Student Success
assignments You just found out that a very close member of your family passed away, and you must travel to attend the funeral. You can't finish a paper that is due tomorrow. The syllabus states the instructor does not accept late assignments. What should you do? a) Drop the class. b) Contact the instructor immediately and explain your emergency. c) Hire a person you found on the internet to write the paper for you. d) Ask a relative to help you this once.
b) Contact the instructor immediately and explain your emergency. Honesty should always be the first and best choice. Even when an instructor states that late papers aren't accepted, it is a smart choice to contact the instructor and see if there might be room for negotiation since you are having a family crisis.
diversity Why is "keeping an open mind" valuable in your education? a) Because it keeps you from getting bored during your classes and falling asleep. b) Because it improves your relationship with your instructor so you can get a better grade in the class. c) Because it allows you to tune out the ideas and thoughts of others in favor of your own ideas and thoughts. d) Because it allows you to be accepting of different perspectives so you can learn from others.
d) Because it allows you to be accepting of different perspectives so you can learn from others.
assignments The primary purpose of the projects you do in higher education is to ________. a)help you achieve higher grades on your exams b) help you identify what your major will be c) help you learn new things about yourself d) allow you to practice the concepts you've learned about
d) allow you to practice the concepts you've learned about intended to give you real-world practice. Very often the projects you create can be used as samples of the work you are capable of producing when seeking jobs and internships.
learning style It's more efficient for you to study a book and take notes than it is for you to listen to a lecture about the same topic. This statement best describes which of the following learning styles? a) Kinesthetic learner b) Reading/writing learner c) Auditory learner d) Visual learner
b) Reading/writing learner Reading/writing learners work best with their eyes, but they prefer words to pictures. They retain information from their reading well, they prefer when lectures are accompanied with handouts or key points displayed on a screen, and they study best with the extensive notes they've taken in class.
syllabus
contains all of the most important details you need to be successful in a specific class,
internship When is the best time to start looking for an internship? a) As soon as you feel ready to explore potential careers. b) During the summer of your junior senior year. c) As soon as you have the skills, knowledge, and experience for your career. d) During the spring, autumn, or winter of your junior senior year.
a) As soon as you feel ready to explore potential careers. some schools require you to do it during your junior or senior year, there are benefits to doing your internships earlier. For example, an internship done earlier in your academic career may help you decide what major or minors to declare, or what courses you should take. It also may help you decide which careers and organizations are not a good fit so you can adjust your academic plans accordingly.
time management You just realized that you greatly underestimated the time you needed to complete a project, and now you have just a week to finish up. What is the best strategy for your success as a student? a) Estimate how many hours it will take you to finish the project. Identify your other important goals and responsibilities for the week and exactly how long those tasks take. Write down a plan and execute it. b) Email your instructor and ask to take a zero on the assignment because you don't have time to finish up. c) Contact your instructor and ask for an extension on the assignment. The syllabus says that late work will not be accepted, but they probably will make an exception for you because you have a good relationship with them. d) Ask your friend to help you finish your project for you. If you do this, you'll finish the project with plenty of time, and your instructor will never know the difference.
a) Estimate how many hours it will take you to finish the project. Identify your other important goals and responsibilities for the week and exactly how long those tasks take. Write down a plan and execute it.
assignment What are some best practices for group projects? a) Listen and make sure everyone's perspective is included, make sure everyone understands what they are supposed to contribute, and communicate appropriately. b) Ask the instructor to communicate the expectations to each student in the group and contact them as soon as any conflict arises on your team. c) Manage the project, and if the quality of the work that others complete is not what you expect, take over and do the work yourself. d) Take charge, be assertive and direct in the manner you communicate, and make sure others are completing their portions of the project on time and correctly.
a) Listen and make sure everyone's perspective is included, make sure everyone understands what they are supposed to contribute, and communicate appropriately. Listening to ensure that everyone's opinion is included, ensuring that each member of the group knows their responsibility on the project, and communicating with composure if conflict arises are three ways you can ensure that your group project goes well.
mental health What is a best practice if you are often feeling sad, and you no longer enjoy the things you used to? a) Seek the help of a counselor or other mental health professional. b) call your friends and ask them what they think you should do. c) Ignore it. It's normal to feel this way when you are under so much stress. d) Ask your instructor via email what they think you should do.
a) Seek the help of a counselor or other mental health professional. You may be depressed. The best thing you can do if you are just not feeling like yourself is to seek the help of a counselor or other mental healthcare professional. Many schools have these types of resources available to students for free.
