INTRODUCTION TO STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
INTRODUCTION TO STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Dear Students,
Welcome to the Strategies for Academic Success course! This
class is available to all cadets (regardless of GPA or academic
standing) who desire to improve or sharpen their academic skills.
It is also available for cadets who are at-risk of falling below
USAFAs high academic standards. Historically, we have a high
success rate and many cadets have greatly improved their GPA by
taking this course. Therefore, consider yourself very fortunate if
you were selected for this class!
This course will provide you with ideas and strategies that can
maximize your study time and better equip you with the tools
necessary to achieve academic success. Once specific skills are
mastered (like note-taking and test-taking skills) you can continue
to use them throughout your college career. Additionally, some
skills you acquire such as time management are life-long skills
that you will be able to use at work, at home, as well as at the
Academy.
One major purpose of this course is to provide you with numerous
interactive activities to stimulate learning. Get involved in these
activities and learn as much as you can from them. Your active
participation can make a big difference for you and for the other
members in your class!
This course is in a state of continual improvement. Therefore,
we welcome your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Mabry
Director, Student Services
NOTE: Please refer all comments and suggestions to the Course
Director:
Mr. Robert F. Giardino
Course Director, Strategies for Academic Success
Email: [email protected] DescriptionThis course
is designed to improve study skills. The main goals of the course
follow:
1. Learn and understand basic academic survival skills.
2. Learn and apply the principles of time management,
procrastination avoidance, goal setting, and other strategies for
academic success.
3. Understand and apply techniques that can improve reading,
note-taking, test-taking skills, and other academic success
strategies.
4. Develop a personal plan on How to excel at the Air Force
Academy
5. Prepare and present an oral and written presentation on My
Plan to Excel at the Air
Force Academy.
6. Learn the role of various support agencies such as Student
Services, the Counseling Center, the Writing Center, Library
Research, etc.
7. Develop a positive rapport with USAFA faculty and other
support personnel.
Instructors
Mr. Robert F. Giardino, Course Director, USAFA Student
Services
Mrs. Pat Gottschalk, Instructor, USAFA Student Services
TextNo textbook is required. All materials will be provided in
class.
Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability
to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be
done, whether you like it or not
Thomas Huxley
Course Summary
Lesson Number / Theme
Day
M/T
1. Introduction / Learning Style
3
2. Time Management
4
3. Time Management
5
4. Goal Setting
6
5. Individual Appointments (meet with your instructor) 7
6. Avoiding Procrastination
8
7. Preparing For GRs
9
8. Test Taking Techniques
10
9. Improving Your Memory
11
10. Note Taking
12
11. Powerpoint
13
12. Oral Communication
14
13. Oral Presentations
15
14. Oral Presentations
16
15. Written Communication
17
You dont climb a mountain to get to the middle.
Why be content with being average?
James Hart
Evaluation
One-Page Essay / Oral Presentation / Final Paper:
One-Page Essay: You are required to write one essay (reference
handout given in class). The theme for this essay is My Plan For
Academic Success At The Academy. It is due when you meet with your
instructor on an individual basis during lessons 5. Although you
will not be graded on grammar, the essay and final paper are
expected to be college level quality work. The main goal is to put
down on paper what you think will work best for you at the
Academy.
Oral Presentation: You are required to give one oral
presentation. You will have to follow the guidelines for lesson 12.
The time limit for each speech is 3-5 minutes. The instructor will
provide feedback to the student. IMPORTANT: No late presentations
will be allowed and zero points will be given for this presentation
if late.Final Paper: The topic for this paper is the main goal of
the course. The topic is My Plan For Continued Academic Success at
the Academy. This paper will be a typewritten paper, 3 pages long,
double-spaced, using MLA format. A guide for writing this paper
will be discussed in class. The paper should include the
following:
1. 3 topics discussed in class, for example time management,
goal setting, how you avoid procrastinating, preparing for GRs,
note taking techniques, etc.
2. Use PowerPoint as a visual organizer for your
presentation.
IMPORTANT: No late papers will be accepted and zero points will
be given
for this paper if lateTHE POINT SYSTEMClass Participation
=25 points
One-Page Essay
=25 points
Oral Presentation
=25 points
Final Paper
=25 points
These are the levels of achievement:
90-100 points = Excellent
80-90 points = Very Good
75-80 points = Good
70-75 points = Fair
Below 70 points = Unacceptable
Credits/Grades
This course is worth .5 semester hours of credit. The final
grades are Pass/Fail.
If a man empties his purse into his head,
No one can take it away from him.
An investment of knowledge always pays the best interest
Benjamin Franklin
LESSON 1
Introduction / Learning Styles
Objectives:
1. Understand course objectives, requirements, and class
procedures
2. Complete the Learning Styles Survey
3. Understand the Learning Styles Survey Profile results
Classroom Activities:
1. Discuss course objectives, requirements, class procedures,
etc
2. Complete the Learning Styles Survey.
3. Score your profile.
4. Talk about Learning Strategies for your style of
learning.
