Transition
Five Principles to Help You Achieve Success
1. Be There
2. Do the Work
3. Get Help
4. Plan
5. Think
Successful College Students …
• Are prepared for class
• Are on time
• Pay attention
• Take notes
• Ask and answer questions
Other Aspects of College Success
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Getting help
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Faculty office hours
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Tutoring and other academic support/success resources
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Planning and using your time
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Learning to think critically
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Taking the course syllabus seriously
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Course assignments
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Expectations concerning academic honesty
Differences Between High School and
Higher Education
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What are some of the differences you have observed between high school
and higher education?
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In Chapter 1, what do the authors describe as some
of the differences between high school and higher education?
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Why did you choose this institution?
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At what point in your life did you know you would attend college?
Differences Between High School and
Higher Education
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What are your expectations of college?
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What do you expect to gain from the college experience?
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What goals do you have for yourself this semester?
In two or three years? When you graduate?
Goal-Setting
External and Internal Values
External Values
Dictated by others, particularly society
Internal Values
Personal beliefs
To have a greater chance of
achieving your goals, you should
align them with your internal values.
Long- and Short-Term Goals
Goals should be very specific and include a date
by which each goal should be accomplished. Creating
an action plan can help keep you accountable and working toward your stated
goals.
There are two types of goals:
1.
Long-term goals
2.
Short-term goals
Discussion Questions
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In this chapter, the authors ask you to define
success by visualizing your life in twenty years.
What do you think your life will be like
then? How will you measure your success?
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The authors provide two definitions of goals, as
well as examples of short- and long-term goals.
What are two important aspects of both
long- and short-term goals, and why are
those aspects important?
Discussion Questions
• What are some differences
between tasks and goals?
• Why is it important to regularly
review and revise your goals?
• How can an action plan help you
reach your goals?
Time Management
Time Management
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Time management is a collection of skills,
techniques, strategies, and attitudes that enable
a person to use time effectively.
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Time management is not about trying to
maximize the productivity of every hour in your
life. Life is a continuing balance between growth
and achievement, and relaxation and leisure.
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The number-one determinant of powerful and
effective time management is FOCUS.
Weekly Schedule
A time journal can help you track how you spend your time. You can use it to
set your weekly schedule, which should:
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Include at least 2 to 2½ study hours for every hour spent in class (classtime-to-study ratio). That means that if you are taking 12 to 15 credit
hours, you should be studying 24 to 38 hours a week.
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Reflect your personal priorities and goals.
If your goal is to earn at least a 3.0 grade-point
average, your weekly schedule should reflect a
significant amount of time devoted to studying and
preparing for your classes.
Procrastination and Prioritizing
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Success in school and life will depend on your
ability to take action. If you want to move forward in
life, you will have to defeat the urge to procrastinate.
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You can beat procrastination by making choices that
reflect your personal priorities. Consider the
following:
1. There are only so many hours in the day.
2. How much time you give to your goals will
directly affect your achievement.
Effective Time Management
Allotting time to tasks is important, but even more
important is how you use the time you have allotted:
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Distractions can derail your focus. Find
ways to limit distractions—like textmessaging and Facebook—while you are
studying so you can make the most of your
time and remain focused.
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Effective time management does not mean
always being busy. How effectively you use
your time will determine your progress
toward reaching your goals.
Discussion Questions
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What do you think effective time management
looks like? Are you effective at managing your
time?
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How do you currently make decisions involving
your time?
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The authors talk about how time management
relates to the attainment of personal goals. How
are your current time-management strategies
helping you to reach your long- and short-term
goals?
Discussion Questions
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According to the authors, “80% of your results
come from 20% of your efforts.” Do you agree or
disagree? Explain.
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The authors suggest that the concept of energy
might be more important than the concept of
time. In other words, devoting more energy to a
task can have better results than just devoting
more time to it. Do you agree? Have you had any
firsthand experience with this idea?
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What specific strategies do you use to manage
your time effectively?
