Academic Strategies Course Readings (ENGL 1003)

 

Academic Strategies students will find reading Barry Zimmerman’s article on self-regulated learning both insightful and helpful.  The article forms the basis of learning that will be developed in this course.

 

Article Overview:

"Self-Regulated Learning" by Barry Zimmerman from Teaching Study Stategies In Development Education: Readings on Research and Best Practice.  New York: Bedford, 2012.

 

In Barry Zimmerman's article "Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner," the author outlines learning processes that occur in students in three distinct phases: forethought phase, performance phases, and self-reflection phase. 

The forethought phase begins with task analysis.  Students set goals and plan strategies for overcoming barriers in this phase. Self-motivation is a factor in this phase, and most students who develop intrinsic motivation (internal) versus external motivation experience an increased value for learning.

In the performance phase, students practice self-control and self-observation.  Self-control involves applying discipline to learning as well as mastering attention and focus for longer periods of time. Using imagery to see oneself as succeeding is helpful to student success.  Using self-instruction by studying feedback from instructors and applying it to new assignments is called self-instruction--a critical component of this phase. Self-observation and recording also occur during the performance phase as students analyze their strengths and weaknesses and develop new strategies to adapt.

The final phase is the self-reflection phase in which students self-judge and evaluate.  A positive self-evaluation reveals that the tasks performed in school are skills that can be learned, and the student performing positive self-reflection knows this point.  The poor self-reflection occurs when students believe they are incapable of performing a task such as math, allowing for no improvement in future assignments.  The positive self-reflection allows for and encourages adaptation of skills; the poor reflection triggers defensive behavior and low self-esteem.

Academic Advisement (Advisors): Following your acceptance to the college, you will find the Advisement Center the place for help as you register for your first classes.  The Advisement staff in the center will review the academic requirements of the program you have selected and assist you as you plan your college schedule.

Academic Counseling:  Academic counseling services are available at most colleges and universities.  Counselors and Advisors assist students with academic concerns such as career planning, class scheduling, graduation requirements and supportive services to assist students with special needs. 

Academic Probation and Academic Suspension: All colleges require that you maintain a minimum grade point average – usually a 2.00 (C average) on a 4.00 scale.  If, at the end of a semester, you are below the minimum you will probably be placed on Academic Probation.  You may be limited in the number of hours you are allowed to take the next semester so you can build your GPA to the required minimum.  Should you not make the required 2.00 the next semester, you may be placed on Academic Suspension for a semester.  Re-admission is not automatically granted.  The Enrollment Services office or Advisement Center staff will explain the re-admissions procedure.

Advanced Standing Credit: Hours of credit that may be granted toward your degree plan without enrolling in those classes are called Advanced Standing Credit.  Such credit may be obtained through 1) examinations, 2) courses from another institution of higher education, 3) Military service or 4) life experiences.  Contact the Student Development office for more information.

Alumni:  These are graduates of the institution.  The institution is their alma mater.  Alumni support their alma mater by providing information to prospective students and current students and by making financial contributions to the institution.  TCC’s alumni association is called the TCC Alumni and Friends Association.

American College Test (ACT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Colleges and universities may require the results of either of these tests before granting admission.  The preferred test for Oklahoma State institutions is the ACT.  These tests measure a student’s level of knowledge in basic areas of study such as English, mathematics, science and social studies.  TCC also has its own admission test called Compass.  Students may elect to take Compass instead of the ACT or SAT.

Analyze: to study or determine the nature and relationship of things.

Application/Acceptance/Admission: The process by which a prospective student submits the required forms and credentials to the institution and awaits its decision is called application.  If the decision is positive, the student has been accepted and has an Admission status, having met all the requirements for entrance to the institution.

Associate Degree (Associate of Arts), (Associate of Science) or (Associate of Applied Science): This degree is granted upon completion of a prescribed educational program of at least 60 credit hours at a two-year institution.  If you are attending full-time, this takes approximately two years or four semesters.

Attendance:  Policies governing attendance in class are varied and depend upon the institution and/or the professor or instructor.  The course syllabus or college catalog will provide this information.

