Title: Preparing for Academic Success
1Preparing for Academic Success
- Learning Assistance Center (LAC)
- Division of Student Affairs Services
- University Pavilion, Suite 120
- (513) 556-3244- Main
2Introduction
- Many entering freshmen are unaware of the
requirements and time commitment needed to be
successful in college. This workshop reviews what
is needed for a successful experience at the
University of Cincinnati. It is the goal of the
Learning Assistance Center to provide
information designed to help you hit the ground
running with a firm grasp of what it takes to be
a successful college - student.
- While much of the enclosed information may seem
elementary, it forms a crucial part of your
academic and personal development in college.
Preparing for Academic Success begins with a
review of what you might experience during your
freshman year at the University of Cincinnati.
This is followed by an outline of the four
aspects of academic success Personal
Development, Campus Involvement, Utilizing Campus
Resources, and - Career Development.
3Before the First Year
- The Learning Assistance Center recommends that
every entering freshman participate in Bearcat
Bound Summer Orientation before attending the
University of Cincinnati in the fall. Some things
to keep in mind during the summer include -
4Use the Summer Wisely
- Enroll in Summer Courses Get started with your
college requirements during a summer session at
UC or a community college. Discuss your options
with your advisor during orientation to ensure
that credits earned will transfer. - Pick an Early Orientation Session Courses at
the University of Cincinnati are filled on a
first come-first served basis. Attending earlier
orientation sessions give you a better choice of
classes with fewer closed registration. - Use a Map to Schedule Classes Using a map of
the campus while you register for classes will
help you prevent scheduling classes too distant
from each other. You do not want have to run
across campus between classes to make your next
class.
- Buy Books while here for Summer Orientation
Buying your books early will give you time to
review them before the quarter begins. You might
also avoid long lines, find used books that are
cheaper. - Keep Your Book Receipts If you decide to drop
a course at the beginning of the quarter, you
will need your receipt to get the full price
refund. - Attend welcome week programs These programs
provide valuable information about various campus
organizations, college information and
entertainment, as well as how to access various
campus resources. - Grab a Local Telephone Book It is important
when you move to a new community to obtain a
local telephone book to help find resources
within the community such as grocery stores,
restaurants, dentists, physicians, pharmacies or
Western Union. These resources will enable you to
easily transition into your new surroundings.
5Common Emotional Conflicts of University Students
- There are a number of social or emotional
conflicts experienced by first year college
students. These common conflicts are a source for
stress, and even though they are not experienced
by all first year students, awareness is one key
to successful stress management. -
- On the next slide are some examples of what
students might experience during their first year
at a college or university.
6September
- Values Crisis Students may be confronted with
questions of conscience over values in areas such
as morality and religion, race, drug and alcohol
experimentation, and social and sexual
expectations. - Inadequacy or Inferiority Crisis Feelings of
inadequacy and inferiority can develop because of
the discrepancy between high school status,
grades, and initial college performance. - Depression Students might feel depressed because
of real or perceived restrictive policies and
regulations of the university. - Culture Shock The multitude of new experiences
and situations can seem overwhelming. - Financial Management Financial problems can
cause stress to develop. - Organizational Crisis Poor organizational skills
can lead to poor decision-making and poor time
management. - Time Management Students who are forced to mix
academic schedules with job requirements might
become stressed over time pressures.
7OCTOBER
- The Pile Pile-on Affect Freshman sometimes
begin to realize that life at college is not as
perfect as they were led to believe by parents,
teachers, and counselors. Old problems seem to
continue while new ones are added. - Mid-term Blues Mid-term workload pressures can
be followed by feelings of failure and loss of
self-esteem. - Values Values-II Sexual conflicts and confusion
result when confronting different heterosexual
standards and homosexuality for the first time.
Also, non-dating students can experience a loss
of esteem because so much value is placed upon
dates. For women who do date, the pressure to
perform sexually increases and consequently
increases feelings of rejection, loneliness, and
guilt.