Intelligence
Learning Styles
Examining learning styles can help you understand how you prefer to learn
and can help you identify areas in which you need to improve as a learner.
The four categories of learning styles are:
1. Visual
2. Auditory
3. Tactile
4. Kinesthetic
Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory
provides additional information about intelligence
and learning styles.
The following are Gardner’s eight intelligence types:
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Verbal-linguistic
Logical-mathematical
Visual-spatial
Bodily-kinesthetic
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Musical-rhythmic
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalistic
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) involves being aware of and managing your
emotions and those of people around you. Unlike IQ, EQ can change and
improve throughout one’s life.
There are two types of EQ:
1. Personal competence
2. Social competence
Discussion Questions
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What is your preferred learning style? Share some
examples of how you use your preferred learning style
when you are studying.
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In this chapter, the authors say it is important to know
your learning styles so you can use them to your
advantage. Furthermore, knowing about the various
learning styles can help you identify areas you need to
strengthen. How can you adapt your learning styles?
How do learning styles relate to teaching styles?
Discussion Questions
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Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory
provides additional information about intelligence as it
relates to styles of learning and processing information.
Which of the eight intelligences best describes how you
learn?
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Think about your preferred learning style(s) and the
intelligence style you chose from Gardner’s list. How
can you use these concepts together to enhance your
learning?
Discussion Questions
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The authors say that one of the upsides of Emotional
Intelligence (EQ) is that it can be improved throughout
one’s life. Conversely, IQ is something that does not
change. Do you agree with this statement? Explain.
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How can you apply the two categories of EQ to your
learning and to everyday life?
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
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Critical thinking is purposeful, deliberative reflections that
consider what to believe or do, what to accept or reject, and
what to expect in the future based on present information.
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Well-educated people use critical-thinking skills all the time.
They make use of acquired information and experiences to
make informed decisions.
Becoming a better critical thinker
is what college is all about.
Critical-Thinking Strategies
Use the acronym ACES to improve your critical-thinking skills:
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Analyze: Read and
listen carefully. Look
for main ideas and
examine assumptions.
Clarify: Understand all
information and ask
specific, clarifying
questions.
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Evaluate: Make decisions
about the validity of
information. Evaluate your
thinking and experience.
See Relationships: Look for
connections between what
you have learned and what
you are learning in other
settings.
Discussion Questions
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Think about a situation in which you had to make a difficult
decision. What steps did you take to reach your decision? Do
you think you used critical-thinking skills? Explain.
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Critical thinking is often described as a sophisticated process.
Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
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What skills do you think are involved in critical thinking?
Discussion Questions
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In this chapter, the authors present the acronym ACES as a
strategy for improving critical-thinking skills. Provide an
example of how you can use this strategy when making
decisions and/or solving problems.
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Think of differences between facts and opinions, and provide
an example of each.
Note-Taking
Note-Taking
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Taking notes is an important aspect of college success.
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There are two types of notes:
1. In-class notes: based on lectures
and discussions
2. Reading notes: based on textbooks,
articles, and other supplemental
class resources.
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It is important to develop strategies for taking
and using in-class and reading notes.
Class Notes
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By listening, observing, and predicting or asking questions, you can
improve the notes you take in class.
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You can organize your notes using an informal outline, the Cornell Method,
or by clustering information.
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After you take your notes, make sure you:
1. Review your notes immediately after
a class.
2. Review your notes before the next class.
3. Review your notes when studying for
an exam.
Reading Notes
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Preview the material first; then read and re-read it
to make sure you comprehend the information. Finally, take
notes on the selected information.
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Divide information into sections before you begin reading.
This will help you manage a large reading assignment.
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Find a logical way to organize the
information you have read. Outlining it can be
handy because you can go back to it and add
information from a class lecture or discussion.
Discussion Questions
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What do you think you do well when you are
taking notes?
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What specific strategies do you use when you
are taking in-class notes? Reading notes?
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If you have never taken reading notes, do you
think this is a strategy you might use in the
future? In any specific class? Explain.
