Sophia College Readiness Milestone 2
1
What does it mean to "be prepared" for class?
•
Have your friend take notes for you while you are on vacation.
•
Read the syllabus or other instructions, complete any as
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Sophia College Readiness Milestone 2
1
What does it mean to "be prepared" for class?
•
Have your friend take notes for you while you are on vacation.
•
Read the syllabus or other instructions, complete any assignments or readings on time, and bring any necessary materials to class with you, if applicable.
•
Get 8-10 hours of sleep, eat a complete breakfast, exercise for 30 minutes or more, and take regular breaks from studying.
•
Stop to get coffee and a bagel for yourself before you attend class, even if it means you will be a few minutes late. Nobody will mind if you sneak in a little later.
RATIONALE
"Being prepared" for class does, in fact, mean reading the syllabus or other instructions, completing any assignments or readings on time, and bringing any necessary materials to class with you. When you do this, you will be ready to learn and participate in class.
CONCEPT
The Higher Education Classroom Experience
2
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. Get started on your paper due in one month
2. Catch up on Netflix
3. Update your lab notebook for next week's biology class
4. Complete reading for history class this afternoon
5. Go grocery shopping for the week
•
1. Catch up on Netflix
2. Update your lab notebook for next week's biology class
3. Get started on your paper due in one month
4. Go grocery shopping for the week
5. Complete reading for history class this afternoon
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
•
1. Update your lab notebook for next week's biology class
2. Get started on your paper due in one month
3. Go grocery shopping for the week
4. Catch up on Netflix
5. Complete reading for history class this afternoon
RATIONALE
This is is the best answer because the most important and urgent tasks come first, followed by tasks that are less urgent but important, and finally, the least important and urgent tasks, which are optional.
CONCEPT
Prioritizing and Planning
3
Which of the following statements is NOT true about distance learning?
•
It requires self-motivation since you will often be working on your own.
•
It typically requires access to a computer and a reliable internet connection.
•
It means you will need to travel to campus to attend class.
•
It requires you to have excellent written communication skills.
RATIONALE
Distance learning means that you will not need to go on campus to attend class. Hybrid courses offer some classes in-person, and other coursework may be online. Online learning offers many advantages to students who would not be able to travel to campus or attend courses during regular school hours.
CONCEPT
Technology in Higher Education
4
You've determined that you are an auditory learner.
Select the method you can use to leverage your learning style, even when the course isn't designed for auditory learners.
•
Allow yourself to move around as you study, and use flashcards.
•
Draw pictures or diagrams of the concepts you are learning about.
•
Create a study group with others so you can listen to what others have to say and discuss the course.
•
Take notes as you read, and then assemble your notes into a written study guide.
RATIONALE
By creating a study group, you are leveraging your auditory learning style because you can talk and hear what others have to say.
CONCEPT
Leveraging Your Learning Style
5
A play by Shakespeare in your literature class calls for analytical reading.
Which strategy can you use to ensure that you are interpreting Shakespeare's words correctly?
•
Read closely, and ask yourself questions about why the author wrote as he did.
•
Take notes in class lectures, and ask your classmates.
•
Get the audio book, and listen to it in the car.
•
Skim over each paragraph quickly to get a general sense of what it's about.
RATIONALE
Reading closely means you read a section of text multiple times to look for themes, figures of speech, or repeated ideas. Once you have uncovered these things, you can ask yourself what you think the author was trying to communicate by writing this way. This is how you read analytically to gain a deeper understanding of what you read.
CONCEPT
Understanding the Meaning of What You Read
6
Which of the following is true about exam preparation?
•
All of the activities you do for the course are a way of preparing you for your exams.
•
You should not need to study or review in preparation for an exam.
•
You should ask your instructor what will be on the exam.
•
If you stay up late in the night to review, it increases your chances of success.
RATIONALE
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.
CONCEPT
Preparing for Exams
7
Which of the following is NOT a best practice for completing your projects in school?
•
Having a plan and executing it
•
Incorporating key concepts from the class
•
Ignoring critical feedback from others
•
Reviewing the project requirements
RATIONALE
Getting feedback on your work can improve your project, so you should not ignore it.
CONCEPT
Completing Projects
8
Select the best practice for note-taking in class.
•
Use a computer or cell phone to record the audio so you don't have to take notes and tire out your hand. That way, all you have to do is playback the audio before your final exam.
•
Listen first, then transcribe every word that your instructor says since it's very important to write down their exact wording. Then add your own connections, comments, and questions.
•
Listen first, decide what is most important, then write down those things. Organize the concepts. Add your own connections, comments, and questions.