8NOVEMBER
- Pile Pile-on to Pile Pile-up Academic pressure
mounts as poor time managers (procrastinators)
suffer from increased difficulty of work and lack
of ability. - Economic anxiety Funds from parents, grants,
or loans begin to run out loans become due. - Right or Wrong Friends Some students have
ceased to make attempts at establishing new
friendships beyond two or three parasitic
relationships. - Pending Doom Anxiety, fear, and guilt can
increase as final examinations approach and
papers are due.
9December
- Time Strain train Seasonal parties, concerts,
social service projects, and religious activities
can be very draining. - Escapism Drug and alcohol use can increase as
students do not adequately deal with issues they
are facing. - Pre (and Post) Christmas Blues Depression can
set if its the first Christmas away from family
or there is conflict within the family. - Financial Strain rain Christmas gifts and
travel costs need to be budgeted with school
needs and activities.
10January - June
- Academic Probation Shock The start of a new
quarter on Academic Probation forces students to
reevaluate the performance and difficulties from
the fall. - Weather Blues Brings Cabin Fever Snow and bad
weather cause a great deal of anxiety and
depression. - More Probationary Shock The optimism of a
fresh start for the quarter disappears as the
winter quarter drones. - Social Life Blues Depression often increases
in those students who have failed to establish
supporting relationships. - Pre Pre-re registration Frustration and
confusion develop because of decisions necessary
for pre-registration. - Major Bummer Students may feel pressured to
select a major. - Summer Finances Summer job pressures begin to
mount. - Dont Give Up! Do not allow these (and or
other) her) mounting academic pressures force you
to temporarily give up. - These incidents are key times to contact the
Learning Assistance Center for help!
11Terms, Definitions Customs
- Degree abbreviations Credits needed
(typically) - A.A. Associate of Arts 60 credit hours
- A.S. Associate of Science
- A.A.S. Associate of Applied Science
- B.A. Bachelor of Arts 120 credit hours
- B.S. Bachelor of Science (no foreign language)
- M.A. Master of Arts 30 graduate credit hours
- M.Ed. Master of Education
- M.S. Master of Science
- Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy 90 graduate credit
hours - Ed.D. Doctor of Education
12Terms Definitions
- A student must be registered for twelve (12) or
more credit hours per quarter in order to
maintain fulltime Status. - A student registered for at least six (6) credit
hours maintains part-time status. - College an independent and often times
self-governing entity for the study of particular
disciplines (i.e., College of Education, College
of Arts Sciences, or the - College of Business).
- Co-requisite A course that is taken in
conjunction with another course. - Pre-requisite a course a student must complete
and pass before registering for another course. - Departments, Offices Programs typically the
smallest units within the collegiate - structure (i.e., Disability Services
Office, Honors Program, Department of
Anthropology). - Division the central administrative offices at
the University of Cincinnati (i.e., Development,
Finance, Information Technology, Student Affairs
Services, etc.). - Drop Add Form form located in University
Pavilion on the second floor students use to add
or drop a class. There are specific deadlines for
dropping and adding classes and the failure to
meet these deadlines affect the students final
grade for the class. - Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) See information on
calculating your GPA. - Lab course in which students meet in a
laboratory to perform experiments related to - class instruction. Lab classes are
typically co-requisite courses and often led by - teaching assistants.
13Terms Definitions
- Lecture a presentation of material through a
prepared speech. Lecture courses typically
involve general topics and include a large body
of students. - One Stop Center Contained within the
University Pavilion, it is the one place where
students can satisfy most of their administrative
issues with the University of Cincinnati. The OSC
houses admissions, career development, cashiers
office, disability services, educational
services, financial aid, learning assistance,
registration, student records, student success
center, and tutoring. - Plagiarism occurs when a person copies
information (without citation) and passes it as
his/her own work. The Student Handbook provides
you with more information regarding the
consequences of plagiarism. In short,
plagiarizing anothers work can result in your
expulsion from the University of Cincinnati,
effectively ending your college career. - Quarter a specific length of time in which
students take classes. Quarters are - comprised of three 10 or 11 week schedules of
classes. At the University of - Cincinnati, three quarters equal one academic
year, and students have the option of - attending an additional quarter in the summer.
- Reserve Readings are items placed in the
library by your professor, to enhance your
understanding of a particular class or specific
subject matter. Typically students must go to the
library to check-out the item for a two hour
window. Some reserve items are saved
electronically and can be obtained through the
UCIT website.
