Thousands of years ago, Galileo reportedly asserted, “You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself.” With a focus on project-based learning, it motivates students to explore student success topics and to discover how they can apply these skills to their college experience.
Project College Success shows that project-based learning actively engages and inspires students. Each ‘project’ introduces an authentic topic relevant to student success and then poses a question which directs student exploration. Through this guided inquiry, students work individually or in groups to discover and explore answers. Students can discuss, analyze, and evaluate various aspects of a current project topic. This approach sparks classroom dynamics, immerses students in diverse discussions, and prepares them for the workplace by promoting engagement and accelerated success through a learner-centered focus to achieve learning outcomes.
Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1 COURSE ESSENTIALS
Projects
1. Group Dynamics
2. Course Syllabi Master Chart
3. Course Syllabi Analysis
4. Syllabus-Related Terms
5. High School & College Comparison
6. College Grading Terms
7. Calculating Grade Point Average
8. First Semester Grades
9. Tracking Academic Progress
Capstone Project
CHAPTER 2 COLLEGE STUDENT
Projects
1. Know Thyself
2. Personal Motivation
3. Goal Setting
4. Time Management
5. Actions & Outcomes
6. Problem Solving
7. Time Management Situations
8. Stress Management
Capstone Project
CHAPTER 3 STUDY SKILLS
Projects
1. Study Skills Basics
2. Listening & Taking Notes
3. Learning Preference
4. Memory and Studying
5. Study Groups
6. Test Anxiety
7. Objective Tests
8. Essay Tests
9. Test Prep
10. Test Taking Skills
11. Personal Learning Portfolio
Capstone Project
CHAPTER 4 ACADEMIC READING
Projects
1. Reading and Annotating
2. Reading Rate Factors
3. Reading Across the Disciplines
4. Information Literacy
5. Essential Educational Technology
6. Facts and Opinions
7. Critical Thinking
8. Personal Study Guide
Capstone Project
CHAPTER 5 ACADEMIC WRITING
Projects
1. Writing Services
2. Writing Assignments
3. Modes of Communication
4. Writing Courses and Resources
5. Academic Essay
6. Response Essay
7. Analytical Essay
8. Evaluative Essay
9. Information Report
10. Research Paper
11. Summary and Abstract
12. Writing Skills Survey
Capstone Project
PART 2 EXPERIENCE COLLEGE
CHAPTER 6 CAMPUS RESOURCES
Projects
1. Academic Advising
2. Academic Resources
3. Counseling Services
4. Financial Aid
5. Library Services
6. Personal Safety and Security
7. Residential Life Services
8. Student Health Services
Capstone Project
CHAPTER 7 STUDENT LIFE
Projects
1. College Culture
2. Diversity and Pluralism
3. Civility On Campus
4. Etiquette and Netiquette
5. Campus Activities
6. Civic Engagement
7. Student Leadership
8. Financial Literacy
9. Dollars and Sense
Capstone Project
CHAPTER 8 PROGRAMS AND CAREER
Projects
1. General Education Requirements
2. Programs of Study
3. Delivery of Instruction
4. Semester by Semester
5. Majors and Careers
6. Complete to Compete
Capstone Project
CHAPTER 9 HIGHER EDUCATION
Projects
1. College Mission
2. Institutions of Higher Education
3. Academic Community
4. Academic Degrees
5. Academic Honesty and Integrity
6. College Policies A through Z
7. College Policy Interactions
Capstone Project
About the Author :
Diane Fitton is a full professor in the Transitional Studies Department at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, where she teaches Introduction to College Studies and developmental-level English courses. In addition, Fitton coordinates college success and orientation courses offered each semester. Fitton is the author of On Campus – An Interactive Guide to College (Prentice Hall 2009), and co-authored New Beginning – Writing with Fluency (Houghton Mifflin 2001) and From Narrative Onward – Writing with a Focus (Houghton Mifflin 2001).
Recipient of the Dr. Wesley T. Hanson Award for Teaching Excellence (2001), Fitton began her career in education teaching English at Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, New York in 1969. In addition to a Master of Science in Education (Reading), she earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration.
Review :
"What I am really excited about is the flexibility that we have with project based learning. We can not only customize our assignments, but also supplement our teaching styles. These projects are not only engaging the students at a high level, but they are providing many teachable moments (from the students) for me!"
--Dan Raimondo, Monroe Community College
