January 2011 maximizing academic success orientation 2 part presentation

Understanding How Academics “Works” at the Northeast Center of Empire State College

Maximizing Your

Success

Helping You Connect the Pieces for Academic Success

Orientation Presention byDr. Lisa D’Adamo-WeinsteinNortheast CenterDirector of Academic Support

Agenda• Part 1: Academic Support Programs & ResourcesAcademic Support Programs & Resources

What is it? What is available?How do I get support?

• Part 2: The Pieces of Academic SuccessPart 2: The Pieces of Academic SuccessWhat are some strategies?What can I do to learn?How do I learn best?

• Questions?Questions? (Stop me and ask throughout) Helping You Connect the Pieces for Academic Success

MissionThe staff of the Northeast Center Office of Academic Support operate as a collaborative team, striving to establish a friendly welcoming learning environment for all students.

We support students in becoming successful independent learners through a comprehensive array of services and resources tailored to students’ individual academic needs and goals.

We deliver these services and resources via individualized and group programming in face-to-face, telephonic and virtual formats.

We work with students, staff and faculty with the expectation that willing students can reach and exceed their academic potential with appropriate assistance.

Northeast Center Northeast Center Office of Academic SupportOffice of Academic Support

The Pieces of Academic SuccessThe Pieces of Academic Success

Rationale Essay

Academic Research

Northeast Center Northeast Center Office of Academic SupportOffice of Academic Support

Student Outcomes As a result of utilizing the services and resources of the NEC Office of Academic Support, students will be able to:

• Identify and manage their learning strengths and challenges,• Incorporate traditional and technology-based resources in their learning,• Use effective strategies in different learning engagements, • Create positive learning environments for themselves, • Increase their self-confidence while decreasing stress, and • Improve their academic performance and development as a life-long learner.

FREE FREE

Academic Support Academic Support Resources Available for YouResources Available for You

Learning Coaches & Content Tutors

• One-to-one appointments in person or via phone, e-mail, Internet, etc.

• Workshops (online & onsite)

• Small group assistance (online & onsite)

• Online Content Area Tutoring – Smarthinking (www.esc.edu/smarthinking)

Online Support

• Webbased resource – NECAcademicSupport.Pbworks.com

• A self-paced or credit-bearing study & resources http://AcademicEye.pbworks.com

• On Facebook - http://on.fb.me/NortheastCenterFB

Academic Support Academic Support @ NEC@ NEC

Helping You Connect the Pieces for Academic Success

Services & Resources – Onsite & Online

The Academic Support TeamThe Academic Support Team

Meet the Learning CoachesMeet the Learning CoachesSarah Spence-Staulters is located in Latham working with Schenectady & Latham/Albany students Her hours are: Mondays 3:00pm-7:30pm

Wednesdays 3:00pm-7:30pmFridays 9:00am-4:00pm

Contact Sarah to make an appointment : (518) 783-6203 ext 5992 or Sarah.Spence-Staulters@esc.edu

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kate Stockton is located in Latham working with Johnstown & Latham/Albany students Her hours are: Mondays 4:00pm-7:30pm

Wednesdays 4:00pm-7:30pmThursdays 4:00pm-8:00pm

Contact Kate to make an appointment : (518) 783-6203 ext 5992 or Kate.Stockton@esc.edu

Mary Sanders-Shartle is located in Saratoga working with Saratoga & Queensbury students Her hours are: Mondays 12:00pm-2:00pm

Wednesdays 3:00pm-6:00pmThursdays 4:00pm-6:00pm

Contact Mary to make an appointment :(518) 587-2100 ext 2827 or Mary.Sanders-Shartle@esc.edu

____________________________________________________________________

Paper Time Management Tools

http://necacademicsupport.pbworks.com/Student-Datebook-and-Handbook

Electronic Time Management ToolsElectronic Time Management Tools

www.empirestatecollege.thezonelive.comwww.empirestatecollege.thezonelive.com

What is Smarthinking?

Smarthinking is an online tutorial service that is available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

www.esc.edu/smarthinking

www.necacademicsupport.pbworks.com

Visit us on SlideShare http://www.slideshare.net/NECAcademicSupport

Web Videos and Student LearningWeb Videos and Student Learningwww.youtube.com/necacademicsupport

AccessSpecially Created Videos for Northeast Center Students’

Academic Success & Academic Support Resources

AccessPlaylists of Videos

on Academic

Success Related Topics

AcademicEye.pbworks.com

Helping You Connect the Pieces for Academic Success

http://on.fb.me/NortheastCenterFB

Helping You Connect the Pieces for Academic Success

Academic Success StrategiesAcademic Success Strategies

General Success StrategiesGeneral Success Strategies• Understand how you learn bestUnderstand how you learn best and maximize your studying strategies to match your strengths.