14More Terms Definitions
- Seminar a course that involves a small group
of students, with a lot of active - discussion, critical reflection, and very little
lecture. - Supplemental Instruction A peer led review
session designed for historically difficult
courses. Students should attend these FREE help
sessions weekly. - Syllabus An outline of the requirements of a
course including its assignments, their - due dates, the grading policy of the
instructor/professor, and the final exam - schedule. The syllabus is often seen as a
contract between the student and the - course instructor/professor.
- Teaching Assistant (T.A.) usually a graduate
student hired to assist the - instructor/professor with a course. This person
usually holds office hours separate - from the instructor/professor and is available to
help students with the course - material.
- Tutor a person who has been hired by the
Learning Assistance Center to provide assistance
with a course you may have trouble. A tutor is
NOT someone who completes your homework for you. - University includes all of its colleges,
divisions, departments, offices and programs. - (I.e. University of Cincinnati, University of
Dayton, etc.). - Workshop an hour course designed to cover a
specific topic. Students usually should register
for workshops so its facilitator has an accurate
number of students who are expected to attend.
15Customs
- Computer Labs Students interested in using
computer labs should begin assignments early in
the quarter. The computer labs become busier
during midterms and finals weeks. There are often
waiting-lines at these facilities during these
weeks. Getting - started on projects early is always the best
plan! - Wait Time How long do you wait for an
instructor? - Instructor 5 minutes
- Assistant Professor 10 minutes
- Associate Professor 15 minutes
- Professor 20 minutes
16University of Cincinnati Undergraduate Grading
System
17Academic Success
- Good Study Skills A Great Attitude
- Good study skills are a necessary part of your
academic success at the University of Cincinnati.
There are a number of campus-wide initiatives in
place to help you acquire and improve your study
skills. Some attributes of academically
successful students include having a positive
attitude, high motivation, and low anxiety.
Successful students also find it easy to
concentrate and process information (both when
reading and listening), readily select the main
ideas from readings, and use a variety of study
aids, self tests, and test taking strategies to
continue their success. Most importantly,
successful students manage their time to maximize
their free time!
18Learning Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI)
- All undergraduate students needing assistance
with their study skills can work - with the Learning Assistance Center staff to
create an individualized study - strategy program.
- We use the Learning and Study Strategies
Inventory (LASSI), to assess students current
study strategies. The LASSI provides the student
and UC a comprehensive analysis of each students
attitudes, skills, and beliefs related to
learning in the three components of learning - 1. Skill Component information processing,
selecting main ideas, test strategies - 2. Will Component attitude, motivation, and
anxiety - 3. Self-Regulation Component concentration,
time management, self-testing, and study aids. - In addition, the LASSI is used as
- A diagnostic measure to help identify areas in
which students could benefit most from
educational interventions - A counseling tool for college orientation
programs, developmental education programs,
learning assistance programs, and learning
centers - A basis for improving all student's learning
and study strategies and - An evaluation tool to assess the degree of
success of intervention programs or courses. -
- The LASSI is easily administered in 15-20
minutes, and students are provided with immediate
feedback.
19- Class Etiquette
- Review the course syllabus carefully at the
beginning of the quarter and at - the beginning of each week of the quarter. This
will help you schedule - reading time for assignments and work time for
papers and projects. - Complete the assignments for each class in
advance of the class. Never go - into a classroom without being familiar with the
topic and materials. - Review your notes from the previous lecture and
reading assignments before - each class meeting. Prepare to ask or answer
questions about the - assignments.
- Remind yourself of the role each class plays in
your collegiate goals before - each class meeting.
- Do not be late to class. Tardiness irritates
the instructor and your classmates.
20Seek Tutorial Assistance Immediately
- Students should seek tutorial assistance if they
anticipate or are having difficulty in a class.
Do not wait until it is too late for the tutor to
be effective. Tutorial Services are free and
available to all undergraduate students for most
courses. Tutoring begins the second week of each
quarter and ends the last week of classes.
