EGS 1001C Introduction to Engineering Succeeding in the Classroom Professor: Dr. Miguel Alonso Jr.

Ice breaker! Pair up with someone you don't know and learn as much as you can about each other in five minutes Introduce your partner to the class Things to include Name Engineering Discipline Why they chose engineering.

Outline Introduction Attitude Goals Keys to Effectiveness Test-taking Making the Most of your Professor Learning Styles Well Rounded Equals Effective Effective Use of Time Accountability Overcoming Challenges

Introduction Important goal: succeed in all classes and get your degree! Depends on Individual student and his/her style, temperament and strengths of the student This section focuses on teaching strategies to help you succeed in your engineering career

Introduction Pg. 163 Passage Reluctant to try new things New environment, new study methods and techniques Expectation is different and require much more preparation outside of class Instructors are only a guide to the material Methods presented work, but are not set in stone Intended to be a starting point

Attitude Attitude is the first thing that must be controlled when tackling any challenge, including studying engineering Expect Success and try to dwell on the positives, not the opposite Approach everything with a positive attitude and tell yourself “I will do this” instead of “I’ll try to do this” Feel as if you have already accomplished the task and use that to fuel your drive Classes are opportunities to succeed, not to fail

Attitude If you encounter hurdles along the way, learn how to deal with them and overcome them Don’t sell yourself short by deciding that a certain class is to difficult -> many times this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy You may or may not like certain professors Example Discuss

Goals Setting clearly defined goals early on is a key to your success! If you don’t know what goals to set, research your careers a bit more in depth. Set attainable goals Once the goal is reached, set a “stretch goal” to push yourself to produce more Often seems unreachable, but is usually met!

Goals Set a time limit for the goals When will the goal be accomplished? Long-term goals Short-term goals Example, what do you want to do with your engineering degree? “Why am I doing this?” Short-term or intermediate goals should b e stepping stones Use academic breaks to refresh, and establish intermediate goals within a time frame Short-term goals should be rewarded to keep motivation

Goals Get into your groups Example 7.2 Class work Get into your groups and list personal goals and exchange them with group. Get feedback and then each group will present a power point in class. Long term, intermediate, and short-term goals with rewards Clearly define your goals and write them down. Look at them daily. Periodically examine your progress towards your long term goal. Resources, pg. 167

Keys to Effectiveness Once goals are set, the next step is to achieve them! Effort and effective, not necessarily intelligence are keys to success. Take two hours of study outside of class for each hour of lecture!

Keys Take time to study Go to class Read the assignments and focus more on parts that are covered in the lecture Early vs. Late classes If you miss… Could be a goal

Keys Make class effective Participate, ask questions if you don’t understand Can’t see or hear? Do something about it! Be proactive! Prepare for class prior to the lecture Keep up with the class as it goes along Take the time to learn the concepts Don’t wait until test day Take effective notes – Strategies on pg 169

Keys DO HOMEWORK! Work as many problems as possible Careful with solution manuals Group Study Select a good study spot Make it interesting

Test taking Tests are the main form of evaluation Prepare by: Studying the course material and working out previous tests Take practice tests (Ask professor for assembling a simulated test)‏

Test Taking Tips and Guidelines Come Prepared Extra pencils, paper, calculator (learn how to use it)‏ Skim over the test Do easy problems first Keep track of time Goal is points Write down what you know and don’t leave questions blank (partial credit)‏ Concentrate on problems that will produce the most points Leave time (if possible) for a final review at the end After the test, redo it!

Make the most out of your professor Office hours Reasons to know your professor Experienced professional Job References Teaching the course Experts in their field and can help you understand Assign your grades ( if you work hard, and they know it, the may nudge you up if your are borderline)‏ They know employers Scholarships Lab work

Learning Styles Our brain is constantly learning! Neurons are created even in old age or physical injury. Each person has a unique learning style, and you are never to old to learn something new Preferences worksheet Example 7.3

Homework Take a typical week in your life for this semester. Break it up into categories of attending class, studying, working, playing, eating, sleeping, physical activity, intellectual pursuits, emotional health, and other. Total your time spent on each area. Are you spending the time needed on your studies? Is this the kind of schedule that will make you successful? If not, what will you change to make it better.? In your groups, prepare a power point presentation to be presented at the beginning of class highlighting each persons schedule and changes that can be made to make it more productive and ensure a successful semester.