5. Themes and reports

Reducing writing anxiety:

• Get a calendar or an academic planner

• Be sure to know exactly what your instructor expects

Library tips

• Don’t wait until your first research paper to scope out the campus library.

1. Many libraries offer tours far freshmen.

2. Find out what resources the library has & what deficiencies or limitations the library has as well.

3. Use the Reader’ Guide to Periodical literature for magazine articles.

4. Talk to other students, especially those browsing shelves or studying in the same area as you are.

6.Reading skills

Skimming & scanning

• When to use

1.To quickly determine main idea

2.To locate fast quickly

3.to answer chapter questions

• How to use

1.Fix intent for reading clearly in your mind

2.Scan table of contests chapter headings & subheadings

3.Quickly move eyes over reading mental-focusing upon page headings & subheadings, discarding information that is obviously not related to reading intent.

4.Skimming reading rates should be twice as fast as average reading speed.

5.Selectively omit portions of reading material.

6.Read carefully the last paragraph for summary information.

7.Carefully review tables, charts & any side boxes.

The SQ3R+Reading method

• SURVEY

1.Preview the assignment to be studied by scanning the text quickly to discover the author’s central concept.

2.From your preview formulate an overall picture 7 the purpose of what you’re going to study.

• QUESTION: write questions what you need to learn in terms of : what, how, why to support the central concept.

• READ: read specifically to answer the questions.

• RECALL: pause periodically to recall in your own words a summary of what you have read.

• REVIEW: reread difficult parts, work a few more problems.

7.Monney matters

Dorms – do’s & don’ts

• CLEARN UP AFTER YOURSELF.

• MANY SCHOOLS OFFER “SPECIALITY FLOORS”. Reserve your room early & be honest about special request.

1.Quiet study floors.

2.Upperclassmen floors.

3.Health & wellness floors.

4.Chemically sensitive floors.

5.Multicultural floors.

• GET INVOLVED IN RESIDENT LIFE. Almost every school sponsors some type of residence hall & community activities.

• LOCK YOUR DOORS – even if you are in the room. Better save than sorry.

• IF YOUR SCHOOL ALLOWS COOKING IN THE ROOM:

1.Check to see which appliances are permitted for dorm use (Dorm size refrigerator).

2.Never leave your food unattended.

3.Store leftovers quickly & properly.

4.Take out the trash every day.

5.Remember, some schools do provide community cooking facilities, but you may need to clean the area before & after the cooking.

Finding a job:

• It’s never too early to contact your school’s Career Development Center.

• STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OFFICES usually list more than one thousand part-time jobs for students.

• ALWAYS GO TO AN INTERVIEW LOOKING PROFESSIONAL.

• The local federal job service is also an excellent source of employment.

• DON’T CHEW GUM AT AN INTERVIEW.

• DON’T BE DISCOURAGED if your fist job is not in your major field.

• ALWAYS BE ON TIME FOR APPOINTMENTS.

• BE SURE TO FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

Dealing with diversity:

• Realize that every college & university has its own culture, which includes language, traditions & taboos.

• THERE ARE 5 STEPS TO CULTURE SHOCK.

1.Fasination with the new environment.

2.Severe homesickness.

3.Find fault with new surroundings; build stereotypes.

4.Find humor in your adjustment.

5.Embrace the new culture; you will miss it when you go.

• IN ORDER TO BECOME MORE COMFORTABLE with the college or university environment:

1.Learn the jargon of higher education.

2.Realize your own preconception & perceptions.

3.Actively try to make friends.

4.Look for common ground.

5.Look for individuals not for stereotypes.