The Community College Experience, Brief Edition

by Baldwin, Amy, M.A.

• ISBN13: 9780132480864
• ISBN10: 0132480867
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-02-17
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

For Freshman Orientation, Introduction to College, College Survival, and College Seminar courses. The first book on the market written with the first-time community college student in mind, this text provides basic information as well as encouragement for the non-traditional student-it shows that going to college and balancing work and family can be accomplished without compromising studentsrs" success. The Community College Experience Briefcovers a range of topics from making the transition into college culture, to practicing active learning and study skills, and preparing for a degree and a career. Each chapter, including the return of the time and energy management chapter, explores a major "college survival" topic in depth and provides a wealth of information for anyone who has stepped onto campus for the first time, all in a straightforward, easy-to-read format. The third edition now offers exciting new features such Tech Tactics, using technology and websites to further understanding, and Emotional Intelligence Check-Up, which allows students to explore four key emotional intelligence characteristics that can help them succeed.

Author Biography

Amy Baldwin has been teaching college success, writing, and literature at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas since 1996.  Among the many hats community college faculty like Amy wear, she has also served as the professional development coordinator and co-director of the Achieving the Dream initiative. She has taught on-campus and online classes since 1999 and has presented nearly 100 workshops across the U.S. on the topics of numerous topics including student success, research writing, academic integrity, and online teaching.  She has also written for The Teaching Professor, Community College Week,and Student Health 101. Her texts, The First Generation Experience 1st edition and The Community College Experience PLUS 2nd edition, are published by Pearson. Amy received her B.A. in English Literature from Rhodes College and her M.A. in English Literature from Washington University. She is currently working on her doctorate in higher education, with a focus on student retention.  Amy lives with her husband and two children in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Table of Contents

Brief Table of Contents

Part One: Transitions

Jump Start

Chapter 1: Understanding College Culture and Your Campus

Chapter 2: Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

Chapter 3: Managing Your Time and Energy

Chapter 4: Cultivating Relationships and Appreciating Diversity

 

Part Two: Integrations

Chapter 5: Reading, Listening, and Note-taking

Chapter 6: Learning, Memory, and Studying for Tests

Chapter 7: Writing, Researching, and Information Literacy

 

Part Three: Re-visions

Chapter 8: Making Healthy Choices

Chapter 9: Planning for Next Semester

Chapter 10: Preparing for a Career and a Life

 

Appendix A: VARK Learning Styles

Appendix B: Plagiarism Guide

Appendix C: Glossary of Terms

Index

Complete Table of Contents

Part One: Transitions

Chapter 1: Understanding College Culture and Your Campus

In This Chapter

Transition and Transformation

Higher Education, Higher Expectations

            Go for the Gold by Remembering SILVER

            Controversial Content

How College Works

            Schedules

            Grades

College Resources

            The Campus

            College Catalog

            Student Handbook

            College Newspaper

            Bulletin Boards

            It’s in the Syllabus

            Put It Online

            Campus Organizations

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: The changes in Culture and College Services

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: How the Culture Will Change Again

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Chapter 2: Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

In This Chapter

Your Story

            Your Background

            Your Values

            Your Dreams

Your Goals and Mission Statement

            Your Mission Statement

            Setting Goals

            Managing Your Goals

            Staying on Track

            Managing Your Priorities

Staying Motivated

            Identifying Motivators

            Overcoming Obstacles

            Remaining Resilient

Your Support System

            Your Family

            Your Friends

            Your Community         

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: What You Know and How You Learn Will Change

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Goals and a Mission Will Help You Succeed

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Chapter 3: Managing Time and Energy

In This Chapter

Is Time on Your Side?

            Getting Organized

            Supplies for Success

            Space Considerations

            Same Time, Same Place

It's Time for College

            Making Time for Classes

            But What Do I Do?

            Analyzing Your Time

            Back-Dating Time Management Plan

Managing Your Energy

            Identifying Time and Energy Zappers

            Running low on Time and Energy

Why Wait Until Tomorrow?

            Procrastination Pitfalls

            Procrastination Types

            Eliminating Procrastination

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: How to Handle the New Pressures on Your Time 

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Improving Time Management on the Job

References and Recommended Readings 

 

 

Chapter 4: Cultivating Relationships and Appreciating Diversity

In This Chapter

Cultivating Relationships in College

            Professors

            Advisors, Counselors, and Learning Support Staff

            Classmates

            Family and Friends

Appreciating Diversity

            Gender and Sexual Orientation Diversity

            Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity

            Generational Diversity

            Other Kinds of Diversity

            Teaching Styles Diversity

Fighting Hate

            Stereotypes

            Prejudice

            Discrimination

Resolving Conflict

            Creating Boundaries

            When a Problem Arises

            Tips for Lasting Relationships

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: The Relationships You Foster Now Will Open Door after Transfer

