Note: This course is not in use at this time and will be revised later.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Course Description:
Student Success is designed to equip students for transitions in education and life. Students will be actively involved in learning and integrating practical applications to promote success. Emphasis is on investigating personality traits, learning styles, and goals. Students will develop a Student Life Skills Notebook and an educational plan while enhancing critical thinking and study abilities (see 2001-2002 Valencia College Catalog and your Student Life Skills Notebook for this information).
Course Objectives:
1. Discuss how to define and implement your experiences and responsibilities as a college student based on the process of goal-setting and prioritizing.
2. List, describe, and discuss the following methods: improve retention and recall of information, manage time more efficiently, read with understanding, prepare for and take tests, take effective notes, work effectively as part of a group, and access and use computer data in order to increase awareness of viable network and program resources.
3. Apply characteristics of critical thinkers to college resources.
4. Become informed about resources available on campus and in the community that can assist you with issues related to health, academics, relationships, library research, financial aid, researching a major, etc.
5. Organize your own Student Life Skills Notebook based on a demonstrated self-awareness of learning and personality styles, including an effective application of learning strategies.
6. Learn to work cohesively in a group based on effective principles of communication along with an appreciation of differences among peers, faculty, and people everywhere.
7. The acquisition, use, and application of available technology.
CONSULT YOUR STUDENT LIFE SKILLS NOTEBOOK FOR ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVES
CLAST and Valencia Graduate Competencies:
See your Student Life Skills Notebook or the 2001-2002 Valencia College Catalog for this important information.
Teaching Strategies:
The objectives of this course will be achieved through lectures, individual and group experiences, guest visits, audiovisual presentations, personality and learning style inventories, and assignments outside of class. The professor’s role is to facilitate your experience of learning what Valencia College expects of you as a student.
Course Requirements:
Student Life Skills Notebook/Portfolio: 35% (Due on Wednesday, July 31, 2002)
Attendance and Participation: 20%
Final Essay Examination: 25% (Wednesday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., 5-229)
Journal Entries (=Component Requirement of Student Life Skills Notebook) and Group Project: 20% (Group Project Presentations: Monday, July 29, 5-229)
Evaluation Criteria:
Narrative Style: 15%
Content: 50%
Self-Expression: 35%
Grade Distribution Scale:
A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-60
D=59-50
F=49-00
COURSE SCHEDULE AND OUTLINE:
Presentation of Course Objectives, Requirements, Text, Procedures, etc.
Unit I: Introduction
This unit will include a discussion of the nature of truth as a functional tool in the quest for knowledge (based on the "BUT Principle"), the distinctions and similarities between high school and college, the value of a liberal arts education, the importance of motivation, and the quest for self-discovery.
The "BUT Principle": Truth as a Functional Tool
High School and College: Are They The Same?
What is a Well-Rounded Person?
Motivation and Its Obstacles: Can We Transcend Them?
Been There, Done That: How Well Do You Know Valencia’s West Campus?
Unit II: Strike While The Iron Is Hot
This unit will explore time management skills, the techniques of memory enhancement, how to read with understanding, note taking skills, and mastering the fear of tests.
Personal Inventories: Discovery Wheel, Myers-Briggs, Barsch Inventory, Kolb Learning Style Inventory, and/or True Colors Personality Assessment
Procrastination: A Double-Edged Sword
I Can’t Remember
Letting the Words Talk Back
Taking Down What You Heard
The Test Pest: Can I Succeed?
Unit III: Think Before You Write
This unit will discuss the nature of critical thinking within both a personal and academic context, the process of creativity as well as its diverse forms, problem solving within specific disciplines, writing and rewriting, speaking effectively, and the use of computer technology as a viable resource.
Thinking Beyond The Norm
What Is Creativity?
Resolve To Solve
Saying What You Mean
So What If You’re Shy?
Deus Ex Machina
Unit IV: Me, Myself, and I
This part of the course will focus on the importance of forming and maintaining effective relationships (contra dysfunctional ones), communication skills, the diverse forms of criticism, your health, the quest for money, and how to create your own future.
I’m Perfect, You’re Not!
The "I" Word
You Deserve a Compliment Today
Working Out The Kinks
Pump Me Up
The Smell of Money
Where Do I Go From Here?
The Final Essay Examination will be administered according to the college schedule.
Special Policies:
1. All references to college policies and procedures are based on the 2001-2002 Valencia College Catalog.
2. All students are expected to arrive for class on time and to remain for the duration of the class unless exceptions have been granted by the consent of the professor based on a reasonable explanation.
3. All assigned work must be submitted on time unless exceptions have been granted by the consent of the professor based on a reasonable explanation.
4. The activation of pagers and cellular phones during class is prohibited. Your cooperation is respectfully requested.
5. Students are responsible for noting important dates related to the current session based on the official college calendar.
6. If you have special classroom needs related to your academic career at Valencia, please do not hesitate to let me know or contact the Office for Students with Disabilities, SSB-102.
7. All examination dates and other changes in the course will be made at the discretion of the professor, usually in writing.