•
Ask a friend in the class to take notes for you. That way, you can relax more while you are in class and get some of the work done for your other classes.
RATIONALE
Listening first, deciding what is most important then writing down those things, organizing the concepts, and adding your own connections, comments, and questions are best practices for note-taking. By doing these things, you will be critically engaging with the material as you listen. This is how learning happens during lectures.
CONCEPT
Lectures in the Classroom
9
You are finishing up a final project for a course that is due at the end of the week. You're feeling very overwhelmed, and you're not sure if you'll be able to complete the project in time for the deadline.
What is the best strategy for your success as a student?
•
Find a similar project on the internet. If you do this, you'll finish the project with plenty of time, and your instructor will never know the difference.
•
Email 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.
•
Take a few minutes to consider exactly how many hours it will take you to finish the project. Then think about your other important goals and responsibilities for the week and exactly how long those tasks take. Stick to only those tasks for the week.
•
Email your instructor and ask to take an incomplete grade in the course. If you have another term to finish the project, you will be able to complete it.
RATIONALE
Analyzing how you will spend your time during finals week is the best approach in most cases. During finals week, you will have to very careful about where you spend your time so you can make sure that it is only spent on the things that matter most, like finishing your project and handling your other important personal responsibilities. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish when you work this way!
CONCEPT
Time Management in Higher Education
10
You've been assigned a paper.
What do you need to do before you can write your paper?
•
Write a introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement.
•
Contact the instructor to ask what you are supposed to do.
•
Check the assignment instructions to understand exactly what you are being asked to do.
•
Create an outline for the paper that organizes the concepts in a logical manner.
RATIONALE
Before you begin pre-writing, read the assignment carefully to understand the instructors expectations and requirements.
CONCEPT
Preparing to Write
11
What is the purpose of exams in higher education?
•
To challenge you and your classmates
•
To make sure you study every day of the term
•
To evaluate your progress in the course
•
To keep with higher education traditions
RATIONALE
The purpose of an exam is to evaluate your progress toward achieving the objectives of the course. Exams are a way to measure how much you have learned.
CONCEPT
Exams in Higher Education
12
Which of the following is NOT true about research in higher education?
•
Researching helps you build an informed perspective.
•
You must always cite the sources of your research.
•
The language of academic journals is intended for all audiences.
•
Peer-reviewed publications are valued over others.
RATIONALE
Academic journals are written by experts for experts; therefore, the language used in these peer-reviewed sources is often dense and difficult.
CONCEPT
The Role of Research in Higher Education
13
Which of the following statements is true about the tools you need for your education?
•
You need to buy a new computer.
•
You need to have access to any computer.
•
You need to have access to a computer that works.
•
You need to have access to a new tablet.
RATIONALE
Having a new desktop computer or laptop is helpful, but it's not necessary. You could find a used computer, as long as it works well, or you could use a computer in a campus computer lab until you are able to get your own. Whatever you do, make sure you can access a computer often, that it functions, that you know how to turn it on and use it, and that it is convenient. Your instructors may not be forgiving if you turn in late work because of a basic technology issue.
CONCEPT
Preparing to Use Technology
14
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?
•
Auditory learner
•
Visual learner
•
Reading/writing learner
•
Kinesthetic learner
RATIONALE
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.
CONCEPT
Learning Styles in Higher Education
15
Which of the following is true about participating in class discussions?
•
You need to do your assigned readings and homework on time because if you don't, your classmates won't be able to have the discussion.
•
You need to do your assigned readings and homework on time because if you don't, your instructor will have to remind you again.
•
You need to do your assigned readings and homework on time because if you don't, you won't be able to discuss the concepts competently.
•
You need to do your assigned readings and homework on time because if you don't, you won't be able to attend class.
RATIONALE
Doing your assigned readings and homework on time ensures that you will be able to contribute to insightful classroom discussions. You can usually tell when a student makes a comment and has not done the related studying.
CONCEPT
Discussions in the Classroom
16
Which of the following is NOT a best practice for staying healthy as a student in higher education?
•
Get 7-9 hours of sleep.
•
Drink plenty of water.
•
Eat less than 1200 calories a day.
•
Exercise for 30 minutes a day.
RATIONALE
You should eat a healthy diet, but eating less than 1200 calories is not enough to give you the fuel you need to perform your best. Instead of counting calories, eat healthy foods that give you energy and strength. Beyond eating healthy, you should try to get 7-9 hours of sleep, drink water, and exercise for 30 minutes a day.
CONCEPT
Physical Wellness
17
What is one reason why instructors assign papers in higher education courses?
•
When done correctly, they demonstrate that you have adequate skills with spelling, grammar, and mechanics.