Discussion Questions
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In this chapter, the authors describe how
creating a study guide might eliminate the
need to refer to your textbook. How might you
organize your in-class and reading notes to
create a study guide?
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How do you use your notes to study for a
test? Do you use the same strategies for
each class and/or type of exam? Explain.
Test-Taking
Test-Taking
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Tests are “learning experiences” because
they allow you to clarify and reinforce
knowledge of a particular subject, they
provide an instructor with valuable feedback
about your learning, and they allow for
objective assessment of that learning.
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Although learning is important, grades in
college also matter. Your grades become part
of your transcript, which will stay with you for
the remainder of your life.
Steps to Taking a Test
Step 1: Preparation
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Begin preparing the first day.
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Do the assignments (all of them).
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Find out about the test’s format and what topics and materials will be on
the test.
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Combine in-class and reading notes to
create a study guide.
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Use a study schedule.
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Visit your professor during his/her office hours.
Steps to Taking a Test
Step 2: Taking the Test
• Find a good seat in the classroom.
• Preview the exam before answering any questions.
• Write down formulas, etc., that you might need.
• Plan your time, leaving enough time for review.
• Read the directions and questions carefully,
and answer the easiest questions first.
• Write clearly and show all of your work.
• Review the test, and only change an answer
if you are positive it is wrong.
Steps to Taking a Test
Step 3: When You Get the Test Back
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Review the test carefully and read all of your instructor’s comments.
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Analyze your mistakes, and talk with your instructor to make sure you
understand what you did wrong.
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Get help, if you need it, to learn the
information you missed.
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Save the test, if your instructor allows you
to keep it, and record your grade in a safe
place.
Types of Tests
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There are two types of tests:
1.
Recognition: Multiple choice, true/false, and matching
2.
Recall: Essays, short answers, and fill-in-the-blanks
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Recognition tests require that you recognize the correct answer from the
choices provided.
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Recall tests require that you retrieve the
information from memory, and in some
cases, make connections between concepts
on the test.
Test Anxiety
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Remember, you are not alone. At one time or another,
everyone (even your professor or instructor) has been
nervous about a test.
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Developing your memory skills, remaining positive before
and during a test, preparing thoroughly, and learning to
relax through breathing or visualization
techniques will help you overcome test anxiety.
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If your test anxiety persists, talk to
your professor, advisor, or counselor
for additional assistance.
Discussion Questions
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The authors describe tests as “learning
experiences.” Based on your own
experiences taking tests, either in high
school or college, do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Explain.
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Describe the steps you take to prepare for
an exam. Do these steps vary based on the
type of test? Explain.
Discussion Questions
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How do you approach taking a test? For example, some
students read all of the questions before answering any
of them; other students answer the easiest questions
first; and some answer the most difficult questions first.
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Have your strategies for preparing for or taking tests
changed, or do you use the same strategies
you used in high school? Explain.
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What do you do when you receive a graded
test from a professor?
Midterm
Midterm
The midpoint of the semester is a good time to evaluate:
1. Your academic progress
2. Your goals and your progress toward meeting them
3. Your personal progress
4. Your future
Discussion Questions
Your Academic Progress
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Which of the principles of a successful student have you found to be the
most useful? Least? Explain.
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What actions have you taken to make sure you earn
the grades you want? What resources have you used?
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What will you do to make sure you reach your academic goals?
Discussion Questions
Your Goals and Your Progress Toward Meeting Them
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Are the goals you set at the beginning of this semester still realistic?
Explain.
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What different or additional goals do you have now?
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What caused you to change your goals? Or what prompted
you to add to your goals?
Discussion Questions
Your Personal Progress
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What is your college experience like? Is it what you expected it to be?
Explain.
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What have you learned about who you are and what you
believe in as a result of this process?
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What have you learned about other people?
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What do you think would surprise your high school friends
about college?
Discussion Questions
Your Future
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What have you decided about your major and classes for next semester?
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Will you live at home, on campus, or somewhere else?
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Will you work?
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Have you had an opportunity to get involved in campus clubs,
organizations, or activities? If you have not been involved,
do you plan to be in the future?