• Take a learning styles inventory. The VARK is a good example; you can access it (www.vark-learn.com)online or come to a workshop.

• Apply your learning to your own experiencesApply your learning to your own experiences. Make connections between what you are learning and what you already know.

• Ask questions when neededAsk questions when needed and do not let problems go unresolved! Be a self-directed and self-motivated learner.• Maximize your learningMaximize your learning. Understand requirements, assignments, and methods of evaluation by reviewing your learning contract(s) (aka course syllabus/syllabi).• Set appropriate goalsSet appropriate goals to meet semester timeconstraints, course requirements, and faculty expectations.

Understanding What is Expected of YouUnderstanding What is Expected of You

• Empire State College is reading and writing intensive.• The model for learning is independent and active where students take responsibility for what they are learning and work in one-to-one studies, online courses, residencies, or part of small seminars known as study groups.• Several strategies can assist you in being more efficient and effective with your reading, writing, and critical thinking.

• Understanding problem solving techniques, time management principles, learning styles and identification of the overriding purpose of your studies/courses will also help you better complete your reading & writing assignments.

RECEIVER RECEIVER * * Receives & implements instructions from the Receives & implements instructions from the

EXPLAINER.EXPLAINER.* * May ask questions for clarification.May ask questions for clarification.* * May not have work checked until end of the May not have work checked until end of the activity.activity.

EXPLAINER

* * Is given information to digest.* * Develops and implements a plan to

convey that information to the RECEIVER.* * May not check RECEIVER'S work until the end of the activity.

ROLES for ACTIVITYROLES for ACTIVITY

Pablo Picasso’s Don Quixote

THE ANSWERTHE ANSWER

Pablo Picasso’s Don Quixote

Problem SolvingProblem Solving• First, you have to understand the problemunderstand the problem. • After understanding, then make a planmake a plan. • Carry out the planCarry out the plan. • Look back & ask – How could the plan be improvedHow could the plan be improved?

-Source: George Pólya (1945) How to Solve It

The INK BLOTS activity forces you to use problem solving skills that can be compared to the process of writing a research paper. The steps for conducing research include, identifying a topic, researching/understanding all the details related to that topic, and translating your research/ understanding into a format for your audience to understand. If you follow the problem solving steps listed in the gray box above, the process for understanding the seemingly unconnected bits of information in the picture becomes much easier. You need to get a sense of the larger picture and not focus on the separate details of the picture as unconnected to a framework of understanding. Once you find a way to look at the information (the problem) and process the information into meaningful chunks/frameworks for understanding (make a plan), it becomes easier to organize your thinking and present your ideas in a way that others can understand.

You evaluate the effectiveness of your plan as you translate your ideas to your audience and determine if they could understand what you where trying to convey.

The Problem

3 Ways to Organize

Your Thoughts/Have anOverallPlan of

Understanding/

Transmitting Your

Understanding to Others

11Grid

2 2 Compare To Known 3 3 Make new

connections

Pablo Picasso’s“Don Quixote”

Knight on a horse

Problem Solving

Understand the problem/assignment See the big picture first

Devise a plan to solve the problem/complete the assignment

Understand what details make up the big picture and how you intend to convey your understanding

Implement your plan Communicate your understanding

Evaluate your effectiveness in solving the problem/ completing the assignment

ASK YOURSELF - “What will make me a better learner in the future?”

SchemaSchemaA schema in general is a specific, well-documented, and consistent plan. The related word, scheme means a loosely described plan.

A schema (pl. schemata), in psychology and cognitive science, is a mental structure (prior knowledge) that represents some aspect of the world. People use schemata to organize current knowledge and provide a framework for future understanding.

Schema as a Schema as a NetNet Think of SCHEMA as a fishing net.

The first time you put the net in the water, you gather a lot of big fish.

Over time, however, as the net’s holes shrink from use, the smaller holes allow for smaller fish to be

captured.

In essence, you get more fish each time your dip your net into the

water.

So, the more you activate your schema before you try to study, the more details you will pick up as you read, complete an assignment, or

simply get to understand what your course is all about and try to

manage your school workload.