Students can receive two hours of free tutoring
each day, for a maximum of 10 hours each week. - The Learning Assistance Center also offers free
24/7 online tutoring through Smarthinking Online
Tutoring. Students can receive 10 hours of free
online tutoring each academic year. The
application process for tutoring takes about 3
minutes, stop at the Learning Assistance Center
at 120 University Pavilion, or call 556-3244.
21Get Motivated
- Determine whats important to you.
- Visualize the future.
- Set related goals.
- Work with confidence and enthusiasm.
22Determine a Place to Study
- Where a place that is quiet, private, well
lit, organized and consistent. - When before and after class, develop scheduled
times. - What check your calendar, identify your
priorities, and set goals for studying material.
23Time Management The Key to Life Success
- Keep a quarter calendar.
- Review each weeks schedule at its start.
- Update calendar as needed.
- Review each day the evening before.
- Create a to do list
- Stick with your schedule.
24Be Prepared for Different Lecture Styles
- The Fast-Talking Lecture lectures that move
like lightening, and you can - hardly keep up. Try recording these lectures and
take notes from your tapes! - The Bewildering Lecture lectures that provide
you with a new perspective, - and often times a different view of reality.
These lectures can leave you feeling - uncertain about your values, beliefs, judgments,
or question your prejudices. - The key to success is to keep an open mind, and
ask questions! - The Disorganized Lecture lectures that are
literally all over the place. - Sometimes professors take you over the hills and
through the woods in - order to explain a point or describe a process.
Success in this type of class is to - ask for an outline of what will be discussed, so
you are prepared for its main - points!
- The Tedious Lecture lectures that are really
boring and make you feel like - sleeping. The key to success in these types of
lectures is to come up with - questions from the course reader or textbook and
ask them in class. This will - help you gain a better understanding, and tailor
the class to meet your specific needs.
25Stand Out as a Student
- Attend class regularly.
- Arrive on time.
- Sit near the front.
- Ask questions.
- Participate.
- Take advantage of extra credit options.
- Meet with your instructor during his/her office
hours. - Read ahead of time.
- Get to know your classmates.
- Join discussions.
- Take notes on what others say.
- Make connections between points.
- Review afterwards.
26Know the Technology that is Needed in College
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Graphics
- Presentation Software
- Research Databases
- The World Wide Web
- E-mail
27Be a Critical Thinker
- The Critical Thinker
- Acknowledges personal limitations
- sees problems as challenges
- Makes understanding a goal
- Use evidence to make judgments
- Is interested in others ideas
- Is skeptical of extremes views
- Think before acting
- The Uncritical Thinker
- Pretend to knows more than he does
- Gets annoyed by problems
- Is impatient
- Judges on first impressions
- Focuses on his own opinions
- Looks only for ideas like his own
- Is guided by feelings rather than thoughts
Food for thought Look at your LASSI scores and
determine what areas you need assistance. What
resources are available on campus to help you in
those areas? What can you do personally to ensure
your own academic success?
28Personal Development
-
- The University of Cincinnati hosts a diverse
student population with different ideas,
decision making, and conflict resolution tools
are needed by every student to effectively deal
with personal challenges caused by this
diversity. Students who can positively deal
with adversity will be successful.
291. Residential Life Roommates
- Go to residence life icebreakers and floor
activities. This is a good place to meet people,
create friendships and learn about campus events. - Top 10 Ways to Make Your Roommate happy
- 10. Buy your own shampoo and deodorant and use
it. - 9. Wash your cereal bowl and socks before
theyre green and fuzzy. - 8. Keep your wet towel off of the beds.
- 7. Keep visits from friends to less than once a
week. - 6. Dont hit the snooze a million times for an
eight oclock class. - 5. Keep your beverages off of the computer
- 4. Dont erase the answering machine and then
announce, Someone called for you but I dont
remember who.. Write it down! - 3. Remember, its a residence hall, a shared
space and not a romantic hideaway. - 2. Dont disappear when its time to pay for
the pizzaor anything else. - 1. FLUSH!
302. Set Goals
- Identify Goal
- Create Sub-Goals
- Set Completion Date
- Acknowledge Obstacles
- Goals should be challenging, reasonable and
specific.