health Select the true statement about staying healthy as a student. a) You need 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. b) You need only 10 minutes of moderate exercise each day to stay fit. c) You need to go to the gym everyday and do a vigorous workout. d)You need to hire a personal trainer and become more athletic.
a) You need 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
discussions Which of the following is true about participating in class discussions? a) You need to keep track of what others have said so you can respond, elaborate, and avoid repeating. b) You can say anything you want, whenever you want because discussions are an opportunity for you to express yourself. c) Your instructor will take notes on what everyone says and they will provide you a copy of these notes after the class. d) You don't need to keep track of what others have said because you will always have your own unique take on the topic.
a) You need to keep track of what others have said so you can respond, elaborate, and avoid repeating. If you take some notes on what others are saying, you are actively listening. This enables you to plan what you say before you say it, you can do any necessary editing to make sure it's on point with the discussion and does not repeat what's already can be said.
career Which of the following is true about planning for your career? a) You should do some research and devise a plan to fill any gaps in your education, skills, knowledge or experience. b) You should start planning your career as soon as you graduate, or as soon as your internship begins. c) You should not be concerned about getting a job after graduation because you are sure to be qualified for the career you want. d) You should already know how to get the experience, knowledge, and skills you need to start your career.
a) You should do some research and devise a plan to fill any gaps in your education, skills, knowledge or experience. Being an excellent student doesn't necessarily mean you will get the career you want. In order to get the career you want, you have to make sure that you meet the basic qualifications for the job. To become qualified, do some research about the education, knowledge, skills, and experience that are required. Then create a plan to obtain those things while you are still in school so that you will have a good career outlook upon graduation.
career What are three most important things to consider before choosing a career path? a) Your skills, your capabilities, and your interests. b) Your peers, your boss, your instructor. c) Your grades, your work history, your travels. d) Your school, your boss, your upbringing.
a) Your skills, your capabilities, and your interests. By identifying what skills you now have, what skills and knowledge you can develop before graduating, and what you find interesting and exciting, you can use this information as a foundation to research careers that will be a good match for you.
learning style You've determined that you are a visual learner. Select the method you can use to leverage your learning style, even when the course isn't designed for visual learners. a) Take notes as you read, and then assemble your notes into a written study guide. b) Draw pictures or diagrams of the concepts you are learning about. c) Allow yourself to move around as you study, and use flashcards. d)Create a study group with others so you can listen to what others have to say and discuss the course.
b) Draw pictures or diagrams of the concepts you are learning about.
class discussions It is always appropriate for you to share your opinion in class discussions. Is this statement true or false? a) False, because your opinion is never welcome in class. b) False, because you need to wait for a time when your viewpoint is being asked for. c) True, because diverse viewpoints help everyone learn. d) True, because you are always free to speak your mind.
b) False, because you need to wait for a time when your viewpoint is being asked for. Ask yourself if it's the right time and place to share your perspective, and if it is, formulate a statement that expresses your viewpoint while being respectful of your classmates and your instructor.
class preparation Which of the following is NOT a best practice to prepare yourself for class? a) Have your materials ready, such as notebooks, pencils, pens, class handouts, or a computer and internet connection in an online course. b) Stay up very late the night before to cram. Then drink plenty of coffee. c) Completing your readings, homework, or other assignments on time. d) Reading the syllabus or other instructions to know what assignments are coming up.
b) Stay up very late the night before to cram. Then drink plenty of coffee.
research Which of the following is NOT true about research in higher education? a) You must always cite the sources of your research. b) The language of academic journals is intended for all audiences. c) Researching helps you build an informed perspective. d) Peer-reviewed publications are valued over others.
b) The language of academic journals is intended for all audiences. Academic journals are written by experts for experts; therefore, the language used in these peer-reviewed sources is often dense and difficult.
affording college Which of the following is NOT a best practice for affording your education? a) Applying for financial aid b) Using credit cards to pay tuition c) Getting scholarships or grants d) Taking on a part-time job
b) Using credit cards to pay tuition you may end up paying much more if you use this method because the interest rates can be high. Also, unlike student loans that you could receive through financial aid, these have to be paid back while you are a student.
classes Which of the following is NOT true about the process of determining what classes are a good fit for you? a) Obtaining an advance copy of the course syllabus may be helpful to your process. b) Doing some basic research on the instructor may be helpful to your process. c) Choosing a course by method of random selection may be helpful to your process. d) Talking to your advisor to understand the requirements for your degree or major may be helpful to your process.
c) Choosing a course by method of random selection may be helpful to your process. Taking a variety of courses during your first years of higher education can be beneficial to identifying your interests and talents, but you should always be deliberate about the courses you enroll in since they are a significant investment of your time and money.