Bachelor Degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science): These degrees are the basic undergraduate degrees offered by four-year colleges and universities, depending upon the required program of study.  An Arts Degree requires that a portion of the study be devoted to the arts such as languages, literature, music, etc., while a Science Degree requires more mathematics and science curriculum. 

Blackboard: Each course is designated a site that instructors can use to communicate with their student regarding their courses. Students can find their course syllabus, assignments, grades, announcements and other information on their course blackboard site.  Access to Blackboard is located on TCC’s home page.   

Bookstore: The Campus Store stocks all the textbooks and a material required for courses and usually organizes them by course number.  Always take your class schedule to buy your textbooks for the semester and purchase your textbooks at the campus your class is located.  The Campus Store is located on the first floor of the Student Union.

Bursar’s Office : The Bursar’s Office is responsible for all financial transactions that concern a student’s tuition and fees.  A currently enrolled student may also cash checks here, usually with his or her student I.D.  There may be a limit to the amount that may be cashed.

College Catalog:  The college or university catalog answers most questions about the institution you plan to attend.  Information about policies regarding academic requirements, tuition and fees, special programs, extra curricular activities, majors and course descriptions are in the catalog.  Many times the administration and faculty will also be listed here along with their academic discipline.

College:  An institution of higher education that grants certificates and degrees may be referred to as a college.  The term is also used to designate a university’s organizational units such as “the college of engineering."

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):   A national examination that students may take to receive college credit for selected courses, usually in the general education core.  Contact the Testing Center for information.

Compare:  To look for qualities or characteristics which resemble each other (similarities).

Contrast: To stress the dissimilarities, differences, or unlikeness of things, qualities, events or problems.

Criticize/Critique: To find fault with and to review.

Credit Hour: Each course taken in college is worth at least one credit hour.  Students earn hours by enrolling in the course and successfully completing the requirements.  You can determine the number of hours of credit awarded by looking at the last digit of the course number; for example, English 1113 is a three hour class and you will attend class three hours per week during that semester.  The first number or 1 in 1113 indicates a freshman level course.

Curriculum: The prescribed classes or course work needed to complete a program of study leading to a degree or certificate is often referred to as the curriculum.

Define: To give concise, clear, and authoritative meanings.

Degrees: The degree is the reward the student attains at the completion of his or her program of study.  There are three basic classifications of degrees: 1) Associate, which is obtained at a two-year college, 2) Baccalaureate, which is a four year degree offered by colleges and universities, and 3) Graduate, which follows the baccalaureate degree.  The two types of graduate degrees are the master’s and the doctorate. 

Department or Division: This is the basic organizational unit in a college or university responsible for functions within a field of study, such as the Communications Division.  The term Division may also be applied to year level, such as lower division classes are freshman and sophomore courses and upper division classes are junior and senior level courses.

Describe: To recount, characterize, sketch or relate in sequence or story form.

Discuss: To talk about, examine, analyze and give reasons pro and con.

Distance Learning: This term is used to describe courses which do not require on-campus attendance.  The most common format used is online delivery of course content.  Other options include telecourses delivered over cable TV and interactive television classes.  Distance Learning courses may require proctored exams or on-campus testing.  Online courses require internet access.

Drop and Add: After classes begin for the semester, there is a time that students may adjust their schedules by either dropping (deleting) a class and /or adding another course.  It is important to check the deadlines for this adjustment. 

Enrollment/Registration/Pre-registration: Enrollment is the act of registering.  Registration is the procedure by which students are assigned to classes.   Pre-registration is the process where students can select their next semester classes in advance of the next term.

Evaluate: To determine the significance, worth, or condition usually by careful appraisal and study.

Explain: To make plain or understandable.

Extra-curricular Activities: These are the activities, often available through the college or university, in which students participate outside their class-work.  There are a variety of activities to select.  Contact the Student Activities office for opportunities.

Faculty/Instructor: Term used to refer to all persons who instructor courses in college. 

Fees:  Additional charges for courses and activities are college fees.  They are listed separately from tuition and cover costs of materials, equipment or programming costs.