313. Avoid Poor Health Practices
- Skipping Meals
- Abusing alcohol drugs
- Overeating
- Not getting enough sleep
- Avoiding Exercise
- Relying on snacks as primary food
- Smoking
324. Be an Interpersonal Communicator
- Engage in appropriate self-disclosure
- Demonstrate mutual respect
- Find a common frame of reference
- Listen actively and check the meaning
- Express feelings appropriately
- Empathize
- Accept all feelings as legitimate
- Accept conflict
335. Manage Your Money
- Identify Expenses
- Identify Resources
- Compare Expenses with Resources
- Budget
- Food for thought Thinking about the current
skills you possess, what could you enhance to
create and or foster personal development?
34Campus Involvement
- The University of Cincinnati has over 300
student programs and organizations students can
join. Not only does campus involvement help
students feel more connected with the University,
but it fosters leadership, cooperation and
organizational skills, which are all necessary
for a peaceful life and economic prosperity.
Student Activities Leadership Development is
the key place to get a picture of what campus
involvement entails. For the University of
Cincinnati, campus involvement is related to six
key areas
35- Student Organizations The Student Activities
Leadership Development office, in cooperation
with several student boards, oversees the annual
registration of well over 250 campus groups. The
types of organizations active on our campus are
diverse and offer opportunities for all kinds of
interests and involvement. Website - http//www.uc.edu/sald/
36- 2. Greek Life Fraternity and sorority life has
been part of the University of Cincinnati since
1840. The fraternity/sorority community hosts 32
inter/nationally affiliated chapters, each with a
broad emphasis on scholarship, leadership,
community service, and the - personal development of its members. Chapters
have active schedules, ranging from service
projects to weekly meetings and social events to
member retreats. Many fraternity and sorority
members are involved in multiple facets of campus
life and contribute to the greater Cincinnati
community. Some of our more distinguished UC
alumni were members of fraternities and
sororities during their time as undergraduates.
Website - http//greeklife.uc.edu/
37- 3. Programming The Program Advisory Council
(PAC) is the premier student organization that
provides campus-wide programming. Their goal is
to sponsor speakers, concerts, comedians, films,
and novelty activities that will enhance the UC
community. PAC programs are sponsored by the
students for the students. - For more information, call 556-3102 or visit
their web site - 4. Diversity Diversity Education Programs
provides opportunities for students, faculty and
staff to engage in dialogue regarding diversity
issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation,
religion, ability, socio-economic status and
privilege through RAPP, UC CommUNITY Dialogues
and OutReach. Website
38- 5. Leadership Development The Leadership
Education and Development Program (LEAD) was
created by the Office of Student Organizations
and Activities to enhance the quality of
individual student leadership and to provide
services to promote quality - organizational development opportunities for UC
student groups and organizations. Numerous
opportunities are available for students to
assume leadership positions within the more than
250 registered student organizations at UC. To
foster the leadership development experience
there are two leadership courses designed
specifically for students wanting to become
stronger leaders. These courses are taught by the
staff in the Student Activities Leadership
Development. A Winter Leadership Conference is
also offered. Finally, the Organizational
Development Program offers workshops and seminars
dealing with over ten different leadership
topics. - Website
- www.sald.uc.edu/lead.html
39- 6. Student Government The University of
Cincinnati Student Government Association is a
group of community-based activists committed to
enhancing student life at the University of
Cincinnati. They serve as a versatile student
body, with a broad range of - interest, and aim to represent the interest of
all undergraduate students and student
organizations. Student Government invites all
undergraduate students to attend and take part in
meetings and events listed on the Calendar. If
you are interested in - discussing any student life issue, please
contact a Student Government member or call the
Student Government Office at 513.556.6107.Website
- www.studentgov.uc.edu
-
- Food for thought Determine at least three areas
of which you can be involved while you are at the
University of Cincinnati. What would you like to
gain from joining that organization?
40Campus ResourcesThere are a host of campus
resources available for you here at the
University of Cincinnati. Do you know what
services they offer?
