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On Course Study Skills Plus Edition, 3rd Edition

Skip Downing

  • Copyright 2017
  • {{checkPublicationMessage('Published', '2016-01-01T00:00:00+0000')}}
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On Course Study Skills Plus Edition 3rd Edition by Skip Downing
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Overview

ON COURSE: STRATEGIES FOR CREATING SUCCESS IN COLLEGE AND IN LIFE, STUDY SKILLS PLUS, 3rd Edition, was created for educators who would like to promote student growth and self-awareness while providing more extensive instruction in study skills. The powerful guided journal entries have been retained from the original ON COURSE text to encourage students to explore essential life skills such as personal responsibility, self-motivation, interdependence, and self-esteem. The Study Skills Plus edition engages students in a learner-centered construction of study skills knowledge and gives them practice in applying empowerment strategies. The new "Toolbox for Active Learners" highlights the process of learning how to solve academic challenges with improved study skills. The 3rd Edition also features expanded coverage of interdependence (including discussions of co-dependence, dependence and independence) and self-management (avoiding procrastination) as well as a "College Smart-Start Guide" that will help students make wise choices in the first week of college. The Annotated Instructors' Edition guides instructors to relevant exercises and materials in the newly revised ON COURSE Facilitator's Manual.

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Meet the Authors

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Skip Downing

Skip Downing is an international consultant in the field of faculty development and student success strategies. Dr. Downing has earned degrees from Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Santa Monica, and Carnegie Mellon University. He holds advanced degrees in English and counseling psychology. He was professor of English at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) for 32 years. In addition to his role as an academic instructor, Dr. Downing created and coordinated BCCC's Student Success and Learning Community Programs. These programs teach students how to apply proven success strategies to achieve their full potential in college and in life. The College Success Program resulted in a significant increase in both student academic success and retention. Dr. Downing has made numerous presentations at national conferences and conducted faculty development workshops at many two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Virgin Islands. Dr. Downing's teaching, writing, and consulting are all guided by his belief that the greatest mission of any educational institution is to empower its students to live rich, fulfilling lives. Since 1996, he has facilitated the On Course Workshops, intensive four-day retreats for college educators focusing on proven strategies for helping students become active, responsible partners in their education and achieve greater success in college and in life.

