Making the Transition to College Dual Enrollment Psychology Introductory Unit

Common College Stressors The transition MONEY $$$ Living Situation Working Family Responsibilities Newfound Independence Scheduling Course Responsibilities Time Management Maintaining GPA Pressure to do “well”

Your Parents’ Role in Your College Education MAJOR shift in focus… –High School…Teachers contact parents Parents contact teachers –College…………… YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!!! Legal limitations

How will college be different for you? Classes Learning Studying Expectations

How will my classes be different? Class Meetings – one, two, or three times per week –1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 3 hours Attendance policies vary… –Range from completely optional to drops in letter grades for non-attendance

How will my classes be different? Grade components –exams, papers, projects, group work, homework, participation, attendance, etc. Be familiar with each instructor’s course policies…SYLLABUS –Save as a reference…

What’s a SYLLABUS? Course description Instructor information –Office Hrs/Contact Info. Text/Materials Policies/Procedures Requirements Grading system Schedules/Due dates “The Contract”

How will learning be different? YOU are responsible for your learning! –Need to seek out extra help if necessary –Instructor, Teaching Assistants, Academic Support Services, Tutoring Center, Private Tutoring, etc.

How will learning be different? Not just memorizing!!! –Understanding relationships –Recognizing examples –Knowing applications –Presenting arguments/opinions –Explaining why…CRITICAL THINKING Bloom’s Taxonomy

What about studying? Not the same as in High School!!! –Studying is essential for passing grades!!! Lecture notes are critical –Ask instructor for tips on the best way to take notes in class

What about studying? Need to spend significant time outside of class –2-3 hours for each hour in class… MINIMUM! Managing your study time... –Temptations… –Schedule your study/school work time

Studying Suggestions... READ the TEXT BOOK (before class) Highlight/Write notes in text margin Take notes from text to supplement lecture notes Rewrite/Type notes Note/Flash Cards Concept Maps/Visual Aids

Questions to ask yourself: Should I study alone, w/partner or group? How much do I need to study? Where is the best place to study? When is the most effective study time for me? Do I have all of the notes, etc.? Where is the focus of the material? Do I know what type of exam to expect?

Studying Miscellaneous … “Cramming” vs. Distributed Studying Interference ORGANIZATION Mnemonics Over-learning Recognition vs. Recall

2 Keys to College Success TIME MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

What is expected of me as a college student? Be independent. Take the initiative. Be there. Be prepared. Manage your time wisely. Monitor your own progress. Communicate! Be motivated to learn. Display adult behavior...

Finally... “You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets…”