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Dealing with Diversity Is a Key to Success on the Job

References and Recommended Readings 

 

 

Part Two: Integrations

Chapter 5: Reading, Listening, and Note Taking 

In This Chapter

College Reading Expectations

            What to Do with a Reading Assignment

            Reading in the Disciplines

Reading Actively and Critically

            Skimming and Scanning

            Questioning

            Evaluating

Developing Your Reading Skills

            Building Your Vocabulary

            Checking Your Comprehension

            Improving Your Reading Attention Span

SQ3R Reading Strategy

The Art of Listening

            Preparing to Listen and Listening Actively

            Listening Critically

            Reduce Listening Barriers

            Remembering What You Have Heard

Note-Taking Strategies

            How Information Is Presented

            Developing a Shorthand

            Outlining

            Annotating

            The Cornell System

Note-Taking Strategies In the Disciplines

Reviewing Your Notes

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: how the Reading Load and Expectations May Change

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Practicing Critical Listening Skills Will Give You an Edge on the Job

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Chapter 6: Learning, Memory, and Studying for Tests 

In This Chapter

This Is Your Brain In College

            The Learning Process

            Learning in College

The Memory Game

            Mnemonic Devices

            Memory Strategies

Think About It

            Creative Thinking

            Analytical Thinking

            Critical thinking

            Problem Solving

Study Strategies

            A Place and Time for Studying

            Studying Actively

            Creating "Cheat" Sheets

Taking The Test

            Maintaining Integrity during the Test

            Beating Test Anxiety

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: Different Types of Thinking Will Be Needed to Continue Your Learning

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: How Critical Thinking Will Be Used on the Job

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Chapter 7: Thinking Creatively, Analytically, and Critically

In This Chapter

College Writing Assignments

            Understanding the Assignment

            Following Directions

            Length, Audience, and Purpose

            Types of Writing Assignments

            Formats and Occasions

            Portfolios

            Evaluation of Writing

Getting help with Writing

            Peer Review

            Tutoring

            How Much Is Too Much Help?

The Writing Process

            Creating a Thesis and Organizing Details

            Writing Essays

            Avoiding Plagiarism

Information Literacy

            Recognizing When Information is Needed

            Finding and Evaluating Information

            Using Information Effectively

Making Speeches and Presentations

            Planning a Speech or Presentation

            Vocal Delivery

            Physical Delivery

            Visual Aids

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: How Writing Assignments and Expectations Will Change

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Why Strong Speaking Skills Will Set You Apart at Work

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Part Three: Re-Visions

Chapter 8: Making Healthy Choices 

In This Chapter

Understanding Stress

            What? me Worry?

            Stress in College

            Stress at Home

            Stress at Work

            Stress-Related Illnesses

Handling Stress

            Reducing the Negative Effects of Stress

            Staying Flexible

            Knowing When to Get Help with Stress

What's Good For You

            Eat Well

            Get Moving

            Sleep Soundly

            Drugs and Alcohol

            Sex

            Depression and Suicide

Healthy Living for Life

            Living a Balanced Life

            Maintaining Healthy Relationships

            Getting Help When You Need It

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: How Your Stress Will Change and How to Handle the New Pressures

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: making Healthy Lifestyle Changes Is a Good Long-Term Strategy

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Chapter 9: Planning for Next Semester

In This Chapter

Planning for Your Educational Future

            A Difference of Degrees

            Transferring to a University

            Deadline and Important Dates

Completing the Semester

            Preparing for Final Examinations

            Choosing Classes for Next Semester

Financing your Education

            Scholarships

            Grants

            Student Loans

            Military and Veterans Financial Aid

            Work Study

            Tuition Waivers for Employees

            Applying for Financial Aid

            Renewing Financial Aid and Paying it Back

The Decision to Continue

            Is College Right for You Right Now?

            Benefits of Continuing Your Education

            Benefits of Taking a Break

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: Preparing for Unexpected Higher Costs

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: The Benefits of Returning to Work before Continuing Your Education

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Chapter 10: Preparing for a Career and a Life

In This Chapter

Career Exploration

            Career Values and Goals

            Career Counseling

            Career Fairs

            Internships

Job Preparation

            Writing a Résumé

            Creating a Cover Letter

            Interviewing

            Cyber Considerations

            Stay Flexible

            Networking

            References and Recommendation Letters

Your Finances

            Creating a Budget

            Handling Credit Cards

Creating a Life

            Mission, Values, and Goals Revisited

            Engaging in the Community

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: Hold Off on Starting Your Career until You Have met Your Educational Goals

STRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Practicing What You Have Learned to Earn the Job Will Help You Progress

References and Recommended Readings 

 

Appendix A: VARK Learning Styles

Appendix B:  Plagiarism Guide 

Appendix C: Glossary

Index