Monday, December 10, 2007

Study Group # 5

As the semester has come to a close, our study group chose to meet one last time on December 5, 2007. This study group was strictly all about Biology. The Biology exam will be for this Friday, at 10 a.m. DNA, genes and dominant and recessive genes were the main topics of discussion and review. Our study period lasted for approximately two hours; starting at 12:00 noon and ending at 2:00 p.m.

Study Group #4

For a good refresher and review, our study group joined together on November 29th, 2007. We reviewed Chapters four and five. These chapters discussed compounds and thier bonds, as well as reactions. The study group was again held in the library.

Group Study #3

On November 28, 2007 our study group was finally able to meet again. This was a very important study group, due to the upcoming exam for Chemistry. We reviewed Chapters three through nine. The main topics that were discussed were as follows: Atoms, elements and nuclear reactions. Our study time lasted for about two hours; 1:00 p.m. till 3:00p.m.

Study Group #1

Today, October 29, 2007 was my first group study that I attended. Our group study was from 10:15 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. All members of our study group have an up coming Biology test. Our group reviewed Glycolysis for the test. The group meeting was very beneficial for me. I was able to generate questions to help me have a better understanding. In the group many of my unanswered questions were answered.

Study Group #2

On November 1st, 2007, we had our first study group meeting. The group congregated in the library. There was a good attendance for the study group. During our study period we discussed Mitosis and Cellular respiration. Topics were reviewed for approximately an hour and a half to two hours. We all have a test on these topics tomorrow in Biology at 10 a.m., Kieth Bruce is the instructor. This meeting was a tremendous help for studying. I hope to meet in room C, in the library again.

Multiple Learning Strategies (Option)

1. A brief description of how, when and for which course you implemented this sequence of
learning strategies.

For this Multiple Learning Strategies assignment I chose to use this technique For Chemistry class, on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 for review of an upcoming test on Tuesday, December 4th, 2007. Preparing for this assignment I reviewed the topics that were covered throughout the semester. By already completing the assignment on reading (Chapter nine), I was able to apply the skills I learned for this task. Document Reduction and the Cornell technique were extremely useful for this particular study. My pre-class preparation also allowed me to have my textbook marked on predominant topics. With calculator, textbook, pen, pencil, highlighters, notebook and a good nights sleep, I was adequately prepared. During review class, I used my attentive listening skills while jotting down required information. Using the Cornel Note Taking method, I was able to produce insightful study notes that helped me in my studies. After class, I recalled the information as required. I applied the Mind Mapping procedure to recall the information. Mind Mapping was able to help me in obtaining a visual perspective of the subject. I found by recalling promptly after class was particularly beneficial. Due to such a positive response to my understanding because of recalling information, I chose to continue with this method for my Biology studies as well. Reviewing my notes within twenty four hours I was able to generate appropriate test questions that would prepare me for the upcoming test. During the duration of the week, I continued in my review of my notes and continued to create possible question and problems that I might possibly be tested on.

2. Your evaluation of this effectiveness, for you, of this process.

By preparing myself for class and doing the appropriate steps that needed to be taken; I was very successful. The process was not tedious. The process allowed me to use the skills I had learned throughout this entire course. Learning to Learn textbook has been a excellent guide to overcoming a lot of my difficulties that I have faced as a student. By applying this method, I was able to have a higher quality of understanding of the review and text for the test. The importance of the five steps that I followed was shown to me through this assignment. I plan to apply the next five steps as follows: Pre-class preparation, active listening and focused note-taking during class, post-class immediate recall, review of notes within 24 hours and anticipation of test question; throughout the rest of my studies at college.

3. Your plans for the future use of this process.

I plan to use the five step process throughout my entire stay at college. This system was unbelievably successful for my studying. I would recommend or even show this technique to anyone, as it has helped me tremendously. Using the five step method appropriately, I know will make success easily obtainable.

Reading Textbooks (Option)

1. A brief summary of what I learned by reading Chapter 9, Improving Your Reading.

Chapter nine consisted of a lot of key points. Chapter nine described the components of a book. Components such as: front matter, bibliography, authors, index, glossary and preface. Chapter nine also explains different ways content and substance of a book are understood. There are two ways that can be expressed, expository text and narrative text. Expository texts focus on conveying information, whereas narrative texts tell a story. Explanations of strategies to help internalize what you are reading are helpful. Some helpful hints are as follows: Marking up your text book, write summaries of what you are reading, develop mental images of the text you are reading and make questions and predictions about the text as you read. Mind Mapping, a technique which had been discussed in the previous chapter, is also an essential tool to use for reading. By making a map what you are reading, this will help you to remember what you just read and will further your comprehension of the chapter.