•
When done correctly, papers demonstrate that you understand the subject matter well enough to have something unique to say about it.
•
When done correctly, papers demonstrate that you can use academic resources to research a topic.
•
When done correctly, papers demonstrate that you are able to restate what is written in another text.
RATIONALE
The reason why your instructor assigns papers is to see if you understand the concepts you wrote about, that you can formulate a unique argument or thesis about them, and that you can organize your thoughts in a logical manner. This demonstrates to your instructor that you are thinking critically about the subject matter, and that is an indication that learning has taken place.
CONCEPT
The Role of Writing in Higher Education
18
Your instructor for your web design class has asked you to create a website for your final project.
Why would the instructor do this?
•
To inspire you.
•
To make the course challenging.
•
To give you experience applying the concepts.
•
To help you learn how to collaborate with others.
RATIONALE
Your instructor assigned a website because this is something that a professional web designer would do. They are testing your abilities to perform in the real world.
CONCEPT
Projects in Higher Education
19
The best thing to do if you are struggling with a writing assignment is to find another paper to copy.
Is this statement true or false?
•
True, because copying a paper will help improve your skills.
•
True, because copying a paper is a good way to resolve this.
•
False, because the best thing to do is to seek help from a writing tutor.
•
False, because the best thing to do is to hire someone to do it for you.
RATIONALE
If you are struggling with writing assignments, the best thing to do is to ask for help. Most schools have tutors or even a whole writing center dedicated to helping students improve their writing. By getting help early and often, you will improve your writing skills significantly. This doesn't happen if you decide to cheat by copying another person's paper.
CONCEPT
Support for Students in Higher Education
20
Which of the following can you do to get your paper ready to turn in?
•
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.
•
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.
•
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.
•
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.
RATIONALE
Reading the paper aloud to make sure it sounds right, checking to ensure it meets assignment requirements, and checking to ensure each paragraph supports the thesis are three things you could do to ensure your paper is ready.
In 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.
CONCEPT
Writing and Revising Your First Draft
21
When conducting online research for a project on Jim Henson, you find a biography published in 2013 by Penguin Random House LLC, a well-known publisher. It is written by an author who has written several biographies.
Is this source of information credible, or questionable?
•
Questionable, because it's not from a peer-reviewed journal.
•
Credible, because it's published by a well-known publisher.
•
Questionable, because the author is not a recognized expert.
•
Credible, because it is about your topic.
RATIONALE
Your research will need to expand beyond academic journals from time to time. Books that are published by reputable publishers are vetted by fact-checkers and therefore you can be confident that they are credible sources.
CONCEPT
Evaluating Sources of Information
22
Which of the following is NOT a best practice for active reading?
•
Highlight specific passages that are significant.
•
Make notes of what you are thinking as you read.
•
Make notes of the questions you have as you read.
•
Scanning the text for a few minutes to get the general idea.
RATIONALE
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.
CONCEPT
Active Reading
23
What is a best practice if you are often feeling sad, and you no longer enjoy the things you used to?
•
Ask your instructor via email what they think you should do.
•
Call your friends and ask them what they think you should do.
•
Seek the help of a counselor or other mental health professional.
•
Ignore it. It's normal to feel this way when you are under so much stress.
RATIONALE
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.
CONCEPT
Mental Health
24
Which of the following statements is true about affording your education?
•
Many students do not need to work part-time or full time to afford the cost of their education because it's inexpensive.
•
Many students get paid to take classes at their schools, which helps them afford the cost of living, books, and supplies.
•
Many students take on a part-time job or work full-time and go to school part-time to afford the cost of their education.
•
Many students do not have to work while they are in school because they find that credit cards are an effective and low-cost option to funding their education.
RATIONALE
While this does create less time for studying, many students work a part or full-time job while they are in school as a supplement to financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
CONCEPT
Managing Finances
25
One thing you can do to improve your efficiency with reading assignments is to _________
•
take breaks occasionally to move around or stretch
•
practice speed reading and skimming so you can finish reading faster
•
read 30 minutes prior to the time you normally attend class or post in a discussion forum
•
continue reading without breaks until you are done with the assignment
CONCEPT
The Role of Reading in Higher Education
26
A best practice for researching is to ask a librarian for help if you are unable to find sources.
Is this statement true or false?
•
False, because you are expected to find your own sources.
•
True, because librarians have a lot of free time on their hands.
•
False, because the librarians are only responsible for organizing and cataloging the books and periodicals in the library.
•
True, because librarians are experts at finding the right sources for research.
RATIONALE
Librarians are experts at researching. If you have any doubts about how to use the library catalog or online databases, contact them or consult the library's website.
CONCEPT
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