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A short summary of each chapter, then the key terms that chapter names. Each chapter link opens that chapter in the OpenStax book.
Open the bookChapter 1
These transitional experiences are part of being in college, and this chapter provides you with information about what to expect and how to handle the changes you will go through. Next, the chapter discusses college culture and how to understand the customs and language of higher education.
Chapter 2
The purpose of this chapter is to help make you a motivated learner and empower you to make informed choices about your own learning. Most importantly, you were able to explore how things like motivation, grit, and mindset are the most influential aspects of successful learning Welcome to one of the most empowering chapters in this book!
Chapter 3
After presenting why time management is important, sections of the text covered how time management for college can be different from what students may have experienced before. Following this, the chapter contained several sections on how to effectively manage time (including predicting time on task), how to use technology to your advantage, and how to prioritize tasks. Other topics included goal setting and motivation, some specific strategies for time and task management, and avoiding procrastination
Chapter 4
After a discussion of the relationship between short- and long-term goals and the importance of tracking the progress of our goals, the chapter dove into the specifics of academic plans. Sections on degree types and the special considerations and requirements of certain programs should help you understand the type of opportunities that may be available to you and the types of questions you should… The section on planning your semesters provides you with the types of resources, people, and tools that you should look for when developing your academic plan.
Chapter 5
The expectations in college is that you read considerable amounts of text for each subject. Research supports the idea that reading is good for you. Reading and note-taking are major elements of college studying and learning. You may encounter reading situations, such as professional journal articles and long textbook chapters, that are more difficult to understand than texts you have read previously.
Chapter 6
Studying and taking tests will always be a large part of college, so learning now to do these well can only help you be more successful. Experts provide us with many tools, techniques, and ideas to use when we determine how best to study, use our memories effectively, and prepare to take exams. You can help yourself by taking these guidelines seriously and tracking your progress. If one strategy works better for you in some classes and another is more suited to a different course, keep that in mind when you begin to study.
Chapter 7
Thinking is one of those hard-to-pinpoint aspects of life we typically don’t analyze much—like breathing or walking or sleeping. We constantly think, and becoming more attuned to how we think and what we do when we encounter new ideas is an excellent habit to pursue “If you’re going to do anything as much as you think, you might just as well learn about it and hone this skill.” You may have read quotes or inspirational slogans that claim you are what you think.
Chapter 8
Communication is one of the basic components of how we live our lives. It’s a foundation of society and civilization as a whole. And the better we become at navigating through all of our various communication options, the more fulfilled and productive we will become. You have the capability to communicate with myriad people and groups in faraway places, as well as just next door or the room down the hall.
Chapter 9
Understanding diversity, especially in the context of our country’s history, is an important part of being an engaged citizen who can help us to adapt to a changing world. Diversity goes hand in hand with the concepts of equity and inclusion, which increase the chances of equal opportunity and representation. Sometimes creating inclusive communities upsets the social order with which people are familiar. Change can be difficult, and people are passionate.
Chapter 10
There are a lot of benefits to good financial management. Primarily, it generally allows you to do more of what you want with your life. When you have poor financial habits, too much of your money goes into other people’s pockets. But when you have good financial management habits, you can afford to do more because you have worked hard, separated needs from wants, saved and invested, and avoided credit card and debt pitfalls
Chapter 11
You now understand that a certain level of stress is to be expected. Health is much more than keeping your physical body in good shape. Good health also includes your mental and emotional health, quality relationships, and prioritizing your personal safety The contributors to physical health include eating clean, non-processed food; staying hydrated; moving your body daily; and getting sufficient sleep.
Chapter 12
Throughout your life, you’ve probably heard about getting a “good job” after you graduate. Many people believe that just because they have had a job, they know how to have a career. A profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling
Before the desk
Margins: A study assistant with links to OpenStax resources
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