What’s Next? Majors and Careers
Choosing a Major and a Career
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The first step in choosing a major and a career is
to consider what you like doing and what you are
good at. Tailor your career research and
opportunity searches so they take your interests
and strengths into account.
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Developing knowledge and expertise in a specific
area or field is becoming more and more
important. Finding a mentor in your chosen
profession and participating in an internship can
help you develop this expertise.
More About Careers
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In addition to experiential opportunities, effective
resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills are
important.
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Consider how the skills and knowledge you are
developing through your classes and
extracurricular activities help when you are
pursuing a job or graduate education.
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If you are still thinking about potential careers, use
the courses you are taking to explore different
fields.
Discussion Questions
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What is your major, and how did you choose this
major? If you have not chosen a major, what
majors are you considering?
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What are your career goals, and how do you think
your major will help you reach these goals?
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What resources do you plan to use to enhance
your college experience and, ultimately, help you
become more marketable when you pursue your
chosen career?
Reading and Writing
College-Level Reading
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Before beginning a reading assignment, you should identify the type of
material it is (fiction or nonfiction) and the writer’s purpose (e.g.,
persuasion, entertainment, etc.).
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Once you have identified these two aspects, you can
use the following steps to understand and
process the information you are reading:
1. Preview
2. Read
3. Organize the information
4. Review
College-Level Writing
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Writing is a process, and your writing can be improved by reading and
writing more.
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The following steps describe the writing process:
1. Planning
2. Preparing
3. Resting
4. Writing the first draft
5. Revising
6. Editing
Discussion Questions
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Describe how you first approach a
reading assignment. Do you read every
word, a few sentences from every
paragraph, or only words in bold print?
Do your strategies differ for different
types of classes? Explain.
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How do you determine a writer’s
purpose? What role does this play when
you are reading?
Discussion Questions
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What steps do you take when you
begin a writing assignment?
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How do you ensure you are submitting
your best written work for each class?
Do you plan time to revise your paper?
Do you ask a tutor to help you?
Speaking
Tips for Effective Speaking
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Less is more; leave your audience wanting more.
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Interlace your comments with personal experiences.
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Try to speak without notes.
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Speak slowly and look at people.
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Try to end with a high point.
Remember: Public speaking is a skill;
the more you practice, the better you will become.
Discussion Questions
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In this chapter, the authors suggest that college
students should develop public-speaking skills.
Why do you think the authors believe these skills
are important to develop in college? Do you
agree? Explain.
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Think about people who you think are good
public speakers. What specific skills and
strategies do they use when making
presentations or speeches? Why do you think
they are effective?
Discussion Questions
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Now, think about people you believe are not
effective public speakers. What is it about these
speakers’ presentations, methods, or abilities
that make them ineffective?
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The authors share tips for effective public
speaking. In addition to these, what else can you
do to improve your speaking skills? What can
you do to make better presentations?
Thinking Globally
Diversity and Stereotyping
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Thomas Friedman’s book, The World Is Flat,
describes how increasing globalization has made it
important to understand more about diverse people
and cultures.
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Stereotyping can impede communication and
collaboration for both the person who is doing the
stereotyping and the person or group that has been
stereotyped.
Embracing Diversity
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Surrounding yourself with people who are different
from you will help you grow and develop as a
person.
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Understanding diverse cultures and perspectives will
help you have a better chance of succeeding in your
life and work, even after college.
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Learn more about people by seeking opportunities
to get involved. You could volunteer in the
community, mentor a child, or work on a political
campaign.
Discussion Questions
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In this chapter, the authors present the concept
of “globalization” as one reason why it is important
to learn more about diverse people and cultures.
What are some examples of globalization that you
have observed?
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Do you think the world is really becoming flat?
Explain.
Discussion Questions
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What are some things about you that are unique?
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At the end of this chapter, the authors share some
ideas about how students can become more familiar
with people of different cultures and backgrounds.
How have you learned about diverse people and
cultures? How will you learn even more about the
world’s societies?