Final Exams/Finals: These examinations are usually administered during the last week of the term on a scheduled basis.  The time allotted for finals is usually longer than the normal class time, as finals are usually comprehensive in nature.

Financial Aid: Financial assistance that is granted a student to supplement the student’s efforts to pay for college expenses are referred to as financial aid “packages”.  The type of aid available depends on financial need, available funds, student classification and academic performance.  Grants are available through state and federal programs on the basis of need, while scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement and need.  Contact the Financial Aid Office for information as soon as you are accepted to the college. 

Full-time/Part-time Students: A full-time student is enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours, while a part-time student carries 11 hours or less a semester. 

Grades/Grade Point Average/GPA: Most colleges and universities use a combination of letter grades and grade point averages as factors on the grade report.  On the most commonly used scale an “A”: equals 4 points; a “B” equals 3 points; ”C” equals 2 points and a “D” equals 1 point.  An “F” in a class does not receive a point and no credit is given.  If you receive an “A” in a 3 hour class, your points for that course are 12 (4x3=12). 

To compute a Grade Point Average, the total points awarded are added and the sum divided by the hours attempted. Example of GPA:

Grade                  Credit Hours               Grade Points

 A                         3                                    4x3=12

 C                         2                                    2X2=4

 B                         3                                    3X3=9

 D                         3                                    1X3=3

 C                         3                                    2X3=6

                             14 hours                       Total=34      

34 grade points /14 hours =  2.43 GPA

Health Services: Almost all institutions provide some form of health services for students and college personnel.  The Student Health Services office is staffed by a Registered Nurse.

Honor Roll: A student may attain the honor roll by achieving a certain level of grade point, usually a 3.0 to 3.9 is placed on the Dean’s Honor Roll, and while a 4.0 (An average) earns the student a place on the President’s Honor Roll.

Interpret: To explain or tell the meaning of something; translate, give examples, solve or comment on a subject.

Justify: To prove or give reasons for decisions or conclusions, taking pains to be convincing; to show or have sufficient legal reasons.

Lecture/Laboratory Classes: The most usual types of classes are lecture and laboratory and a combination of the two.  Lecture classes require no laboratory work.  Students attend class and the instructor lectures or holds class discussion on the material.  “Lab” classes require students to perform certain functions in controlled situations that help them test and understand what they are being taught.  Usually, a lab class also includes a lecture portion. 

Learning Resources Center (LRC)/Library: The LRC is the place to know and go!  It offers a quiet place to study as well as computers, books, magazines, reference materials, headphones, and librarians who answer research questions.

Loans: Loans are available through state and federals programs and are based on the student’s financial need.  These loans are offered at very low interest rates and students are not required to begin repaying the loan until after graduation.  Short-term, small amount loans may also be available.  Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Major: A major is the student’s chosen field of study, for example: accounting, English or computer programming.

Meals/Food Service: Food services are found on the campus in the form of snack shops, vending machines and cafeteria operations.  These services are usually located in the Student Union.

My Account: The place on MyTCC home page where students can drop/add classes; make credit card payments, update personal information (address, phone numbers), obtain financial aid information view their class schedules, transcripts and account information. 

MyTCC (E-mail and More):  Each student is designated a TCC e-mail address.  This is the tool TCC and instructors use to communicate important college or course information to students    information.  Access to the MyTCC e-mail portal is located on TCC’s home page.  Students need to check their MyTCC e-mail account every day. 

Mid-Term Exam:  Exams given during the middle of a semester.

Narrate: To tell (as a story) in detail.

Outline: Representing key ideas by Roman numerals, or other ideas connected to key ideas are represented by uppercase letters, numbers and lowercase letters.  Good writing strategy when taking notes, outlining a chapter, or developing an essay.  

Part-time Job/Work Study: The institution may offer programs for students to be employed on campus as part of their financial aid “package”.  Contact the Financial Aid Office or Student Employment for more information and the opportunities available.

Pass/Fail Courses:  Some institution allows students to take courses in which they do not receive a letter grade, but do earn credit hours.  If the student passes the course, it is not figured into the grade point average. 

