Academic Success:  What do I need to know?

I.  Introduction:

"Perhaps most importantly in today's information age, thinking skills are viewed as crucial for educated persons to cope with a rapidly changing world. Many educators believe that specific knowledge will not be as important to tomorrow's workers and citizens as the ability to learn and make sense of new information." 
--D. Gough, 1991

I have come to the conclusion that "Academic Success relies more on Attitude than Aptitude".

II. Essential skills for Success

Reading Skills

A. Questioning Strategies & Objectives.

1. QAR Method: QAR is an acronym for Question-Answer Relationships. It is a tool for analyzing questions and determining the strategies for answering them.  There are 4 types of questions that are typically asked.  They are Right There, Think & Search, Author & Me and On My Own.

2.  Bloom's Taxonomy along with the QAR model.  Bloom's organizes learning and questioning skills in 6 different cognitive levels.  The 6 cognitive domains are: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, & evaluation.  These are similar to the QAR but have been used more extensively in education.  It is important as a student to identify what level of cognitive work is expected in each objective by looking at specific action verbs.

B.  Active vs. Passive Reading: The SQ3R reading strategy has you use 5 steps to improve reading comprehension.  SQ3R stands for: survey, question, read, recite and review. As you read for understanding, this system that can be used to help optimize your reading comprehension. You will be expected to use KTU tables to help you with the SQ part of the strategy (see below).

C. Graphic Organizers are tools that are used to organize thoughts or concepts that are being learned. Your student planner is a tool that will help you organize your time and tasks. 

1. Class Notebooks are another critical tool for academic success. Your organization and input into this can make significant differences between high grades and low grades.  You will be required to keep a notebook for this class. Here are my requirements:

3-ringed binder with loose leaf paper and 3 dividers:

a. Notes.  Most of these will be printed off from my web page and we will add to these.

b. Homework. You will need to have all your homework put into this section. The first page(s) will be the table of contents.  You should put all activities in order and numbered by page so they can be easily accessed later.

c. Handouts.  I will be giving you or having you print off various tables that we use regularly.  It is important that you keep these and have them available at all times. 

2. K-T-U tables.  This is a 3-column table used to assess concepts/ideas during reading.  K stands for What I Know, T is What I Think I know, & U is What I am Unsure of. The tables are used to help you evaluate what your previous knowledge is based on learning objectives or reading assignments. This will help you build a mental construct of previous knowledge.

        Example 1 -- Example 2.

3.  Concept mapping. Concept mapping is a way to evaluate your understanding of how concepts fit together.  Concept “bubbles” are linked by linking statements that describe the relationship between concepts. If you have learned how Inspirations work, you are welcome to use that. Example: waves

   - Examples of other graphic organizers 

Writing Skills

I will expect that all students utilize proper writing skills to demonstrate their understanding of the learning objectives. We will use the 6 Traits of Effective Writing program to improve your technical writing skills. The following Rubric will be integrated in order to help you improve your writing/composition skills.

The following themes should be considered when writing:

1. Ideas & Development-All writing assignments need to have few main points that are well developed and then succinctly explained

2. Organization- Flow is important when defending your explanations/opinions.  Avoid "rambling" when writing.

3. Voice & Tone- Technical writing should have a limited amount "frilly" or "ambiguous" language.  Your reader is expecting to read for understanding where you explain the nature or causality of your topic.

4. Word Choice & Terminology- Get to the point by using fewer words that support your writing.  Avoid words that are out of context or don't support the flow of your paper.

5. Sentence Structure- Each sentence should have one clear thought.  Avoid run-on sentences that confuse your reader.

6. Conventions & Presentation- Grammatically correct writing makes reading easier and usually keeps your reader on task.

Resource Skills

1. Textbook Usage Skills. Your textbook is an essential part of obtaining information which aids in explaining the concepts outlined in the learning objectives. Each chapter is designed to build problem-solving skills and emphasize the relevance and application of chemistry in today's society. Identify the important components of the text and use these to improve your reading skills.

2. Web Site Usage Skills.  It is important that each Chemistry student actively uses these resources to supplement their in-class learning activities. This specific web site has been designed to supply you, as a student, ample information to prepare you for class, reinforce in-class learning, and apply your knowledge to current scientific research. 

3. Cooperative Learning Skills. Study groups are an excellent way to study for Chemistry.  It is important to realize each member of the group works towards the improvement of the groups understanding.

III. Being Successful

Improving academic success requires dedication and determination. I believe it is essential that each student sets obtainable & measurable goals, becomes organized, and strives to do their best. Part of this also requires the knowledge of how to do their best.  Academic success is dependent upon many factors and the following is a short list of what I believe are the most critical.

A. Motivation and Goal Setting:

B. Improving your Memory Skills:

C. Improve Note-taking Skills:

D. Dealing with Study Skills Problems:  Identify the problem, adjust your behavior, & adopt the changes.

Resource: Study Guides & Strategies

Resource: How-to-study

Review:  Here is a short list of Study Tips that may help you.