Understanding the Difference Between High School and College Created by Magda Hayes

Student Responsibility

High School College "teacher-supported” “student-directed” 1. High school and teachers require attendance. 2. Teachers remind students of assignments, tests, and make-up work. 1. Successful students attend all classes although attendance may not be required. 2. Students complete assignments & take tests.

High School College "teacher-supported” “student-directed” 3. Teachers guide research and the location of information. 4. Teachers give students supplementary information. 3. Successful students possess library and internet research skills. 4. Successful students seek background information.

High School College "teacher-supported” “student-directed” 5. Teachers: *Summarize main ideas *Outline notes *Provide study guides *Formulate questions. 5. Successful students: *Use effective reading skills *Take notes and study them *Create their own study guides *Create questions and answers.

High School College "teacher-supported” “student-directed” 6. Teachers monitor student performance by providing grade sheets. 7. Teachers discipline inappropriate talking in class. 6. Students monitor their own performance and set improvement goals. 7. Teachers do not tolerate inappropriate talking in class.

High School College "teacher-supported” “student-directed” 8. Teachers usually require less outside studying than college. 9. Teachers provide in- class study time and students often study with many distractions. 8. Students study 2-3 hours for each one hour of class time. 9. Students use study areas on campus and create a study area at home.

High School College "teacher-supported” “student-directed” 10. Others schedule a student’s time for classes and work. 11. Students often choose elective courses based on interest. 10. Students must develop personal time management systems for school, work, and social life. 11. Students choose courses based on program, degree, or transfer requirements.

Academic environment

High School College " student-focused” " content-focused " 1. Teachers give short lectures that often duplicate reading assignments. 2. High school classes are usually limited to 30 or fewer students. 1. Teachers present extended lectures that supplement assigned readings. 2. College classes are usually larger with plus students.

High School College " student-focused” " content-focused " 3. High school classes meet daily. 4. Teachers provide necessary background knowledge. 3. College classes meet 2- 3 times per week. 4. Teachers assume students have background knowledge and skills.

High School College " student-focused” " content-focused " 5. Teachers focus student learning with questions. 6. Teachers cover all content in class. 7. Teachers provide organization. 5. Teachers expect students to generate questions. 6. Students have to know all the material. 7. Students must organize their notes and handouts (notebooks/folders).

Sources: MNADE Publications Minnesota Association for Developmental Education