Pre-Requisite: A course that is required to take before taking another course.  An asterisk (*) by the course number designates a course as a pre-requisite in the college catalog.  The pre-requisite course is listed with the course that needs to be taken next in sequence. 

Prove: To establish that something is true by citing factual evidence or by giving clear, logical reasons.

Provost: A high-ranking university administrative officer.  TCC has a Provost for each campus.

Registrar:  The Registrar is responsible for class enrollments, scheduling classes, student’s grades, and transfer of credit and verification of curriculum completion.  TCC uses the term Director of Enrollment Services.

Review: To examine a subject critically, analyzing and commenting on the important statements to be made about it; to examine or study again.
Schedule of Classes: Institutions publish and distribute a schedule of classes before each semester.  The discipline, course number, instructor name, hours designate the courses, days of week and location.  Example:

English: ENGL1113 Smith 8:00 to 8:50 MWF   MCAC405

At TCC each course has a five-digit number that precedes discipline and number called a CRN (Course Reference Number).  This is the number used to identify each course and is used to enroll.  Each course also has a designated three-digit section number.

Student Center/Student Union: Student Unions are located on college and university campuses and provide many services and are the locale of many activities.  Some of these services are the bookstore, cafeteria, meeting rooms, study rooms, and recreation areas.

Student Identification Card (ID): When students enter a college or university they are required to have an identification card similar to a driver’s license which usually includes the following information: a photo, a college identification number and the college name.  This card is required for such activities as cashing checks, attending college functions, obtaining college services and checking out LRC materials.

Student Employment: Most institutions assist students in finding work following their educational preparation.  The office arranges for companies to come to the campus and conduct interviews with currently enrolled students, as well as sending qualified students for job applications.  In many institutions, this office also will help students find part-time work while they are in school. 

Summarize: To cover the main points.

Trace: In narrative form, describe progress, development or historical events from some point of origin; to follow or study in detail or step by step.

Transcript: A student’s transcript is the permanent academic record at the institution.  It shows the courses taken, the grades received status as a student (good standing, academic probation, suspension), and any honors awarded and degrees conferred.  Transcripts are very important for support of job applications and for transferring to other institutions.  The college will usually not release a transcript if the student owes tuition, fees, library fines or other college charges.

Transfer of Credits: Some students attend more than one institution during their educational career.  When students move or transfer, they also move their accumulated credit hours.  The institution into which they transfer determines which courses will apply toward the institution’s graduation requirements.

Tuition: The cost of each credit hour of enrollment is tuition.  This does not include fees, cost of books or materials.  Tuition costs usually depend on the type of institution, the residency status of the student and the number of credit hours in which the student enrolls. Tulsa Community College offers students a variety of payment options.  Ask the Bursar for more detailed information.

Tulsa CC Card: TCC has partnered with Higher One to provide all credit students with a debit card.  This card will be used to provide refunds and some financial aid payments to students.  Each student will receive a card through the mail after his/her initial enrollment in credit classes.

Tutor: Students who have difficulty with some classes may need additional instruction to better understand the material.  In addition to assistance from the instructor, the student may want a tutor.  TCC has labs that provide free tutoring or have free tutoring resources.  These labs are the Reading, Writing, and Math Labs, and International Language Center. 

Undergraduate:  A student pursuing a course of study leading to a degree or certificate is termed an undergraduate until that goal is achieved.

Withdrawal:  A student is permitted to withdraw from all courses during the semester; however, specific procedures must be followed.  A refund of the tuition is only available during the refund period.  The transcript will reflect the fact that the student withdrew from the course(s).  When withdrawing from a class, students must begin the process in the Advisement Center to complete the paperwork required to withdraw from a class.  Students must also discuss withdrawing from a course before completing the process.  Use caution when withdrawing from courses because it can have a negative effect on a student’s financial aid.  Always check with the Financial Aid office “before” withdrawing from a course.  Each semester there is a deadline listed in the TCC calendar to withdraw from a class.

Rev. 9/20-2014

/yw

FAQ

What is the new MyTCC Portal?