Time ManagementTime Management

Time is a Valuable CommodityTime is a Valuable Commodity

We all have the same amount of time ~◦60 seconds in a minute, ◦60 minutes in an hour, ◦24 hours in a day, ◦168 hours in a week,◦720 hours in a month,◦And 8,760 in a year.

Time cannot be saved and it does not gain interest. Time cannot be saved and it does not gain interest. There are no rollover minutes!There are no rollover minutes!

How are you spending your time???How are you spending your time???

Reality CheckApproximately 10-16 hours per week is

the optimum time for successful completion of a 4-credit study. In addition, it is important for you to have as regular a schedule as you can manage to meet the

deadlines for assignments.

• Consider what you know about your constraints and how you prefer to organize yourself.

• Pick the appropriate strategies and tool(s) to help you best organize your time.

• Remember to be consistent with how you utilize your time management strategies and tools, and that all tools are not for everyone.

• Know what you have to do and how much time you have available to complete your assignments.

Enhancing Your Personal Time Management System

Review Learning ContractReview Learning Contractaka Course Syllabusaka Course Syllabus

= Key Concepts

= Critical Thinking Skills

= Benefit to You

= Key Concepts

= Critical Thinking Skills

= Expectations & Requirements

Review Learning ContractReview Learning Contractaka Course Syllabusaka Course Syllabus

= Key Materials

= Due Date

= Requirements

Review Learning ContractReview Learning Contractaka Course Syllabusaka Course Syllabus

ORGANIZATIONALORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

Planning for Your 1st Set of Assignments

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

SEPTEMBER

1

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Term BeginsORG BEHAVIOR

Read Chaps 1 & 16

2

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

ORG BEHAVIORRead Chaps 17 & 18 & 19

18

3

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ORG BEHAVIORRead & Take

Notes Activity 12.5 & Start Write-up

Case 4 (4-6 pages)

OCTOBER

4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ORG BEHAVIORFinal Draft of

Write up Case 4 (4-6 pages)

5

8 9 10 11 All Work Due 12 13 14

Columbus Day

ORG BEHAVIORReadings &

Case 4 Due

Planning for Your 1st Set of Assignments

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

SEPTEMBER

1

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Term BeginsORG BEHAVIOR

Read Chaps 1 & 16

2

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

ORG BEHAVIORRead Chaps 17 & 18 & 19

18

3

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ORG BEHAVIORRead & Take

Notes Activity 12.5 & Start Write-up

Case 4 (4-6 pages)

OCTOBER

4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ORG BEHAVIORFinal Draft of

Write up Case 4 (4-6 pages)

5

8 9 10 11 All Work Due 12 13 14

Columbus Day

ORG BEHAVIORReadings &

Case 4 Due

Planning for Your 1st Set of Assignments

ECONOMICSECONOMICSAll due by 5th week of term

Planning for Your 1st Set of Assignments

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

SEPTEMBER

1

Term Begins 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

ECONOMICSRead Chap 1

Do QFT - 2 & 5 Do P&E - 1, 5 &10

ECONOMICSRead Chap 2

Do QFT – 3, 11, 16 Do P&E – 3 & 4

ORG BEHAVIORRead Chaps

1 & 16

2

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

ECONOMICSRead Chap 3

Do QFT – 8 & 15 Do P&E – 4 & 5

ECONOMICSRead Chap 4

Do QFT – 3,8,14,15 Do P&E – 2 & 3

ORG BEHAVIORRead Chaps 17 & 18 & 19

18

3

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ECONOMICSRead Chap 6

Do QFT – 1, 9, 13 Do P&E – 8, 14, 17

ECONOMICSRead Chap 8

Do QFT – 1 & 2 Do P&E - 1, 7 & 9

ORG BEHAVIORRead & Take Notes

Activity 12.5 & Start Write-up Case

4 (4-6 pages)

OCTOBER

4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ECONOMICSRead Chap 9

Do QFT – 1 & 5 Do P&E - 1,3,5a,5b

ORG BEHAVIORFinal Draft of Write

up Case 4 (4-6 pages)

5

8 9 10 11 All Work Due 13 14

Columbus Day

ECON PROBS & ORG BEHAVIOR

Readings & Case 4 Due

Learning StylesLearning Styles

AURAL/AURAL/AUDITORYAUDITORY

KINESTHETICKINESTHETIC

READ/READ/WRITEWRITE

VISUALVISUAL

MULTI-MULTI-MODALMODAL

Identifying Your Learning Style

Characteristics of Visual Learners

• Easily remember information presented in pictures, charts or diagrams.