- Center for Exploratory Studies (CES) CES
specializes in assisting undecided students in
choosing a major through general advising, major
mentoring, and alumni shadowing, connections to
the necessary campus resources and guidance in
the major decision making process. - Website http//www.uc.edu/explore
-
- Disability Services Office (DSO) DSO
specializes in accommodations and support - services while educating the UC community to see
beyond physical, cognitive and psychiatric
disability to the richness of inclusion. Some of
the support services offered are note taking,
tutors, textbooks on tape, readers, interpreters,
transcribing, and real time captioning and test
accommodations.Website http//www.uc.edu/sas/di
sability/
- Transfer and Lifelong Learning Center
(TLLC) specializes in assisting transfer
students, professionals enrolling in certificate
programs, non-traditional students who now want
to complete a degree, intellectually curious
people, and non-matriculated/non-degree seeking
students that need to take courses for credit.
Website http//www.uc.edu/tllc/ -
- Career Development Center (CDC) CDC specializes
in providing career assessment and career
counseling to help each student to understand how
his or her individual interests, abilities,
values, career goals and situation relate to
specific majors. - Website http//www.uc.edu/career
41Campus Resources
- Pre-Professional Advising Center The PPAC
specializes in advising students who plan to
enter one of UCs pre-professional programs
pre-medical, pre-veterinary, pre-law, or
preoptometry. - Website http//www.uc.edu/pre_pro_advising
- Counseling Center (CC) The services offered by
CC include personal counseling, vocational
testing, outreach consultation programs,
psychiatric evaluation (medication), support
services, computer based testing (GRE, GMAT, and
LSAT), ADHD and Learning Disability Evaluations. - Website http//www.psc.uc.edu
- Learning Assistance Center (LAC) Part of
Academic Excellence Support Services, the LAC
specializes in assisting students with various
aspects related to study skills, tutoring
services, supplemental instruction, peer
mentoring and student success. - The LAC provides free tutoring, study skills
assessment and advising, outreach study skills
workshops, self help study skills resources and
on-line study skills advising. In addition, the
LAC has created a Blackboard community to keep
students connected with campus activities and
life. Website http//www.uc.edu/learningassistan
ce -
42Where are these campus resources located?
43Career Development
- The Ideal Job Candidate
- According to most employers there are several key
skills they look for in a prospective - job candidate. It is the hope of the University
of Cincinnati, that your education will - give you these necessary skills
- Speaking Skills Interpersonal Skills
- Teamwork Skills Analytical Skills
- Flexibility Proficiency in the Field
- Leadership Skills Computer Writing Skills
-
- The Career Development, part of the Student
Success Center, is located in University - Pavilion, 1st Floor. They offer several different
programs and services to assist students - with choosing a career path, and building career
skills. - Food for thought How should these skills be
defined? Depending on your degree, what specific
skills do you need to be successful in the job
market?
44Study Skills TriviaAre these True or False?
- 1. Students should not study subjects they do not
find interesting. - 2. I should begin studying for a test the night
before. - 3. Trying to find relationships between what I am
learning and what I already know is important to
my college success. - 4. If I am taking a test and get stuck on a
question, I should skip it and go back to it
later. - 5. To help me remember new principles learned in
class, I should not practice applying them. - 6. Students should wait on a college professor
for 5 minutes before leaving the class. - 7. Summer orientation is not important for
students to attend. - 8. High school is not much different from
college. - 9. Getting a tutor for a class means that I am
dumb. - 10. I should use my text book to identify
potential test questions when reviewing my class
material. - 11. Setting goals for myself will play an
important role in my college success. - 12. When taking notes in class, I should try and
write down everything my professor says. - 13. Before and after class, I should not review
my notes to help me understand the information
that was presented. - 14. When reading a difficult textbook, I should
take notes in my own words to help me grasp the
material. - 15. If there is a website for my textbook, I
should use the information provided there to help
me learn the material. - 16. When I am having trouble with my coursework,
I should go to the professor the day before an
exam. - 17. When I decide to study, I should not set
aside a specific length of time and stick to it. - 18. It is good to cram for a test.
- 19. All college courses are the same, and I do
not have to adapt my studying for these different
types of courses.