The new MyTCC Portal is a one-stop online resource for access to TCC systems (Blackboard, TCC Office 365 E-mail, and student information previously accessed in TED). The portal also provides important information for student services, campus life, and information and access to systems for TCC employees.

TCC Employees will use the MyTCC Portal to access operational systems (Banner, SciQuest, PeopleAdmin, Cognos, etc).

How will I get to the new MyTCC?

The new MyTCC portal url will be https://mytcc.tulsacc.edu There will also be a MyTCC link at the top of the TCC website. It's important to note that links to TED, Blackboard, and TCC E-mail will be removed from the TCC website, as all users will access these systems through the new MyTCC Portal. 

What will the username be for the new MyTCC?

The username will be your TCC ID (T12345678). This is the same ID you currently use to access TED. If you do not know your TCC ID, please visit an enrollment services office to obtain it. It is recommended that you login to TED before February 26th to verify your username and password are correct. 

What will the password be for the new MyTCC?

For TCC Students the password will be the password you use to access TED. (Note: This is also the same password you currently use in Blackboard)

For TCC Employees the password will be the password you use to access Office365/TCCNET. 

What will the user experience be like the first time I login to the new MyTCC?

When you login to the new MyTCC for the first time, you will need to sign up for the MyTCC Password Manager. The MyTCC Password Manager tool allows you to manage and reset your password on your own. You will be required to enter security questions and answers and you will have the option of including your mobile phone number to receive a verification code in a  text message in the event you need to reset your password. 

How will I get to Blackboard?

You will access Blackboard through the MyTCC Portal. Once you login to the MyTCC Portal, you will click on the Blackboard quicklink. Blackboard will open in another browser window.  

How will I get to TCC/Office 365 E-mail?

You will access the Web version of TCC/Office 365 e-mail through the MyTCC Portal. Once you login to the MyTCC Portal, you will click on the E-mail quicklink.

When a new school year begins, students expect things to go well.  The problem is that life rarely occurs as we plan it.  Instead, emergencies slam into our lives at the most inconvenient times.  Over the semesters, students have compiled this list of emergencies that become overwhelming barriers to their success and peace of mind:  illness or car accidents, unreliable transportation, and family or personal problems are the most common.  Job conflicts are another common problem.  Students who are working in excess of twenty hours a week struggle with maintaining a full school schedule and often fall behind in attendance and assignment completions, causing their GPAs to drop dramatically.  Often students agree to a part-time job of 15 – 25 hours per week but are coaxed into working 20 - 30 hours per week. Even daycare can become a weekly problem for a single parent.

Losing textbooks and notes in the middle of the semester can be devastating to a good student. There are some emergencies that shouldn’t be emergencies at all.  If a student knows she is going to be out of town for her sister’s wedding during the fourteenth week of the semester, the work should be completed before the weekend trip, not after it. Preparing for emergencies means planning for them, and there is a good reason why we should plan in advance.

When crisis strikes in our lives, we suffer from physiological symptoms that interfere with good decision-making.  Our heart-rate increases and our breathing becomes short and shallow, meaning less oxygen is getting to our brains.  We can’t think clearly.  Our bodies are thrown into the flight or fight mode through stress or fear that pumps adrenaline into our systems so we don’t make decisions based on clear and logical facts but on panic-driven instincts.  For instance, let’s say a student learns her older brother has been in a car wreck right before she walks in to her math class to take a midterm exam.  Without processing the facts, she rushes to the hospital and misses the exam.  She finds out that her brother is fine but may have a broken arm.  Her parents had already arrived at the hospital, so she is of little value while she waits in the waiting room for x-rays and a diagnosis from a physician.  Instead of rushing to the hospital, the sister could have talked to her parents and found out the facts, taken her exam, and gone to the hospital right after her class.  She would have seen her brother at the same time either way, but the latter solution would have allowed her to maintain her good standing in her math class. 

Take time to work in a group or by yourself on the worksheet for a Crisis Plan. Spend time thinking of the best solutions, not just the easiest or the most obvious solution. Analyzing good strategies takes time and planning.  Having an action plan in place before a crisis arises makes for less stress and better outcome.