tools for education Which of the following statements is NOT true about computers and the internet in higher education? a) Computers and the internet are everywhere in higher education, and they are here to stay. b) Your computer can help you learn, but it can also become a distraction from learning. c) Classes in an online setting will be easier than the ones you attend in person. d) Virtual class discussions can be just as lively and informative as a traditional
c) Classes in an online setting will be easier than the ones you attend in person.
instructor Select the statement that best defines the role of an instructor in higher education. a) Higher education instructors will remind you to turn in your assignments. b) Higher education instructors are much like your high school teachers. c) Higher education instructors are recognized experts. d) Higher education instructors will always have an assistant.
c) Higher education instructors are recognized experts. they have demonstrated mastery in their field. Many have advanced degrees or may be in the process of completing one.
plagiarism You are writing a paper on Plato. A quick web search reveals other student papers that you could cut and paste into your own paper. This would make it so much easier, and the instructor would never know that this isn't your work. Should you do this? a) Yes, because it's going to make it easier for you. b) No, because this is not a nice thing to do. c) No, because this is plagiarism. d) Yes, because your instructor won't know about it.
c) No, because this is plagiarism. never present the work or ideas of another person as your own because this is plagiarism. Your instructor would easily be able to detect plagiarism, and the consequences would be severe when you get caught.
lectures Which of the following is NOT a best practice for learning in lectures? a) Taking notes on the lecture quietly. b) Thinking about the questions you have. c) Studying your textbook and previous notes. d) Listening, and deciding what's most important.
c) Studying your textbook and previous notes. stay focused on what the instructor is saying. Listening, thinking about what's most important, taking down notes, and coming up with questions are a way to stay actively engaged with what's going on
exams Which of the following is NOT true about the purpose of exams in higher education? a) They are meant to be a measure of your learning progress. b) They are not meant to intimidate you. c) They are meant to be extremely difficult even if you have done well in the course. d) They help you understand where you need to develop your skills and knowledge.
c) They are meant to be extremely difficult even if you have done well in the course. Exams are not meant to be extremely difficult, and they should not be so if you have kept up with notetaking and are performing well in the class. The purpose of an exam is to measure your progress and help you identify areas where you need to continue to develop your knowledge and skills.
reading One thing you can do to improve your efficiency with reading assignments is to _________. a) listen to relaxing music as you read b) go to a cafe or other public place c) find an environment where you can focus d) drink water or caffeinated beverage
c) find an environment where you can focus Understanding what is distracting to you and what conditions enable you to focus are key aspects of reading efficiently.
grades
your GPA is a measure of your abilities and the effort that you put into your courses. Therefore, your grades are mostly yours to own. It's fine to ask questions about your grades, but you should never beg or argue over them.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Is this statement true or false? a) True, because plagiarism is also easy. b) False, because plagiarism is it's own form of academic dishonesty. c) True, because plagiarism is misleading. d)False, because plagiarism is a victimless crime
c) True, because plagiarism is misleading. Plagiarism is a form of cheating because you are misleading others about the source of your ideas
active reading Which of the following is NOT a best practice for active reading? a) Make notes of what you are thinking as you read. b) Highlight specific passages that are significant. c) Make notes of the questions you have as you read. d) Scanning the text for a few minutes to get the general idea.
d) Scanning the text for a few minutes to get the general idea.
assignment Why is seeking feedback on your project a best practice? a) It helps you become more open-minded and easygoing when it comes to working with others. b) It guarantees that you will get a good grade on the project. c) It helps you communicate better with your peers. d) It helps you understand if you are doing the project correctly, and it also helps you improve.
d) It helps you understand if you are doing the project correctly, and it also helps you improve.
course catalog You are reading the course catalog and you see a course called HIST 318 - The Holocaust. What does the prefix HIST indicate? a) How many available seats are left in the course. b) The department of your school that offers the course. c) How advanced the course is. d) The prerequisites required to be successful in the course.
b) The department of your school that offers the course.
research Which of the following is NOT a best practice for gathering and using research? a) Using the library databases to find sources b) asking for help from the librarians c) Using only Wikipedia for research d) Citing all of the sources you use
c) Using only Wikipedia for research use academic and credible, published sources for your research projects.
assignment What is the main reason instructors assign papers? a) Papers are challenging and students in higher education must be challenged. b) Papers are something everyone does in the workplace. c) Papers give you the opportunity to improve your research and writing skills. d) Papers give you the opportunity to think critically about the subject matter of the class and formulate your own viewpoint about it.
d) Papers give you the opportunity to think critically about the subject matter of the class and formulate your own viewpoint about it.
