SUCCESS IN COLLEGE (and Mathematics)

1. SUCCESS IN COLLEGE(and Mathematics)

2. Recognize “College is Different from High School” High School College Students manage their own time Students are old enough to take responsibility for what they do and do not do, as well as for the consequences of their decisions Students arrange their own schedule in consultation with their advisor Students are expected to know and apply complex graduation requirements • Time is structured by others • Students will usually be told what their responsibilities are and corrected if their behavior is out of line • Most classes are arranged for the student • Students are NOT responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate

3. Recognize “College is different than High School” High School College Professors expect students to get any notes they miss from a classmate Professors may lecture nonstop, expecting students to identify the important points in their notes (GOOD note taking is a must!) Professors expect students to read, save, and consult the course syllabi It is up to the student to read and understand assigned materials • Teachers provide students with information they miss when absent • Teachers often write information on the board to be copied by student • Teachers often remind students of assignments and due dates • Students will usually be told in class what is needed to learn from assigned readings

4. Recognize “College is different than High School” High School College Testing is infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material Professors occasionally offer review sessions and students are expected to be active participants Grades may not be provided for all assigned work “Results count” • Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material • Teachers frequently conduct review sessions, pointing out the most important concepts • Grades are given for most assigned work • “Effort counts”

5. College Grades are for LIFE • After accumulating 30 hours of college credit, no one looks at your high school grades • College grades on a transcript are forever • No “do-overs”

6. WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FORIn a recent National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, employers rated the skills they are looking for in job applicants.Employers rate importance of candidate qualities/skills(5-point scale, in which 1 is not important and 5 is extremely important)Communication skills (written and verbal)…..4.7Honesty/integrity……………………………..4.7Interpersonal skills (relates well with others)..4.5Strong work ethic ……………………………….. 4.5Teamwork skills (works well with others)…...4.5Analytical skills…(Mathematics)……………....4.4Motivation/initiative…………………………4.4Flexibility/adaptability………………………4.3Computer skills………………………………4.2Detail-oriented……………………………….4.1Leadership skills……………………………..4Organizational skills…………………………4SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS, JOB OUTLOOK 2005

7. General Study Strategies • Attend all class sessions ON TIME! • You can’t know exactly what goes on in class unless you are there • Listening and participating in discussions is more effective than reading someone else’s notes • Read the book! • Read the sections to be covered in class beforehand. This will help you participate in class discussions. • Don’t expect to understand every new topic the first time you see it! • This could lead to disappointment and frustration • Understanding Math takes time • Don’t give up the first time!!

8. General Study Strategies • Budget your time effectively • Spend as much time as it takes for you to master the material • There is not set formula • General Rule of Thumb: You should expect to study 2-3 hours per week OUTSIDE of class for each unit of credit (3 credit course x 3 hours study time = 9 hours TOTAL) • Work problems every day!!! • In math, this is the key to success!!! • Answers to odd-numbered problems given in back of textbook • Ask questions as needed

9. General Study Strategies • Use resources available • Seek help from instructor during office hours • Study groups with other classmates • Beware—come prepared to participate. Having someone else show you how to work a problem is NOT the same as working the problem yourself • FREE tutoring in GHC Library • HOURS: Monday 9-2, 4-7 Tuesday 9-2 Wednesday, 9-2 Thursday 9-2, 4-7

10. As an instructor, my responsibility to you is: • Respect your right to privacy of educational records (FERPA) • Be accessible to you (This includes maintaining regular office hours.) • Discuss academic performance and the implications of poor academic performance • Make referrals to appropriate resources as needed (This includes Tutorial Services, Financial Aid, and Counseling & Career Services) •  Know and communicate mathematics concepts to you

11. As a student, your responsibilities to me are: • Accept final responsibility for all decisions • Know and comply with the academic policies and procedures of the College • Ask questions!  If you do not understand a concept, ask questions until you do. • Be aware of your academic performance • Regularly check GHC email account • Observe assignment deadlines • Participate fully in the class by completing assignments on time and attending class

12. Why do I have to take this class(or math, in general)? • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LvQwCI9A_o • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFRTgr7MfWw

13. Syllabus http://www.highlands.edu/academics/divisions/math/lralston/laura.htm