What's New

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  • College Smart-Start Guide. Too many students get off course in their first week of college. Author Skip Downing polled nearly 2,000 college and university educators asking them, "What do you recommend that your students do in the first week of college to get off to a good start?" He then sent the top 20 suggestions back to these educators and asked them to vote for their top 10. The resulting Smart-Start Guide provides students with the top 13 actions recommended by the collective wisdom of this large group of educators. A new activity in the ON COURSE Facilitator's Manual engages students in figuring out which of the 13 actions these instructors thought were the most important. When students follow through on these actions, they will lay a foundation for their academic success.
  • Understanding the Expectations of College and University Educators. This essay and related journal entry help students better understand how to succeed in the culture of higher education. In this section, they learn "Eight Key Expectations" and "A Dozen Differences Between High School and College Culture." This information helps students quickly understand which behaviors they can continue doing and which they will need to modify, change or abandon.
  • Tech Tips. Many websites and apps are available to help students achieve greater success. Each chapter now contains a Tech Tips section that provides suggestions for free websites and apps that can help students employ the soft skills of personal responsibility, self-motivation, self-management, interdependence, self-awareness, lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and believing in oneself, as well as hard skills related to effective studying.
  • Discussion about Avoiding Procrastination. Procrastination is the bane of many students' success. This discussion helps students understand why procrastination is so tempting and offers specific methods for not putting off until tomorrow what they would benefit from doing today. Included in the discussion is research from Dr. Dan Ariely, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University.
  • A Sign of Maturity. This discussion offers an explanation about the various kinds of relationships in which people engage: dependent, co-dependent, independent, and interdependent. Advantages and disadvantages of each are explained, and students are urged to use college to develop independence but also to recognize that there are many occasions when choosing interdependence is a true sign of maturity (not to mention improving one's chances of achieving a goal or dream).
  • Increasing Happiness. This new article and accompanying journal entry explore the emotional intelligence skill of maximizing happiness. Drawn from the scientific research of positive psychologists, students learn a number of choices they can make to increase their happiness. This topic has recently gained much interest on college campuses. For example, when a course in Positive Psychology was first offered at Harvard University, it immediately became the university's most popular course.
  • Toolbox for Active Learners. Many ON COURSE instructors asked that the study skills be presented in one section (instead of distributed throughout the book). Unlike texts that present a long menu of study options, ON COURSE organizes study skills based on the logical learning steps as identified by research on the brain and effective methods for learning. This section begins with a presentation of the CORE Learning Process, the four principles that— consciously or unconsciously—all good learners employ that lead to deep and lasting learning. Students learn how to use these four principles to create their own system for learning any subject or skill. In doing so, they learn effective techniques for reading, taking notes, organizing study materials, rehearsing and memorizing study materials, taking tests, and writing college-level assignments.
  • Study Skills Self-Assessment. This edition heeds the request of experienced ON COURSE instructors to place all study skills in one section. It also offers a new Study Skills Self-Assessment. Students can take this self-assessment before learning about study skills and discover their areas of weakness. At the end of the course, they can retake the test to see where they have grown as learners and where they may still need to improve. Students have the option of completing the assessment in either the text or MindTap®.
  • Seven new "One Student's Story" Essays. A popular feature in earlier editions, these short essays —now numbering 28 in all—are authored by students who used what they learned from this book to improve the quality of their outcomes and experiences in college and in life. Videos of a number of the student-authors reading their essays may be viewed in MindTap®.
  • Conversation with the Author. Since the first edition of ON COURSE more than two decades ago, many students have contacted the author with thoughtful questions. This section includes some of those questions and Skip Downing's answers.

Features

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  • Self-Assessment. ON COURSE begins and ends with a self-assessment questionnaire of important non-cognitive skills ("soft skills"). Scores are provided for self-responsibility, self-motivation, self-management, interdependence, self-awareness, lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and belief in oneself. By completing the initial questionnaire, students immediately see areas of weakness that need attention. By completing the concluding questionnaire, students see their semester's growth. Students have the option of completing the self-assessment either in the text or online in MindTap®.
  • Guided Journal Entries. A guided journal entry immediately follows each article about a success strategy, giving students an opportunity to apply the strategy they have just learned to enhance their results in college and in life. Many instructors of the course say the guided journal writings are extremely powerful in helping students make new and more effective choices, thus improving their academic success and persistence.
  • Case Studies in Critical Thinking. Case studies help students apply the strategies they are learning to real-life situations. As such, they help prepare students to make wise choices in the kinds of challenging situations they will likely face in college. Because case studies don't have "right" answers, they promote critical and creative thinking.
  • On Course Principles at Work. These sections show how important the On Course success strategies (soft skills) are for choosing the right career, getting hired, and succeeding in the working world.