internship Which of the following is NOT something you need to do to prepare for an internship interview? a) Organize samples of any work you have done that is related to the internship. b) Update your resume and cover letter. c) Plan a statement about why you want to work at the organization. d) Plan a statement about your salary and benefits requirements.
d) Plan a statement about your salary and benefits requirements.
grades Which of the following is NOT an effective way to manage your GPA? a) Argue with your instructor over the grades you receive on assignments and exams. b) Enroll in classes that are appropriate for your skill level and experience. c) Take a reasonable number of courses so you have enough time to study. d) Create a goal for what grade you want in a course and execute a plan to achieve that grade.
a) Argue with your instructor over the grades you receive on assignments and exams.
minor What is a best practice if you are interested in a minor, but you're unsure if you'll have the time to take on the additional coursework? a) Talk to your advisor about it. b) Review the course catalog. c) Declare your minor. d) Talk to other students about it.
a) Talk to your advisor about it. Your advisor can help you review the requirements for the minor and provide some suggestions about how to proceed.
assignment Which of the following can you do to get your paper ready to turn in? a) Create an outline for the paper that organizes the concepts in a logical manner, then format the paper by changing the fonts and creating a cover page. b) Look up similar papers online, see if your ideas match up to the ones you found, then modify or cut and paste ideas into your paper as needed. c) Read the paper aloud to make sure it sounds right, check to ensure it meets assignment requirements, check to ensure each paragraph supports the thesis. d) Change the fonts, create a cover page, and ask the instructor to read it and give you feedback on it before you turn in the final version.
c) Read the paper aloud to make sure it sounds right, check to ensure it meets assignment requirements, check to ensure each paragraph supports the thesis. n addition to these, you could also check the grammar, mechanics, and spelling in your paper; check to ensure that all of your citations are included and formatted correctly; and check to ensure that the paper itself is formatted to your instructor's specifications.
active reading
Active reading is the preferred method of reading in higher education because it requires you to think about what you are reading and what it means. Skimming is not preferred because you are only getting a quick glance at the words and you are not considering their meaning in context.
thesis statement
your main argument, or the main idea you wish to communicate about the subject matter. The thesis statement usually appears in the introduction or at the beginning of the paper, and it sets up the rest of the paper in terms of the supporting evidence you provide for the argument in each subsequent paragraph.
time management It's the morning, and you've made a list of things you need to do. In what order should they be prioritized? -Go grocery shopping for the week -Catch up on Netflix -Complete reading for history class this afternoon -Get started on your paper for the midterm in one month -Update your lab notebook for next week's biology class
1. Complete reading for history class this afternoon 2. Go grocery shopping for the week 3. Update your lab notebook for next week's biology class 4. Get started on your paper due in one month 5. Catch up on Netflix
instructor What is a method that you can use to learn about an instructor's goals and temperament? a) Inquire with the chair of the department they work for. b) Consult your classmates for advice. c) Read your textbook for ideas. d) Observe the how and what they communicate.
d) Observe the how and what they communicate. Usually you can get a good feel for how the instructor likes to communicate by reading the syllabus and observing them. If they seem more formal in their communication style, then you should use that style with them to the extent you are comfortable. If they are relaxed in style, it will be ok if you are also somewhat relaxed in the way you communicate with them. When in doubt, err on the side of formality and always treat the instructor with respect.
registration Which of the following is true about the process of course registration? a) You should wait until the term begins to register for classes. b) Your advisor is in charge of registering you for classes. c) Paying your tuition prior to registration is necessary. d) You must understand when and how to register.
d) You must understand when and how to register. Before you enroll in classes, you should understand your school's process for registering. In higher education a "registration window" is common. If your school has this, it means that you can only register during the timeframe designated for you. Most schools send out instructions to you when your registration window is open. To be on the safe side, you may want to contact the registrar's office or your academic advisor so you can get the details in advance.
mental health If you struggle with major anxiety related to exams, the best thing to do is to handle it on your own. Is this statement true or false? a) False, because you should contact disability services. b) True, because you should cope with it as best you can. c) True, because it will get easier over time. d) False, because you should study harder instead.
a) False, because you should contact disability services.
mental health If you struggle with major anxiety related to exams, the best thing to do is to handle it on your own. Is this statement true or false? a) False, because you should contact disability services. b) True, because you should cope with it as best you can. c) True, because it will get easier over time. d)False, because you should study harder instead.
a) False, because you should contact disability services. If basic stress-relieving and time management practices are not enough to alleviate anxiety, disability services at your school may be able to work with you to come up with a solution. Seeking help is always best in these situations where you are struggling the most.