Financial Literacy
Basics of Finance
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It’s not how much you make that counts; what matters is
how much is left over after you pay your living
expenses.
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Keep a budget to better understand your financial
needs.
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Be prepared to pay income taxes, as well as
contributions toward health care, Medicare, and
Social Security.
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Become savvy about spending and borrowing money to
avoid debt.
Banks and Banking
Banks exist to:
1. Help you save, invest, and administer your money.
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Checking accounts
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Debit cards
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Savings
2. Lend you money.
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Car and home loans
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Credit cards
Borrowing Money
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Loans, or borrowed funds, are often used to pay for
things like homes, cars, and education. Loans allow a
borrower to purchase something before he or she has
the funds to pay for the item.
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Student loans are common among college students.
There are two types of student loans:
1. Government (subsidized and unsubsidized)
2. Private loans
Important Considerations
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Trying to live within your means, and thus avoiding
unnecessary debt, can help you now and in the future,
when you might need to take out a loan.
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Becoming aware of and monitoring your credit score
can help you ensure that your credit and identity belong
to you.
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Paying bills, income taxes, and loans on time will
help you protect your credit score and will ultimately
contribute to your financial security in the future.
Discussion Questions
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The authors begin the chapter by describing money
as a “scarce commodity” that comes to those who
provide “economic value.” Do you agree with this
statement? Explain. What economic value will you
provide?
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What should you consider when developing a personal
budget? Have you ever used a personal budget?
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What are some differences between debit cards and
credit cards?
Discussion Questions
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In what situations would you use a debit card rather
than a credit card? When might you choose to use a
credit card? When would you borrow money or take out
a loan?
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How do you make these types of financial decisions?
What are your priorities, and how are they reflected
in your decisions?
Health
Basics of Good Health
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There are three types of health: physical (body), mental (brain), and
emotional (spirit).
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Good nutrition plays a role in all aspects of good health. Here are the
basics of good health:
1. Eat the right foods
2. Drink lots of fluids
3. Exercise
4. Get adequate rest
Planning for Good Health
Maintaining a positive attitude, exercising willpower and self-discipline, and
developing a plan can help you achieve and maintain good health.
1. Figure out in advance where you are likely to struggle.
2. Decide exactly what you will do in those
challenging situations.
3. Create a mantra for yourself.
4. Be prepared to slip and get back on track—quickly.
Discussion Questions
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The authors provide information about basic health
and nutrition. How do your food choices reflect your
beliefs about nutrition? How can you make good
choices when your food options and/or time might
be limited?
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Are sleep and exercise important aspects of your
physical and mental health? Explain. How have your
sleep habits and exercise routine changed since you
began college?
Discussion Questions
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What do you think are some of the most significant
health issues facing college students today?
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What kinds of things do you do, or not do, to
maintain your own health and wellness?
Self-Assessment
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is a hallmark of an educated and mature person. It is only
when we are aware of who we are—our strengths and weaknesses, our
hopes and dreams, our values and how true we stay to them, and how we
perceive others and the way others perceive us—that we can make
progress as students and as people.
How would you answer
the question, “Who am I?”
Understanding What Matters
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Personal values, or what you feel is important, should be
reflected in how you spend your time and money.
•
Creating a mission statement can help you remain true to your
values as you make decisions.
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Taking responsibility for your actions will help you gain control
over your life.
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Maintaining your motivation will help you continue working
toward your goals.
Discussion Questions
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Think about the decisions you have made recently. Have your actions
reflected who you are? Explain.
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How would you respond to the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What would I want people to say about me when
I’m gone?
What makes me feel good about myself?
What or who inspires me the most?
What causes do I believe in or care about?
If I could make a statement that
would go out to the world,
what would it say?
Discussion Questions
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How would you grade yourself in the following areas?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Growth in critical thinking
Growth in emotional intelligence, especially optimism
Positive self-talk
Goals that are compelling, measurable, and realistic
A clearer understanding of your values and an effort
to live by them
A sense of mission in life
Responsibility
Motivation