Homework:
1. None for the first day of class
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed
Is more important than
Any other thing
Abraham Lincoln
LESSON 2
Time Management
Objectives:
1. Fill out the Weekly Activity Planner
2. Understand the concept of Deans Time
3. Learn to use the Cadet Planner
Classroom Activities:
1. Understand the mechanics of the Weekly Activity Planner (the
Green Sheets)
2. Learn what Deans Time is, and how to use it effectively
3. Use the Cadet Planner (both the Monthly and the Daily
calendars)
Homework:
1. Bring in your Cadet Planner. This is very IMPORTANT.
2. Bring in your syllabi for ALL your courses.
3. If not completed in class, read about the best learning
strategies for visual, auditory
or kinesthetic learners.
It has been my observation
that most people get ahead
during the time that others waste
Henry Ford
LESSON 3
Time Management
Objectives:
1. Develop a realistic time management plan
2. Review some tested time-saving/time management tips
3. Learn to use Microsoft Outlook as a time management tool
Classroom Activities:
1. Continue to talk about how to use the Cadet Planner.
2. Read the time-saving/time management tips.
3. Learn to use the calendar and note features in Outlook
Homework:
1. Plan out your ACQ in writing. Use your Cadet Planner. Your
Cadet Planner will be checked next class. This is a standing
assignment for the rest of the semester/year/cadet career!
2. Add your GRs and any other tests/projects/papers/etc. to
Microsoft Outlook. Be prepared to talk about how easy/hard Outlook
is to use.
It is not half as important
To burn the midnight oil
As it is
To be awake in the daytime.
E.W. Elmore
LESSON 4
Goal Setting
Objectives:
1. Understand the importance of long, medium and short range
goals.
2. List realistic goals that can be accomplished at the
Academy.
3. Identify specific goals and set specific dates for achieving
those goals.
Classroom Activities:
1. Continue to talk about the importance of using the Cadet
Planner.
2. Define long, medium, and short-range goals.
a. What are some other characteristics of goals?
3. Complete two goal setting exercises:
a. Handout 1
b. Handout 2
4. Talk about goals in other areas of your lives: financial,
sports, family, etc.
Homework:
1. In your Cadet Planners, set a goal for each course in writing
using the Cadet Record in the back of your planner. Be
realistic!
Whats important is that
One strives to achieve a goal
Ronald Reagan
Without a distant goal, or a dream,
How can we believe we can do better?
Cadet Allison, Class of 2001
LESSON 5
Individual Appointments
NOTE 1: These are individual one-on-one sessions in your
instructors office. It will be scheduled in advance, and will last
about 25 minutes for each person.
NOTE 2: During the time when other cadets are attending these
sessions, remember to effectively use your Deans Time by attending
EI, studying in the library or in the classroom.
Objectives:
1. Review and assess a time management plan for each cadet.
2. Discuss individually with each cadet future plans to excel in
academics at USAFA.
3. Provide each cadet with a basic draft for Strategies for
Academic Success
Activities:
1. This is a special time where the instructor has a chance to
meet with each cadet on an individual basis. Advice will be given
based upon the needs of each individual.
2. Turn in your one-page essay My Plan to Excel at the
Academy.
Homework:1. Finish your one-page essay. See handout: How To
Write an Effective Essay #1 and follow the instructions.
2. Bring your Cadet Planner to your appointment.
If you dont allow yourself to be coached,
It will be more difficult to succeed!
Cadet Martin, Class of 2001LESSON 6
Avoiding Procrastination
Objectives:
1. Understand what is procrastination
2. Understand ways to recognize procrastination
3. List possible solutions on how to beat procrastination
Classroom Activities:
1. Define procrastination
2. Procrastination avoidance: How to beat procrastination.
3. Video presentation on procrastination.
Homework:1. Continue to use your Cadet Planner.
2. Write out your plan for ACQ, tonight and every night!
Stress Relief TipDevelop a Do It Now attitude.LESSON 7
Preparing for Graded Reviews (GRs)
Objectives:
1. Learn methods to study for GRs (and final exams)
2. Learn how to be better prepared for GRs
Classroom Activities:
1. Review tips.
2. GR Review checklist. Prioritize the Practical items.
3. Develop a what works for me checklist on how to prepare for
GRs.
Homework:
1. Look to see when your next GR is, and then run through the GR
preparation
checklist that you prepared in class.
2. Make this checklist a habit in the future.
The will to succeed is important, but whats even more
important
is the will to prepare
Bobby Knight
LESSON 8
Test-Taking Techniques
Objectives:
1. Learn test-taking techniques for objective and essay
tests.
