On Course, Study Skills Plus Edition (Textbook-specific CSFI) - Softcover

Downing, Skip

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1439085226 ISBN 13: 9781439085226

Publisher: Cengage Learning, 2010

Synopsis

ON COURSE: STRATEGIES FOR CREATING SUCCESS IN COLLEGE AND IN LIFE, STUDY SKILLS PLUS EDITION will engage you with the tools you need to take charge of your success in college and in life. As you learn new strategies, you will have the opportunity to practice applying new skills to solve academic challenges. With improved critical and creative problem solving you will be able to achieve greater success in all parts of your life. You can practice new skills using the case studies, and then work towards creating your very own academic skills plan. A self-assessment tool at the beginning of the text helps you to identify behaviors and beliefs you may wish to change in order to achieve more of your potential. You have an opportunity to revisit your self-assessment at the conclusion of the text. Guided journal entries help you develop essential life skills by encouraging exploration of personal responsibility, self-motivation, interdependence, and self-esteem.

About this title

About the Author:

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 both 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.

Review:

"My first impression is that the new study skills coverage will be a welcome addition to the current text. I think they help to tie together critical pieces to the success puzzle that takes a distinct shape for each individual."

"I love the On Course book but have felt that the student's need for enhanced study skills was missing. I would now teach the class as Skip had originated the text but show students how their motivation and responsibility ties in with the additional study skills portion."

"I am thrilled with the CORE Learning Process and integration into the "Wise Choices" sections. As I read through the first section I was excited about it, and by the 3rd chapter I was ecstatic - it's integrated very well with the material from the rest of the chapter and the book as a whole. I really like when material from the chapter the student has just read becomes part of the examples within the "Wise Choice" section. In the past I had a hard time getting my students to try out the ideas found in the current study skills sections of On Course and therefore I needed to create an additional project for them to apply the strategies. Now I can see how these sections will allow them to engage and apply skills each week along with their reading."

"I love the CORE learning process. I think it adds depth to the text. I believe the integration is thorough and these will be very effective tools. I have always loved the On Course material and never thought it was lacking, but reviewing this material makes me want the new edition now. The additions are insightful improvements which show Skip knows what we need as educators before some of us realize we need it."

"I think that the CORE Learning Process is an exceptional way to enable students to organize their materials. Most students utilize one or two of the process, but in no semblance of order and with no idea of how or why they are doing it. This is definitely an effective tool as it allows the student to work within a logical pattern of gathering, managing, reviewing and assessing their materials."

About this edition

• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1439085226
• ISBN 13: 9781439085226
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384