Excelling in College

by Kottler, Jeffrey

• ISBN13: 9781428231207
• ISBN10: 142823120X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-01-01
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

There is a difference between surviving in college and thriving in college, especially when considering the change in environment for first-year students. They are expected to take on new roles and responsibilities such as speaking up in class, approaching instructors, making new friends, performing under pressure, dealing with financial struggles, and making healthy lifestyle choices on their own. With so many changes and challenges to deal with at once, it often results in a stressed-out student. In fact, persuasive evidence shows stress is the single most reported obstacle to academic success in college (CHRONICLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION, 2009). This is especially true of first-year students. In surveys conducted by the American College Health Association (2009) and the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (2009), half of all students reported feeling plagued by stress in the previous year. One-third found that there were times they were so overwhelmed that they could barely function on a daily basis. EXCELLING IN COLLEGE encourages students to perform their best using critical-thinking skills and stress management. By using exercises, in-class activities, and videos, readers learn how to manage these challenges in order to better maintain relationships with family and friends. These skills are not only helpful during college but also carry through the post-academic career.

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Very Personal Introduction

Why This Class is So Important

Making Learning Stick

The Nature of Life on a College Campus

College Life and Its Inhabitants

Learning Inside and Outside the Classroom

Some Reasonable Fears and Apprehensions

How College Will Change You

Good Advice You Won't Follow. . .Until It Makes Sense to You

Adjusting to Campus Life

Predicting Successful Adjustment

Choosing Courses

Resources on Campus

Managing Time and Setting Goals

Formulating Priorities and Goals

Setting Goals

Organizing and Structuring Time

Procrastination

Striving for Excellence in the Classroom

Strategies for the Classroom

Asking Questions in Class

Interactions with Instructors

How to Listen in Class

How to Take Notes

Studying, Learning, and Remembering: Personal Styles

Finding or Creating Study Space

What are the Best Ways that You Learn?

Different Ways that People Learn

Changes You Can Make When Things Aren't Working

Understanding How Memory Works

Learning to Remember

How to Read

Studying in Groups

Performing Under Pressure: Taking Tests

Preparing and Taking Examinations

Text Anxiety

Preparing for Tests

Preparing and Taking Final Exams

After the Test is Over

Writing Papers and Doing Presentations

Preparing and Writing Papers

Writing Email

Searching and Re-searching Sources

Giving Speeches and Class Presentations

It's About the Relationships

Using Technology in Presentations

Doing Group Presentations

Look for More Ways to Practice

Making Lifestyle Choices

Eating Healthfully

Exercise

Drinking and Drugs

Tobacco

Behavioral Addictions

Sleeping

Leisure Activities

Sex

Money

Thinking Critically and Solving Problems

What Critical Thinking Means and What it Will Do For You

How to "Do" Critical Thinking

Using Critical Thinking to Solve Problems

Overview of the Problem Solving Process

Stress Management and Prevention

What is Stress and How do You Know When You've Got It?

Preventing and Managing Stress

Relaxation Strategies

Changing the Ways You View the World

Changing Negative and Self-Defeating Thoughts

Negotiating Relationships

Friendships

Family Relationships

Romantic Relationships

Relationship Skills

Conflict in Relationships

Functions of Conflict

Conflicts with Roommates

Strategies for Managing Conflict

Diversity and Appreciating Differences

Misunderstandings about Cultural Affiliations

Expanding Your Cultural Wisdom

Challenges Faced by Minority Students

Confronting Prejudices and Stereotypes

Experiencing Other Cultures

Respect and Civility

Planning for the Future

Considerations when Planning Your Future

Begin Your Career Planning Now

Making Changes Last

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