2. A description of the chapter you selected to evaluate the Document Reduction method.

The chapter I chose to use the Document Reduction method on is Biology concepts and connections textbook, the chapter was named, The Molecular Biology of a Gene. Topics that were covered are as follow: DNA, RNA, Transcription, Translation and Translocation. There was also memorization of key words such as: Polypeptide, codon, anticondon, RNA polymerase, initiation, elongation, termination and amino acid.

3. A personal evaluation of the Document Reduction method as a tool for reading textbooks and as a tool for studying from textbook.

My personal evaluation of the Document Reduction method is that it works. When reading for school, often times my mind is easily distracted by off topic thoughts. Due to wandering thoughts, after reading a chapter I may not remember anything about the chapter. To diminish the amount of wandering or distraction while reading, document reduction helps reduce the distractions by suggesting that I take notes as I read. This will ensure that I, as a reader, am attentive to what I am reading. Developing visuals of the text as I read is a continual help to me. I am a visual learner, so by having a picture to apply the text to is very beneficial for my success in learning the subject matter. Studying with the Document Reduction method places a visual concept to the topic studied. Data is easily and readily available for a student to obtain; by studying in the Document Reduction method. Document Reduction allows for productive studying. This technique purges the amount of unnecessary material studied and reduces the quantity of time wasted.

4. An explanation of the reading approaches you plan to use from this time forward.

From this time forward I plan to use the Document reduction method for reading material. This technique has helped me to condense a chapter reading into valuable knowledge. Using Document Reduction will allow me to fully grasp the text topic, without wandering, off topic thoughts. I plan to jot notes as I read to abolish the wandering and distracting thoughts, which cause a lack of understanding of the material. While using the Document Reduction method I will be able to obtain information quickly and efficiently. I will apply this reading method throughout my entire school experience and into the work force as well.

Note Taking

1. Brief Summary of Chapter 8.

Chapter eight gave clear instructions on how to properly take notes. Some helpful hints were as follows: Paying attention to what the professor is saying, write notes in own words, do not write full paragraphs or sentences use the jot note method for important points, write notes neatly so you will be able to understand them later, review notes after class and organize your notes in a neat and tidy fashion.

2. Description of the class chosen to evaluate the note taking method.

The class I chose to evaluate for note taking was Biology. The professor for Biology is Keith Bruce. Topics that I chose to evaluate the note taking method were for our final test in that course. Meiosis and DNA were the topics that I chose to cover.

3. Personal evaluation of the Cornell Note Taking method as a tool for note taking
and as a tool for studying.

This method eliminated an enormous amount of confusion in my understanding of
my note taking. Quite often I would try and write down all the professor was
trying to say. This led to very frustrating circumstances when I would try and read
my notes for studying. My notes now are organized appropriately. I am now able
to generate efficient notes by jotting down only the necessary and important
information. The Cornell Note Taking method is the cause for a better
understanding of Meiosis and DNA. While reviewing my notes for study, I
understood in my terms what each step and method meant. Due to my improved
note taking method I was able to achieve a higher grade and peace of mind during
the test. After completion of the Cornell Note Taking method, during study I was
able to acquire the information needed in a efficient manner, as never before. My
readable and organized notes where the stepping stones for success. Studying time
was exceptionally effective. I have learned that note taking can be the cause for
poor study sessions. With the Cornell Method, my time for studying is now used
wisely and successfully. What a great method to have learned.

4. Personal evaluation of the Mind Mapping method as a tool for summarizing
information and as a tool for studying.

The Mind Mapping method is a grand tool to learn and know. Mind Mapping is a
general builder for condensing information. By condensing information in this
technique you are able to see the sections and pieces of information that join
together appropriately. For instance, mind mapping would be very beneficial
when studying for Prophase; the most important part of Meiosis. Prophase can be
mind mapped by placing Meiosis as the top, second would be prophase and than
the four most important components of Prophase would follow. Mind Mapping
your notes give you a picture like method for studying. This method is especially useful for visual learners.

5. Explanation of the note taking approaches I plan to use from this time forward.

From this time forward I plan to use chapter eight as a guide on note taking. Note taking is a very crucial part of school. Note taking, if not completed properly, may be the cause for difficultly in understanding the course material and unsuccessful study sessions. By using the Cornel Note Taking method and Mind Mapping technique, I feel there will be an elimination of frustration and a gain of comprehension for all appropriate courses

Journal Entry for Conclusions and Future Plans

1. Description of areas that have improved.

An area that has showed improvement is note taking. Learning to learn reading guided me in the right direction. It was the basis for my knowledge of how to take notes that would be useful to me after class. As a rule, I would always try and write down everything the professor was saying. This often led to frustration as he/she would quickly move on to another topic, before I could finish writing everything down. I now have learned to jot down key points that I felt were significant. In a case where I was unsure of certain material, taking initiative and asking the professor to clarify on a certain topic was exceptionally useful.