internship Which of the following is NOT true about internships? a) You are guaranteed to be hired by the organization when your internship is complete. b) You will have the opportunity to learn and apply skills in a real-world setting. c) You will learn from professionals in the career your are considering. d)You can try out an organization or career before you make a long-term commitment.
a) You are guaranteed to be hired by the organization when your internship is complete.
grades What does a high GPA represent in higher education? a) A student who performed poorly in their classes for any number of reasons. b) A student who takes their studies seriously and works hard. c) A student who takes a lot of courses each term. d) A student who transferred from another school.
b) A student who takes their studies seriously and works hard. A high GPA is typically awarded to those students who work very hard on their schoolwork. It signifies to employers and graduate schools that the student is dedicated to learning.
exams Which of the following is true about exam preparation? a) You should not need to study or review in preparation for an exam. b) You should ask your instructor what will be on the exam. c) All of the activities you do for the course are a way of preparing you for your exams. d) If you stay up late in the night to review, it increases your chances of success.
c) All of the activities you do for the course are a way of preparing you for your exams. If you are doing well on all of your assignments, you are actively participating in class, and taking and reviewing your notes, you can be fairly confident that the exam will go well for you. However, you should still take the time to review and study for a bit prior to the exam to ensure you are retaining the information you need.
analytical reading Higher education calls for analytical readers. What is one thing you can do to ensure that you are reading analytically? a) Use speed reading techniques. b) Ask your instructor for directions. c) Question the author's intent as you read.
c) Question the author's intent as you read. If you ask yourself questions about what the author is trying to communicate and why, you will uncover things that are not obvious to the literal reader. These are the discoveries your instructor wants you to make through critical analysis of what you read.
tools for education Which of the following statements is true about the tools you need for your education? a) You need to buy a new computer. b) You need to have access to a computer that works. c) You need to have access to a new tablet. d) You need to have access to any computer.
b) You need to have access to a computer that works.
major Which of the following is NOT a purpose of a major? a) To acquire skills and knowledge for your career. b) To provide a second focus for your studies. c) To help you become a specialist. d) To give you a primary focus for your studies.
b) To provide a second focus for your studies.
research You are researching the pros and cons of drinking red wine. You find an article about 10 health benefits of drinking red wine every day. The article is posted on a blog called "The Wine Expert." You can't see the name of the author, but you do see an advertisement for Black Fruit Vineyards. Is this source of information credible, or questionable? a) Credible, because you found it on the internet. b) Questionable, because you can't find the name of the author. c) Credible, because it is written by a wine expert. d) Questionable, because you found it on the internet.
b) Questionable, because you can't find the name of the author. the material is not subject to review or fact-checking that major publishers would require.
citation There is only one way to correctly cite a source in a paper or project. Is this statement true or false? a) False, there are 13 common styles for citation. b) True, there is only one way to cite your sources. c) True, there is only one citation style. d) False, there are 3 common styles for citation.
d) False, there are 3 common styles for citation. There are 3 citation "styles" you may encounter in higher education: MLA, APA, and Chicago.
syllabus Which of the following is NOT true about the purpose of a syllabus? a) It provides you with policies that are specific to the course. b) It contains the objectives of the course so you know what to expect. c) It helps you understand the grading criteria for the course. d) It helps you understand how many credits you need to graduate.
d) It helps you understand how many credits you need to graduate.
thesis statement Why does your paper need a thesis statement before you can write it? a) The thesis statement is the visual statement you are making with the font you choose for your paper, which is consistent throughout. b) The thesis statement is a list of how you will support your main argument so you have an organized plan to work from. c) The thesis statement is all of the evidence or support for the main argument you are making in your paper. d) The thesis statement is the main argument you are making in your paper, which you will support with evidence in each paragraph.
d) The thesis statement is the main argument you are making in your paper, which you will support with evidence in each paragraph.
syllabus A syllabus is a document you need to spend time reading and thinking about when you receive it. Is this statement true or false? a) True, because this is where you find your classmates' contact information. b) False, because your instructor will go over everything you need to know about the course. c) False, because your instructor will go over everything you need to know about the course. d) True, because many of the details you need to be successful in the course are in the syllabus.
d) True, because many of the details you need to be successful in the course are in the syllabus.
major Which of the following is NOT a best practice for selecting a major, if you don't have one in mind? a) Take a variety of courses during your first year of school. b) Identify what you enjoy and what excites you. c) Consider career options and potential for growth. d) Choose courses that are familiar during your first year.
d) Choose courses that are familiar during your first year.