45Answers to Questions 1-5
- Students should not study subjects they do not
find interesting. False! Students will take
courses as part of the General Education
Requirements, as UC wants you to be a
well-rounded individual upon graduating. You
should study the hardest subjects first and the
easier subjects last. - 2. I should begin studying for a test the night
before. False! Students should study at the
beginning of the quarter, by reviewing their
notes on a daily basis. Preparing for a test
using review techniques should occur at least
seven days in advance. Lastly, your test in
college are cumulative, this means you will be
tested on large amounts of information that cover
5-6 weeks at a time. If you are continuing in
the course, it will be difficult to remember
details during spring quarter that you received
during fall quarter. Weekly review is crucial to
your overall success in your courses. - 3. Trying to find relationships between what I am
learning and what I already know is important to
my college success. True. Prior knowledge is
helpful when learning new information and
creating links. - 4. If I am taking a test and get stuck on a
question, I should skip it and go back to it
later. True. You should always skip a question
if you are stuck and come back to it so you do
not run out of time. Most times, you will see
another question on the test that will trigger
your memory and you can at that time go back to
answer that question. - 5. To help me remember new principles learned in
class, I should not practice applying them.
False. You should always remember new principles
and practice them immediately after class when
the material is still fresh in your mind.
46Answers to Questions 6-10
- 6. Students should wait on a college professor
for 5 minutes before leaving the class. False!
Students should wait 20 minutes for a professor
before leaving the class. You will be counted
absent for that class and this may have an effect
on your final course grade if the instructor has
an attendance policy. - 7. Summer orientation is not important for
students to attend. False! Summer Bearcat Bound
Orientation is your introduction to the
University of Cincinnati. You will receive a lot
of great information that will benefit you during
your time with us. - 8. High school is not much different from
college. False! High school is very different
from college. In college, you are responsible
for your learning, for getting assistance, for
scheduling your courses. In college, the
professor expects you to come to his/her office
hours if you are having problems in the course.
In college, grading is infrequent, you may have a
midterm and final, just two opportunities to earn
your grade in the course. In college, you will
need to study 2 hours for every one hour in
class. - 9. Getting a tutor for a class means that I am
dumb. False! Getting a tutor is a very wise
choice and an intelligent thing to do if you are
having trouble with your course. All LAC tutors
have successfully passed the course with an A or
B and can provide you with study tips to
successfully pass the course. - 10. I should use my text book to identify
potential test questions when reviewing my class
material. True. Your textbook has chapter review
questions at the end of each chapter. Most
professors know students will not answer these
questions and they sometimes take exam questions
right from the book. If you can answer the
review questions at the end of the chapter, you
have a good grasp of that chapter. Focus your
review on the questions you are not able to
answer as easily.
47Answers to Questions 11-15
- 11. Setting goals for myself will play an
important role in my college success. False!
Setting weekly and quarterly goals will play an
important role in your college success and also
help you stay motivated. - 12. When taking notes in class, I should try and
write down everything my professor says. False!
It is impossible to write down each and
everything an instructor says. If you review the
materials to be covered in class before hand,
this will help you focus on the class lecture.
Listen to your instructor, and listen for them to
make repetitive comments, a increase in their
pitch or an enunciated focus on specific words,
which are all indications that there is something
important you should be writing down. If an
outline has been written on the board, you should
copy it down first. If any of the information is
unclear, utilizing your instructors office hours
is a great time to get clarification on your
notes. - 13. Before and after class, I should not review
my notes to help me understand the information
that was presented. False. Before and after
class, you should review your notes to help you
understand the material that was presented. This
is especially helpful if you take a class that
does not meet daily. It is easy to forget what
was last discussed in the course. A review of
your notes before class will help you focus in on
what was covered during the last class meeting.
A review of your notes immediately after class
will help you fill in any missing information,
and connect the dots from the previous lecture
materials. - 14. When reading a difficult textbook, I should
take notes in my own words to help me grasp the
material. True! Taking notes in your own words
is more time consuming when reading, but ensures
that you understand what you have read and are
able to explain it to someone else. The best
approach is to read one paragraph then try to
write it in your own words. Or you can work
backwardsgo to the end of the chapter to the
review section. Try to answer the first
question, by reading for the answer, this will
help you read with a purpose. - 15. If there is a website for my textbook, I
should use the information provided there to help
me learn the material. True. Websites, CD-ROMs
that come with your textbooks are considered to
be a study aid. These are present to provide
you with different ways to understand, digest and
interpret the information being provided. As an
instructor, I used the websites to formulate
multiple choice, true-false, short answer and
essay questions for the students in my courses.
