Keys to Effective Learning : Developing Powerful Habits of Mind

by Carter, Carol J.; Bishop, Joyce; Block, Judy; Kravits, Sarah

• ISBN13: 9780131131125
• ISBN10: 0131131125
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

This book focuses on developing effective learning techniques to help readers excel in school, in their careers, and throughout their lives as lifelong learners. Unlike traditional study skills books, this one emphasizes how people learn effectively byinvolving them in the active process of mastering their mental abilities and their personal confidence. The authors outline getting ready to learn through self-awareness, goal setting and time management, as well as, critical and creative thinking, targeting success in school through reading and studying, listening and memory, taking notes and test taking, quantitative learning, researching and writing, gathering and communicating ideas, as well as, creating life success. For individuals interested in effective learning techniques.

Table of Contents

Getting Ready to Learn

Welcome to College: Opening Doors

Values, Goals, Time, and Stress: Managing Yourself

Diversity Matters: Learning Styles and Communication

Critical and Creative Thinking: Solving problems and Making Decisions

Targeting Success in School and Life

Reading and Studying: Focusing on Content

Listening and Memory: Taking In and Remembering Information

Taking Notes: Recording Concepts and Information

Test Taking: Showing What You Know

Quantitative Learning: Becoming Comfortable with Math and Science

Effective Writing: Communicating Your Message

Creating Your Life: Building a Successful Future

A Guide to Library and Internet Research

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Students and professors have consistently praised the thorough coverage of study skill. and strategies in Keys to Effective Learning. In this edition, we have built upon these strengths to cover three main ways for students to achieve their best as learners. Managing yourself effectively Putting knowledge into action Taking initiative on your own behalf Build Habits of Mind: Tools for Self-Management Developed by educator Arthur Costa, who was intrigued by how successful students work through problems, theHabits of Mindare problem-solving attitudes and approaches that are transferable to all kinds of problems. Each chapter features a different Habit and shows you how to use it to enhance and actively apply the chapter material. When you complete the text, you will have twelve positive Habits that will help you to manage yourself successfully, enabling you to become a better problem solver and more successful learner. Turn Knowledge into Action: Active Learning Exercises We frequently learn information in the moment--and then, after the test or the course is over, we might forget it quickly if not forever. The best learning is the learning that you keep with you so that you canuseit. The exercises in this book will help you solidify what you learn by putting your knowledge to work: Take Action.New to this edition, Take Action exercises provide the opportunity to use what you just learned to explore diverse topics such as your college's academic integrity policy and financial aid deadlines and your personal test-taking strategies. Three Take Action exercises appear in every chapter. Critical Thinking:Applying Learning to Life. You will apply critical thinking to chapter topics. Developing a habit of critical thinking will bring you success in all of your academic courses. Teamwork: Collaborative Solutions.You will interact and learn in a group setting, building your teamwork and leadership skills in the process. Personal Improvement Plan.You select the chapter strategies that mean something to you and design a detailed plan for using one of them to improve your skills. Taking Initiative on Your Own Behalf: Resources and People You are your own best advocate. As a freshman, you will need to recruit the resources of people who can help you. The following features help you to make and use these vital connections: Quick Start to College "Prependix."College success depends, in part, on making a rapid adjustment to a new environment. Quick Start will introduce you to information and requirements you will need to know, and resources you will need to access, in your first weeks of school. Survival Checklist.On a pullout card in the front of the book, you will find a Survival Checklist on which to write all the important course information you will need this semester--including course names and locations, how to contact the instructors, required texts, and syllabi. Carrying this card with you makes this information available anytime you need it. Your Future--Your Choice Choosing to commit to this course, this book, your instructor, and most of all yourself will strengthen your mind and skills for college and beyond. Your perseverance makes all the difference for your future. Your success is in your hands. Students and instructors.Many of our best suggestions have come from you. Send your questions, comments, and ideas aboutKeys to Effective Learningto Carol Carter at [e-mail]. We look forward to hearing from you, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Features to Help You Succeed Study Skills Material.Chapters on