2015 NJTESOL NJBE SPRING Conference. May 27, Understanding College Culture:

Transcription

1 2015 NJTESOL NJBE SPRING Conference May 27, 2015 Understanding College Culture: Making Wise Choices June Pomann Associate Professor of ESL/ENG Co-coordinator of UCC 101:College Success Union County College Elizabeth, NJ

2 CULTURE OF EDUCATION What is assumed about the transition from high school to college? What is universally done to prevent and/or overcome culture shock?

3 Culture Shock Why do some students experience it more intensely than other students? How do students overcome culture shock?

4 A dozen differences Between High School and College Culture Adapted from: Page 17 On Course Study Skills Plus Second Edition by Skip Downing High School Culture High School Culture-Assumes Immaturity Students attend high school because they are required to by their parents or by law Teachers offer students many remindersto complete assignments. Teachers spend time disciplining students who create disruptions. Students typically spend 30 or more hours in class each week, and teachers cover the majority of course content during class. Teachers and parents manage much of the students time. Teachers are often pressured to teachto the test so that students can pass standardized assessments. Academic standards are not always high, and savvy students often get good grades with little effort. Family and friends provide students with advice or solutions for academic, social, and other problems. Students choice of courses is relatively limited by graduation requirements. Teachers and parents minimize distractions that might otherwise hinder students success. Educational costs are paid for by taxpayers, includingtext books. College Culture College Culture- Assumes Maturity Students usually attend college because of a personal choice. Instructorsgive assignments and expect students to hand them in on time without reminders. Instructorsdo not tolerate disruptive students and may bar them from the class. Students typically spend 15 or fewer hours in class each week, and instructors expect students to learn the majority of course content outside of class. Students manage their own time. Instructors have more academic freedom in what and how they teach. Academic standards are usually high, and all students need to figure out how to meet these challenging standards. Students solve their own problems or seek help at one of many support services provided by the college. Students have greater freedom to choose the course they take and drop those they don t want to complete. Students must deal with distractions on their own, including parties, TV, video games, Internet surfing, dating, sports, Facebook, drinking, road trips, and hanging out. Educational costs, including text books, are paid for by the student, the student s family, &/or by financial aid for which the student applies and, in some cases, must pay back.

5 Identifying college culture Look at the chart of a dozen differences between high school and college. Identify 1-2 statements of college culture that your students don t do or understand

6 Examples of College Culture Circle the College Culture you Plan to Practice Plan for Success Engagement a) Attend all classes h) Participate in class b) Come prepared for all classes i) Interest in subject c) Studyin the ALC j) Work in study groups d) Make up work when absent k) Turnoff cell phone e) Know when assignments are due l) Know when to meet with professors f)control emotions m)have a positive mindset/seek solutions g) Become familiar with college resources n) Become active in clubs

7 Strategies for Success Identify from the list below the specific strategies you want to use with a specific college culture. Put the letter from the list above next to the strategy you want to practice 1. Plan specific times to do assignments 10. Use a daily and monthly planner 2. Study/Review what is being taught 11. Go to the ALC, &/or form a study group 3. Pay attention/take notes 12. Set goals 4. Ask questions 13. Seek solutions 5. Focus on learning 14. another student when absent 6. Know when to ask for help 15. Know where resources are on campus 7. Arrive early for every class 16. Show Self-respect/ respect of others 8. Come prepared with questions when 17. Prepare/Meet with study group regularly meeting with professors. 18. Edit notes from each class 9. Prepare/Meet with a tutor regularly 19. Discover preferred way of learning 20. Learn from failure

8 Choose the college culture you would like to practice. Fill in the chart below with specific examples of the culture, strategies, and which classes you will practice them in for the next 7 days. The College Culture I will practice Strategies of Successful Students Iwill practice in the following class/classes

9 Works Cited Downing, Skip. On Course Study Skills Plus Second Edition. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Downing, Skip. Facilitator s Manual On Course Seventh Edition and On Course Study Skills Plus Second Edition. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2014.

10 Structures and Strategies Structures and Strategies Notes on Workshop How can I adapt this?