Site MapHelpFeedbackTeaching Tips
Teaching Tips
(See related pages)

Chapter 1

The Importance and Benefits of Self-Assessment

Stress that self-assessment is an integral part of this course. Observing, listening, and gathering feedback are all part of self-assessment. Ask students how self-assessment can help them as students, as workers, and in their personal relationships. Tell students that it is difficult to change and adopt new strategies, but self-assessment can guide them as they begin the process for building success.

Self-assessment can be difficult because most people would rather not look at themselves objectively. Remind students that being honest with themselves is the first step to take. This class provides an opportunity for students to face the reality of their lives, which is a key concept in critical thinking.

Chapter 2

The Importance of Positive and Motivated Attitudes

To introduce this topic, explain to students why attitude and motivation are always listed at the top of essential qualities that employers want. A positive attitude contributes to productivity and encourages a healthy work environment. Ask students to add to the list in the textbook on page 2-2.

Discuss these strategies for creating a motivated state of mind: staying physically healthy, creating a balance between work and play, striving to be a self-actualized person, etc.

Chapter 3

Time-Management Strategies

Discuss the causes and excuses that all of us have for being disorganized, late, and unproductive, and the strategies for overcoming these barriers to success. This is a convenient time to have students write down some short-term goals. Then, have them break into groups and discuss the excuses they have for not managing their time and accomplishing what they want to do. Have students jot down the most common barriers to time management. Next, ask them to list strategies for overcoming procrastination and how they can get organized. Discuss how attitude and time management are connected.

Chapter 4

Note Taking

Discuss with students the importance of taking notes consistent with their learning styles. This discussion will lead into a review of note-taking systems and how each one offers an advantage. Each student should assess his or her learning style and choose the note-taking system that best fits that particular style. They should be encouraged to experiment and try a combination of different note-taking systems.

Chapter 5

The Importance of Active Reading

Discuss with students the relevance of active reading for building success in the classroom and the workplace. Active reading allows students to comprehend the material, develop their critical thinking skills, and helps them to make connections with material from other classes.

Also discuss the importance of students using their preferred learning styles when reading. Visual students can concentrate on illustrations, and they can draw, use mind maps, and visualize or create pictures when they read. Auditory students can tape their reading and listen to the tape. Kinesthetic students can read summaries in a group, read while standing up, draw diagrams and mind maps, and take notes.

Stress that once students use their preferred learning styles and integrate learning styles, they will better retain information and improve their confidence.

Chapter 6

Memory Strategies

Discuss with students the 12 memory strategies. Review how to use learning styles to enhance memory skills. Discuss the importance of using all the senses to improve memory. Ask students for examples of times when they used sense of smell to recall old memories. For example, when they think of their childhood homes, what smells do they recall? Ask for other examples of how using all the senses can activate memory.

Also, ask students for examples of how organization helps increase memory skills and promotes effective study habits. Take one example and ask students to organize the information so that it is easier to remember. Ask how breaking daily tasks into steps, organizing material, and writing down information helps them to remember details. Stress how making lists, using mind maps, and outlining steps to a project can all help organize information and help students remember. Remind students that many of the concepts they have already discussed—time management, creating an organized study area, writing down information, making lists, and integrating both sides of the brain—can help them remember information.

Chapter 7

Preparing for the Test

Review and discuss the ten steps involved when preparing for a test. Students will often admit that they wait until the last minute and cram for tests. Ask your students if this system is effective. Discuss ways to make the most of those times when last-minute cramming takes the place of planning and regular studying.

Studying in teams has been emphasized throughout the book. It is important to mention again how effective working in teams is when preparing for tests. Peer teaching can be performed by all students. Each student can learn by teaching concepts, summarizing information, and preparing sample tests. Students encourage each other to contribute. The fear of taking tests is reduced when students have practiced on sample tests.

Chapter 8

The Importance of Writing and Speaking

Employers value the ability to communicate. Writing and speaking skills are almost always listed as the top skills for success in the workplace. Ask students if they can think of a job that does not require effective writing and speaking skills.

Remind students that they are engaged in speaking throughout the day, but they may not consider themselves to be public speakers. They also write every day, but they may not consider themselves to be writers. The purpose of this chapter is to give students the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to help them become confident speakers and writers.

Remind students of the importance of determining purpose, understanding expectations, and planning a schedule. A major problem for many students is choosing a topic and setting a timetable. Have each student prepare a timetable for a paper or speech that is due in the near future. Ask them to share these timetables in their small team; revise them if necessary; and then post them in their study areas so they can follow the schedule. Encourage students to use project boards to help in the planning.

Review these four basic steps to preparing a paper or speech:
  • Prepare
  • Organize
  • Write
  • Edit
Chapter 9

Creativity

Ask students to identify the type of people that they think are creative. Many people think of artists, writers, and inventors. Remind students that creativity is a process that can be learned and nurtured; it can be applied to all kinds of activities and jobs.

Creativity involves being open to alternatives and seeing many different options. It also involves critical thinking. Stress that effective problem solving and decision making are essential skills that use creativity, critical thinking, and sound judgment.

Encourage students to shift their perceptions and to explore strategies that enhance and encourage creativity. Most students are interested in how they can become more creative and effective problem solvers. Ask students:
  • If they think they are creative. You may have just a few hands go up. Tell them that creativity involves being innovative for solving problems.
  • To think of an example when they used a new approach to solve a problem.
Discuss ways that students can be more creative in solving problems.

Chapter 10

Managing Stress

Discuss the stress-reduction strategies and other stress-reduction tips. Most students enjoy this discussion and usually have lots of ideas for reducing stress.

Emphasize the importance of creating balance in all areas of students’ lives. Encourage them to focus on choosing to do a few things well instead of putting too many demands on themselves all at once.

Chapter 11

Communication Strategies

Review the strategies for successful communication. Stress the connection between relationships and communication. Draw on the strategies learned earlier about listening. Discuss the importance of effective listening for improving communication, building strong relationships, and understanding others. Getting the message across involves many factors. Discuss what works best for students.

Define the meaning of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination. Discuss the different types of discrimination. Point out that sexual harassment is destructive both at school and in the workplace. Review the procedures and guidelines that can help prevent sexual harassment.

Chapter 12

Exploring Campus Resources

Review the campus resources and what they offer and how students can benefit from each of these resources. Ask students to think of one campus resource that would be beneficial for them. Then have each student research the resource and discuss in class. All students can benefit from this shared information.

Chapter 13

Making a Commitment to Change Your Habits

Ask students what success habits they have actually incorporated into their daily lives. Have students review the attitudes about changing their habits. Lead the class in a discussion by asking the following questions:
  • Are you positive and motivated?
  • How important are habits?
  • How important is commitment to success?
Chapter 14

Overcoming the Barriers to Portfolio Development

The Career Development Portfolio requires time and effort, as well as the willingness to reflect, write, and assess. Procrastination is a major barrier to developing a portfolio and to career planning. Many students do not think about developing a portfolio, résumé, or cover letter until after graduation. Seeing the benefits of the portfolio and of career planning is one of the best ways to overcome procrastination. Encourage students to start building a network during the freshman year. They can also use a basic résumé and develop a cover letter for summer and part-time jobs. The more experience students have with job-search tools and skills, including interviewing, the easier it will be for them to make career planning a lifelong activity. Urge them to update their portfolios at least once a year. Encourage them to keep their portfolios updated on disk and on the hard drive of their computers and to make a hard copy bound in a folder.








Peak PerformanceOnline Learning Center

Home > Teaching Tips