©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Study Skills Topic 1 Strategies for Success: The College System PowerPoint by JoAnn Yaworski

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. The College System: An Orientation How can you find information about your college? What services are available on your campus? How can you learn from others on campus? How are different courses organized? How does the grading system work? How can you succeed in the classroom?

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Information Sources The College Catalog Your College’s Web Site Your Academic Advisor The Student Newspaper

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. College Services Student Health Office Student Activities Office/Student Center Counseling and Testing Center Financial Aid Office Placement Office Library Learning Lab/Academic Skills Center

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Campus Diversity Meet students from diverse backgrounds who share your interests. Share your experiences and background when relevant in class discussions. Consider research projects that provide opportunities for learning about other cultures.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Tips for Commuter Students

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Part 1: Balancing Family, Work, and College Follow time management suggestions. Establish priorities.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Part 2: Explaining College to Family and Friends Explain the new demands college has placed on you. Explain that certain blocks of your time are reserved for study. Learn to say “no” to friends and family who do not understand college demands.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Part 3: Commuting takes time Use your commute time for learning. If driving, play tapes of lectures. If riding, work on assignments.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Part 4: When You Don’t Feel You Belong Speak with others first. Get to know one person in each class and exchange phone numbers. Join clubs and attend student activities on campus. Spend extra time on campus.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Course Organization

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. The Syllabus Information included in your syllabus: Required Textbook(s) Attendance Policy Grading System Course Objectives Weekly Assignments or readings Dates of Exams Due Dates for Papers

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Grades and Grading Systems Pass/Fail Options Course Withdrawal Deadlines and Penalties Incomplete Grades Grade Point Average (GPA)

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Classroom Success Tips Attend all classes. Get acquainted with faculty. Keep up with assignments. Project a positive image. Take action when you miss an important exam or deadline. Take action if you are in the wrong class. Purchase the required and recommended materials.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Project a Positive Image Arrive at class on time. Participate in class discussions. Ask and answer questions. Sit in the front of the classroom. Make eye contact with the instructor. Complete assignments on time. Read assigned material before class. Say “hello” when you meet your instructor on campus.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Think Critically Ask questions. Keep an open mind. Recognize other points of view. Approach issues systematically.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Be an Active Learner Ask questions about what you are reading. Discover the purpose behind assignments. Find out how each assignment fits in with the course. Relate what you are learning with what you already know.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Create Rules to Cope Study at least three hours each day or evening. Start studying for a major exam at least a week in advance. Complete all homework assignments regardless of whether you get credit for them. Make review a part of each study session. Read all assigned chapters before the lecture.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Monitor Your Progress Are you falling behind on assignments? Have you missed several classes recently? Do you feel lost or confused in any course? Are you relying heavily on a friend for completing assignments? Do you feel something is wrong, but you are not sure what it is? Do you feel constantly tired or spend a lot of time sleeping?

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. How to Handle Academic Problems Remain confident. Don’t give up; keep trying. Take immediate action to solve problems. Speak with your instructor. Go to a Learning Center or Academic Support Center. Consider withdrawing from the problematic course.

©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Visit the Longman Study Skills Web Site