2. Description of areas that need further growth.

An area that needs further growth is time management. By fault, I am a trueprocrastinator. Quite frequently cramming is a method that I use often. Cramming for
exams and assignments have led to anxiety on numerous occasions. Leaving
assignments and study till the last possible minute has been the cause for forgotten
deadlines, for other courses. Although there has been great tips in the textbook, learning to learn, reading and applying the methods to overcome time management is
all together different. Good intentions never worked for anybody. Purchasing a day
timer or organizer would be in my favor. Starting projects, assignments and studying before the due date, could also be beneficial. Another option might be seeing a professor or a guidance counselor for some insight or direction as to overcoming time management delinquent.


3. Explanation of the insight I have gained about learning and things I will carry
forward to other courses.

The greatest insight gained has been areas of note taking and learning beneficial methods on how to study productively. Learning to take notes by jotting down key points that are required, instead of furiously trying to write down “word for word” what the professor was saying; has been a great insight. Beneficial methods of study I have learned are as follows: Find a quiet environment, play no music with lyrics, take necessary breaks to eliminate information overload, highlighting only key points that are needed and pacing study time over a period of approximately a week. Here are just a few of the things I will be carrying forward to other courses: A good attitude, coming prepared to class, getting the required amount of sleep so I am alert and attentive to what is going on during class, note taking method, appropriate studying habits, communication among professors and peers and focusing on areas of needed growth.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Stress Management Seminar

Stress Management.



Attending the stress management seminar was extremely helpful. By going, I was able to see first hand how stress can and does affect us everyday. At the first part of the seminar it was interesting to learn the statistics about stress. Work sheets and handouts were helpful in identifying causes of stress. Stress can be the cause for eating disorders, insomnia, poor grades, etc. By acknowledging that YES, some of us are STRESSED, we should take the necessary measures to improve on the environment or circumstances that are the cause for stress. Sometimes however, situations are out of ones control. For example, such events as unexpected death, sudden illness, etc., are beyond our control.

The second part of the seminar was exceptionally calming. Being put in a darkened room with a monotone speaker was the cause for droopy eyelids and near accidents of saliva (over-spill). It’s amazing how the mind can unwind from the busyness of the day. Even nagging thoughts that have made concentration nearly impossible seemed to diminish with such a setting.

It was an informative and tranquil seminar. I’m almost positive I have never been asked to freely relax in a seminar before. I need to attend more of these seminars. When can we do this again? Job well done, Mr. Field.

Recommendation Letter

Dear Students,

I am writing to you as a survivor of Strategies for Success. You may be thinking, “Why would anyone need a course such as this?” This was my question at the beginning of the course as well. It was my question until the day I read about Note Taking. Note taking has never been one of my strengths. This in turn has led to poor understanding of subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, etc. Whenever there was a lecture I would dread the thought of having to take notes. As of today, however, I am free of the torturing fear of note taking. This is all due to, yes, you guessed it, Strategies for Success, instructed by Tim Field. To this day I am forever indebted to the Strategies for Success course and of course Mr. Tim Field himself! Note taking has become an easier task for me. Knowing that I can acquire the appropriate information from a lecture with by taking notes is an enormous achievement. Victory in Note Taking, all because of applying key points learned from strategies Learning to Learn instructive textbook. So I say to all you doubters, Strategies for Success is the course for you! Why you ask? Well, if you’re struggling with time management, stress, note taking, attention and memory deficit, or test taking problems, then this course may be able to help you. We would all be lying to ourselves if we said that we did not need any extra help in the areas listed above. The worst that could happen to us is we would become better equipped with the skills needed to become successful in college. We all came to college to be successful, didn’t we? Remember, “GO TO CLASS”!