Table of Contents

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Preface.
Acknowledgments.
Travel with Me.
1. GETTING ON COURSE TO YOUR SUCCESS.
College Smart-Start Guide. What to Do Before the End of Your First Week in College. Get Familiar. Get Organized. Get Serious. Money Matters. Managing Money: The Big Picture. Increase Money Flowing In. Decrease Money Flowing Out. Tech Tips: MONEY. Understanding the Culture of Higher Education. The Surface Culture of Higher Education. One Dozen College Customs. Write a Great Life. Journal Entry 1: Understanding the Expectations of College and University Educators. Eight Key Expectations. A Dozen Differences Between High School and College Culture. Journal Entry 2: Understanding Yourself. What Does Success Mean to You? Ingredients of Success. Assess Your Soft Skills for College Success. Forks in the Road. A Few Words of Encouragement. Journal Entry 3: One Student's Story Jalayna Onaga. Soft Skills at Work.
2. ACCEPTING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Case Study in Critical Thinking the Late Paper. Adopting a Creator Mindset. Victim and Creator Mindsets. Responsibility and Culture. Responsibility and Choice. Journal Entry 4: One Student's Story Taryn Rossmiller. Mastering Creator Language. Self-Talk. The Language of Responsibility. Journal Entry 5: One Student's Story Alexsandr Kanevskiy. Making Wise Decisions. The Wise Choice Process. Journal Entry 6: One Student's Story Freddie Davila. Personal Responsibility at Work. Tech Tips: Personal Responsibility. Believing in Yourself Change Your Inner Conversation. The Curse of Stinkin' Thinkin'. Disputing Irrational Beliefs. Stereotype Threat. Journal Entry 7: One Student's Story Dominic Grasseth.
3. DISCOVERING SELF-MOTIVATION.
Case Study in Critical Thinking Popson's Dilemma. Creating Inner Motivation. A Formula for Motivation. Value of College Outcomes. Value of College Experiences. Journal Entry 8: One Student's Story Chee Meng Vang. Designing a Compelling Life Plan. Roles and Goals. How to Set a Goal. Discover Your Dreams. Your Life Plan. Journal Entry 9: One Student's Story Brandon Beavers. Committing to Your Goals and Dreams. Commitment Creates Method. Visualize Your Ideal Future. How to Visualize. Journal Entry 10: One Students' Story James Terrell. Self-Motivation at Work. Tech Tips: Self-Motivation. Believing in Yourself Write a Personal Affirmation. Claiming Your Desired Personal Qualities. Living Your Affirmation. Journal Entry 11. One Student's Story Tina Steen.
4. MASTERING SELF-MANAGEMENT.
Case Study in Critical Thinking The Procrastinators. Acting on Purpose. Harness the Power of Quadrant II. What to Do in Quadrants I and II. Journal Entry 12: One Student's Story Jason Pozsgay. Creating a Leak-Proof Self-Management System. Time and Culture. Weekly Calendar. Monthly Calendar. Next Actions List. Tracking Form. Waiting-For List. Project Folder. The Rewards of Effective Self-Management. Journal Entry 13: One Student's Story Allysa LePage. Developing Self-Discipline. Staying Focused. Being Persistent. Avoiding Procrastination. Journal Entry 14: One Student's Story Holt Boggs. Self-Management at Work. Tech Tips: Self-Management. Believing in Yourself Develop Self-Confidence. Create a Success Identity. Celebrate Your Successes and Talents. Visualize Purposeful Actions. Journal Entry 15: One Student's Story Ashley Freeman.
5. EMPLOYING INTERDEPENDENCE.
Case Study in Critical Thinking Professor Rogers' Trial. Creating a Support System. A Sign of Maturity. Seek Help from Your Instructors. Get Help from College Resources. Create a Project Team. Start a Study Group. The Difference between Heaven and Hell. Journal Entry 16: One Student's Story Mitch Mull. Strengthening Relationships with Active Listening. How to Listen Actively. Use Active Listening in Your College Classes. Journal Entry 17: One Student's Story Teroa Paselio. Respecting Cultural Differences. Showing Respect. Journal Entry 18: Interdependence at Work. Tech Tips: Interdependence. Believing in Yourself Be Assertive. Leveling. Making Requests. Saying "No". Journal Entry 19: One Student's Story Amy Acton.