2. Complete A Short Course in Test Taking
3. Discuss ways to combat test anxiety
Classroom activities:
1. Discuss test-taking techniques for objective and essay
tests.
Develop an understanding of the different kinds of objective and
essay tests.
2. Complete the exercise A Short Course in Test Taking.
3. Read and discuss the section on Test Anxiety.
4. Read the Pre-test and Test Stress Management checklists.
Homework:
1. Lessons 10, 20 and 30 seem to be natural times in the
semester for Graded Reviews. Try
to apply the techniques learned in class on your next GR.
The most important thing about testing is preparation.
Dont just study hard before a teststudy hard for each lesson
Cadet Raridon, Class of 2000
LESSON 9
Improving Your Memory
Objectives:
1. Learn and discuss various types of memory techniques
2. Learn in detail about mnemonics (memory techniques)
3. Learn the principles of concept mapping
Classroom Activities:
1. Learn the differences between long-term and short-term
memory
2. Learn about mnemonics.
Practice some mnemonics techniques in class
3. Learn about Concept Maps.
4. Practice concept maps using the Inspiration software
Homework:
1. Practice the memory techniques learned in class with your
different courses.
Stress Relief TipLearn what memory techniques work best for you.
This will help you retain information and feel more confident and
less stressed during tests.
LESSON 10
Note Taking
Objectives:
1. Learn the importance of taking accurate notes and keeping a
written record
2. Learn the Cornell Method of taking notes
3. Practice the Cornell Method with a short lesson presented in
class
Classroom Activities:
1. Read the introduction A Word About Note Taking.
What is the primary goal of note taking?
2. Read and discuss Guidelines For Note Taking.
3. Learn the Cornell Method of taking notes.
4. Practice the Cornell Method in class
5. Take out your notes from your other classes. Show them to a
classmate.
Let your classmate provide a constructive critique about your
notes.
Homework:
1. Bring in your notes from at least one of your other
courses
Stress Relief Tip:If you have any concerns about academics or
your future at the Academy, the time to discuss any concern is
NOW!
Contact Student Services and they will provide you with sound
advice or will direct you to someone who canLESSON 11
PowerPoint for Success
Objectives:1. Learn how to create basic PowerPoint
Presentations
2. Learn how to import graphics into a PowerPoint
presentation
3. Learn how to import audio and video files into a PowerPoint
presentation.
Classroom Activities
1. Meet in the computer lab as directed by your instructor
2. Complete the exercises as demonstrated in class.
3. Create a PowerPoint presentation of your own by the end of
class
Homework:
1. If you are already familiar with PowerPoint, brush up on some
of the cool
features of PowerPoint and be ready to instruct the class
I havent failed. I have discovered
twelve hundred materials that dont work
Thomas Edison
LESSON 12
Oral Communication
Objectives:
1. Understand the mechanics of planning and practicing a
successful speech
2. Understand the mechanics of delivering a successful
speech
Classroom Activities:
1. Discuss the mechanics of Planning and Practicing a
speech.
2. Discuss the mechanics of Delivering a speech.
3. One-Minute Speeches: each cadet will stand up in front of the
class and talk for
one minute about a subject as given by the instructor
Homework:
1. Think about giving a one-minute speech on topics such as:
movies, video games,
my favorite football/basketball/baseball/hockey player, sports
cars, my car in high school, etc.
Learning is like playing a sport,
You must make sacrifices in order to succeed
Cadet Louthan, Class of 2001
LESSONS 13 and 14
Oral Presentations
Objective:
1. Present an oral presentation on My Plan for Continued
Academic Success At
The Academy
Classroom Activities:
1. Present your briefing on My Plan For Continued Academic
Success to the
class. The time limit for the speech is 3-5 minutes
2. Every briefing will use a visual organizer (PowerPoint), and
include 3 main points.
3. In your briefing you can talk about some or all of the
following: time
management, goal setting, preparing for GRs, test taking/note
taking techniques,
memory techniques, avoiding procrastination, etc. Talk about
what has worked
for you this semester
NOTE: The instructor will provide feedback that is part of the
students final
grade (25 points)
Homework:
1. Prepare your PowerPoint presentation and your 3-5 minute oral
presentation
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence
Calvin Coolidge
LESSON 15
Written Communication
Objectives:
1. Understand techniques and rules for effective writing
2. Apply some of the rules for effective writing
3. Provide examples of writing effective papers from
outlines
Classroom Activities:
1. Read and discuss How To Improve The Way You Write
2. Work through The Process Of Writing.
3. Do handouts as provided in class.
Homework:
1. Work on your final paper (due as directed by your
instructor). Remember to
incorporate the concepts we spoke about in class
IMPORTANT: Zero points will be awarded for late papers.
Jargon allows us to camouflage intellectual poverty with verbal
extravagance
David PrattPAGE 2