• Have strong visualization skills. They can look up and “see” the information invisibly written or drawn.

• Make “movies in their minds” of information they are reading. Their movies are often vivid and detailed.

• Have very strong visual-spatial understanding of things such as sizes, textures, angles and three-dimensional depths.

• Pay close attention to the body language of others (facial expressions, eyes, stance, etc.).

• Have a keen sense of aesthetics, visual media and art.

VISUALVISUALVisual learners tend to:

Study Tips for Visual Learners

• Convert info into visual study tools (diagrams, maps, charts)

• Visualize & make movies as you read and study.• Add pictures to as many study tools as possible.• Use "color coding" of new information in your

textbook or notes. Using highlighter pens, highlight different kinds of information in contrasting colors.

• Copy & write new info - see it in your own writing.• Use nonverbal clue’s by instructors to provide you

with important information.• Always write down important information or

directions.

Characteristics of Aural/Auditory Learners

• Remember quite accurately details of important information heard during conversations or lectures.

• Have strong language skills, which include a well-developed vocabulary and an appreciation for words.

• Have strong oral communication skills. They can carry or interesting conversations and can articulate their ideas clearly.

• Have a “fine tuned ear” auditory may lead to learning a foreign language more easily.

• Often have musical talents, can hear tones, rhythms, and individual notes. AURAL/AURAL/

AUDITORYAUDITORY

Aural/Auditory learners tend to:

Study Tips for Auditory Learners

• Talk out loud and recite information regularly.• Discuss/study with friends.• Record information and listen to it.• Add rhythms or tunes to your learning.• Use computerized technology – Text to

Speech in Word, Audacity, Natural Reader, etc.

• Work well with their hands and may be good at repairing work, sculpting, art or working with various tools.

• Often have well coordinated and have a strong sense of timing and body movement.

• Learn with movement = often do well as performers: athletes, actors, or dancers.

• Often wiggle, tap feet or move their legs when seated.

• Have been often labeled “hyperactive” as children.

Characteristics of Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners tend to:

KINESTHETICKINESTHETIC

Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners• Type or use a word processor – take notes as you

read including graphic organizing.• Pace as you study.• Make larger-sized study tools – flipcharts, chalk/white

boards.• Learn by doing.• Use case studies, examples and applications.• Use your hands and your fine motor skills. Study with

pen/pencil in hand.• Use exaggerated movement for emphasis and

expression.

• Like lists and words to keep ideas and “To Do” items straight.

• Remember information displayed as words. • Emphasize text-based input and output -

reading and writing in all its forms. • Prefer PowerPoint, the Internet, lists,

filofaxes, dictionaries, thesauri, quotations and words, words, words...

Characteristics of Read/Write LearnersRead/Write learners tend to:

READ/READ/WRITEWRITE

Study Tips for Read/Write Learners

• Use a word processor – take notes as you read.• Use dictionaries and/or make flashcards to remember

key vocabulary.• Write out the words again and again. • Read your notes (silently) again and again. • Rewrite the ideas and principles into other words. • Organize any diagrams, graphs ... into statements,

e.g. "The trend is..." • Turn reactions, actions, diagrams, charts and flows

into words.

AURAL/AURAL/AUDITORYAUDITORY

KINESTHETICKINESTHETIC

READ/READ/WRITEWRITE

VISUALVISUAL

MULTI-MULTI-MODALMODAL

Life is multimodal.Life is multimodal. Seldom are there instances where one mode is used, or is sufficient. There are those who prefer many modes almost equally are of two types. Others choose a single mode to suit the occasion or situation. There are others who are not satisfied until they have had input (or output) in all of their preferred modes. They take longer to gather information from each mode and, as a result, they often have a deeper and broader understanding.

Questions?Questions?ContactContact

Northeast Center Office of Academic SupportNortheast Center Office of Academic Support

     E-mail     NECAcademicSupport@esc.edu     Phone     518-783-6203 ext 5939     Mail        Office of Academic Support                    SUNY Empire State College – Northeast Center                    21 British American Blvd.                    Latham, NY 12110

http://www.necacademicsupport.pbworks.comhttp://www.necacademicsupport.pbworks.com

Helping You Connect the Pieces Helping You Connect the Pieces for Academic Successfor Academic Success