48Answers to Questions 16-20
- 16. When I am having trouble with my coursework,
I should go to the professor the day before an
exam. False. If you are having trouble with your
coursework, you should go to the professor as
soon as possible. The day before the exam is not
enough time for him/her to explain the
information to you. Also, professors are not
like teachers in high school, professors are
involved in research projects, supervising
teaching assistants and providing assistance to
graduate students with their research. In
essence, their time is sometimes limited, so
utilizing office hours at the onset of trouble is
the best thing you can do for yourself and for
your professor. - 17. When I decide to study, I should not set
aside a specific length of time and stick to it.
False. Creating a time to study and a specific
amount of time to study is critical to managing
your stress levels, your time management and to
your overall enjoyment of college. You should
set aside a specific amount of time, as well as a
plan of what you will be studying during that
time. This will allow you more time in the
interim to hang out with friends and get involved
with campus activities, simply because you know
what you have planned to do and will do it. - 18. It is good to cram for a test. False. It is
never a good idea to cram for a test. Cramming
information is stressful, and usually results in
loss of sleep, tiredness and fatigue, all of
which are bad to have when you are going to take
mid-term examinations or final examinations.
Also cramming goes into your short term memory
bank, and it is difficult to retrieve this
information in courses that you will be
responsible for remembering large amounts of
content. For example, first year chemistry has a
block exam during spring quarter, where you are
tested on your complete understanding of first
year chemistry, from fall quarter until the end
of spring quarter. Your ability to pass this
exam will determine if you are able to continue
with any remaining chemistry courses needed for
your major. Cramming is not a helpful study
habit in this specific kind of situation. - 19. All college courses are the same, and I do
not have to adapt my studying for these different
types of courses. False. You will not study for
a physics test with the same intensity you would
use to prepare for a speech test. You will have
to adapt your study skills to the specific course
that you are taking. And furthermore, you will
have to continue making these adaptations each
quarter as you have different instructors for
your courses. - 20. It is good to review my answers during an
essay test to make sure I have made and supported
my main points. True. Always, always, always
review your answers during an essay test to make
sure you have answered the question, supported
your position, that you have a thesis statement
and a conclusion. Utilize all of the time
allotted for your essay test to make sure this is
done properly. Typically your instructor will
provide several possible essay questions and you
will choose 1-2 to write about. The best thing
to do is for you to actually take the time and
write the answers to the essay question. Next,
you should develop an outline of your answer,
taking into consideration your thesis statement,
the body and the conclusion. Use specific words
that will trigger your memory of what you wrote.
When you get to the test, after you have listened
to the instructions, write the outline.
49Answers to Multiple Choice Questions
- 1. A freshman is expected to take 15 credit hours
per quarter. - It is recommended that each quarter you take 15
credit hours, or 5 classes. This is important
for several reasons. First, you need 45 credit - hours each academic year to progress to the next
level classification (0-45 freshman 46-90
sophomore, etc). Secondly, if you have 15 credit - hours and need to drop a course, you will have 12
credit hours and still be at full-time status.
Full-time status is necessary to receive
financial - aid. Lastly, most personal health insurance
companies will provide health insurance coverage
as long as you maintain full-time status. - 2. For an easy 3 credit hour class, I should
study 6 hours per week. -
- 3. For an average 3 credit hour class, I should
study 9 hours per week. - 4. For a difficult 3 credit hour class, I should
study 12 hours per week. -
- 5. On average, I should try to meet with my
college professors 4 times each quarter and
advisors 1 (once) each quarter. - Meeting with an instructor four (4) times each
quarter allows you to keep track of your current
grade in the class. It also allows you to
develop a - relationship with the instructor, which will be
useful as you transition from your college career
into the workforce professors have various - research projects you may be able to assist with,
also you will need letters of recommendation for
scholarships, internships and other - opportunities.
- Meeting with an academic advisor once a quarter
allows you to discuss the classes you will be
taking the following quarter. Academic advisors - are very knowledgeable about your major and can
provide you with the best information related to
the courses you need to take and if they will