6. GAINING SELF-AWARENESS.
Case Study in Critical Thinking Strange Choices. Recognizing when You Are Off Course. The Mystery of Self-Sabotage. Unconscious Forces. Journal Entry 20: One Student's Story Sarah Richmond. Identifying Your Scripts. Anatomy of a Script. How We Wrote Our Scripts. Self-Defeating Habit Patterns. Journal Entry 21: One Student's Story James Floriolli. Rewriting Your Outdated Scripts. The Impact of Outdated Beliefs. Doing the Rewrite. Journal Entry 22: One Student's Story Annette Valle. Self-Awareness AT WORK. Tech Tips: SELF-AWARENESS. Believing in Yourself Write Your Own Rules. Three Success Rules. Changing Your Habits. Journal Entry 23: One Student's Story Brandeé Huigens.
7. ADOPTING LIFELONG LEARNING.
Case Study in Critical Thinking: A Fish Story. Developing a Learning Orientation to Life. Growth Mindsets and Fixed Mindsets. How to Develop a Growth Mindset. Journal Entry 24. One Student's Story Jessie Maggard. Discovering Your Preferred Ways of Learning. Self-Assessment: How I Prefer to Learn. Journal Entry 25: One Student's Story Melissa Thompson. Employing Critical Thinking. Constructing Logical Arguments. Asking Probing Questions. Applying Critical Thinking. Journal Entry 26: Lifelong Learning at Work. Tech Tips: Lifelong Learning. Believing in Yourself Develop Self-Respect. Live with Integrity (i.e., No Cheating or Plagiarizing). Keep Commitments. Journal Entry 27:
8 DEVELOPING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE.
Case Study in Critical Thinking: After Math. Understanding Emotional Intelligence. Four Components of Emotional Intelligence. Knowing Your Own Emotions. Journal Entry 28: One Student's Story Lindsey Beck. Reducing Stress. What Is Stress? What Happens when Stress Persists? Unhealthy Stress Reduction. Healthy Stress Reduction. Choose Your Attitude. Journal Entry 29: One Student's Story Jaime Sanmiguel. Increasing Happiness. Limits on Happiness. Savoring Pleasures. Gratitude. Engagement. Contribution. Strawberry Moments. Journal Entry 30: Emotional Intelligence at Work. Tech Tips: Emotional Awareness. Believing in Yourself Develop Self-Acceptance. Self-Esteem and Core Beliefs. Know and Accept Yourself. Journal Entry 31: One Student's Story Wynda Allison Paulette.
9. STAYING ON COURSE TO YOUR SUCCESS.
Planning Your Next Steps. Assess Your Soft Skills -- Again. Journal Entry 32: One Student's Story Stephan J. Montgomery.
STUDY SKILLS: A TOOL BOX FOR ACTIVE LEARNERS.
Becoming an Active Learner. Assess your Study Skills for College Success. How the Human Brain Learns. Three Principles of Deep and Lasting Learning. The CORE Learning System. Exercise: Active Learning. One Student's Story Kase Cormier.
READING.
Reading: The Big Picture. Challenges with Reading. Strategies to Improve Reading. Reading: Do One Different Thing This Week.
TAKING NOTES.
Taking Notes: The Big Picture. Challenges with Taking Notes. Strategies to Improve Taking Notes. Taking Notes: Do One Different Thing This Week.
ORGANIZING STUDY MATERIALS.
Organizing Study Materials: The Big Picture. Challenges with Organizing Study Materials. Strategies to Improve Organizing Study Materials. Organizing Study Materials: Do One Different Thing This Week.
REHEARSING AND MEMORIZING STUDY MATERIALS.
Rehearsing and Memorizing Study Materials: The Big Picture. Challenges with Rehearsing and Memorizing Study Materials. Strategies to Improve Rehearsing and Memorizing Study Materials. Rehearsing and Memorizing Study Materials: Do One Different Thing This Week. One Student's Story Michael Chapasko.
TAKING TESTS.
Taking Tests: The Big Picture. Challenges with Taking Tests. Strategies to Improve Taking Tests. Taking Tests: Do One Different Thing This Week. One Student's Story Ashley E. Bennet.
WRITING.
Writing: The Big Picture. Challenges with Writing. Strategies to Improve Writing. Writing: Do One Different Thing This Week.
Assess your Study Skills for College Success--Again.
Conversation with the Author.
Bibliography.
Index.

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