Sincerely,


Survivor of Strategies for Success, Danielle Phillips

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=375581123379466094

Monday, October 22, 2007

Midterm Progress Report

During this semester there have been many inconsistencies in my studies. This is largely due to circumstances beyond my control. I am trying my best to become successful on a personal level no matter what the outcome. I will as never before strive to achieve academic success. I have learned over the course of this semester my weaknesses and strengths. Strategies for Success have helped me to identify what I as a learner need to improve on. For example, concentration on my work and improving my study environment. Many of the chapters in Learning to Learn have given me helpful hints. I have learned that in courses such as Biology and Chemistry reading daily and taking notes is a must. In Math, repetition is useful for me. For example, solving problem after problem, until the equations become second nature to me is a requirement for me to succeed. To achieve my goals for the rest of this semester, I need to remain focused on my studies and continue going to classes on a regular basis. Handing assignments in on time will also benefit my overall grade. Having a positive attitude while being motivated will help me to enjoy my experience as a student, for the duration of this semester.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Improving Your Cognition and Metacognition

Part A

Identify the cognitive stratagies that you plan to apply this semester.

The cognitive stratagies that I plan to apply this semester are my critical thinking skills. I feel that critical thinking is a higher standard of thinking that needs to be applied. By applying this method of thinking my understanding and knowledge of material will greatly improve. Critical thinking will bring me to a new level of in-depth interpretations and thoughts. This will positively effect and help me to get a better grade.

Identify the metacognitive stratagies that you plan to apply this semester.

The metacognitive stratagey that I plan to apply this semester is planning. I believe that planning can lead to more structured and balanced environment for learning. As a result of planning ahead for tasks, I may be able to accomplish more. Being disorganized can mean missing deadlines and cramming for tests/exams. Planning ahead will help me to meet deadlines and practice better study methods.

Part B


Analyze your approaches to learning.

By completing the questionnaire I have come to find that lack of interest is a concern. Lack of interest in the course itself contributes to poor work ethic in that course. Lack of interest also contributes to lack of knowledge as well. This is due to the fact that the time required is not being put into these courses. Motivation to acquire further knowledge besides what is obligatory is not one of my strong points. Unfortunately, in some cases I have found that just receiving the mandatory grade suffices. However, I do find great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment when I study thoroughly and in a paced manner. I try and read extra material that is suggested to further my comprehension.

Reflect on what you learned and what changes you feel you should make to your approach to learning.

By reflecting on my findings I have learned that I need to find ways that would heighten my interest in certain courses. For example, one way of sparking my interest would be to offer myself an icecap if I were to finish the required assignments and advance my reading in that course. This could be a great motivation by incentive. By making learning fun for me, it may well inginite some interest. Finding pride in what I do, who I am and what I may become should be a cause for bettering my grades. I think by writing down my daily goals in school and in life would give me a reason to strive for a higher standard.

Part C

Did this story speak to you?

Yes, this story was interesting and inspiring. It brings a boldness of unwavering faith and confidence in (ones self) to accomplish goals in life; yet, going blindly, (which is what unwavering faith is), and learning along the way. This story brings a whole new meaning to self learning.

Do you have a similar story from your own experience?

Yes, although not quite as inspiring. At a young age I had a great love for my grandmother. As I began to grow, my grandmother began to deterriate. As conversation became minimal, I searched for ways in which to spend time with her. One day, as I looked at my grandmothers once prim, and well kept hair now lifeless and flat, I got out the blow dryer, curling iron and hair products needed to create what I hoped would be an improvement. As I showed the finished product to a few passers by, I had many ooooh's and awwww's. With much approval I began to practice with my grandmother's hair. Styling a few times a week became a ritual, eliminating costs of a hairdresser. To my surprise I was in high demand for new and exciting styles, that weren't the standard permed style, or known as the "poodle do" to many. A I found my career as a Health Care Aid, I continued offering services as a hair stylist and was never short of satisfied clients.

Having read the story, what do you feel are the characteristics and stratagies of a self-directed learner?

I feel that the characteristics and strategies of a self-directed learner are being self motivated and committed to what you are trying to accomplish or learn. To be able to do so confidence in ones self is a must. To be able to do that which you have never done before confidence is a must. Having a well thought out and structured plan to the goal you are striving to achieve would also be beneficial. A little bit of background skill could be helpful.

Are you a self-directed learner in your everyday life and your academic life? Is it improtant to you to become more self-directed as a learner? What would you need to do?

Everyday life and academic life is a journey of sorts that brings new things to view almost everyday. So yes, I would say that I am a self-directed learner. I would even go as far to say that we all at some point in our lives come to a point were we must become a self-directed learner. Yes, indeed it is important as a learner to become self-directed. To become a self-directed learner I would need to acquire certain characteristics such as self confidence to do the task and self motivation accomplish it.

What are your reactions to Weimer's comment that " College should be the time when and the place where students develop prowess as learners"?

I feel that to a degree Weimer's comment is correct. College is the place to develop assured abilities. Yet, through experience, I feel it takes many of life's lessons to acquire most of our extraoridinary skill.