Notetaking is an important skill in college -- some will find that this one of the biggest differences between high school and college.  Dr. Einerson reviews notetaking procedures and practices with our Summer Transition Program students.  Building these skills can be an important factor in being successful in college and in many careers.

I have decided to give my students, full-text notes on the topics that I have reviewed.  I hope that my "newsletters" will provide students an opportunity to "refresh" their memories during the course of their first year in college.  The content of these newsletters is presented in a Web format (links to left), printable Today's Collegian newsletters, and as brief outlines presented in PowerPoint format (last link on left).

My goal is to make sure that students will be able to quickly and easily find the material that we worked with in summer.  Perhaps some will find it comforting to know that help with the college transition and learning strategies is only a "point-and-click" away.  I have enjoyed working with everyone this summer and will continue to maintain this Web page as my way to say, "THANK YOU" for being a great group to work with!

High School Versus College.  Some have compared the difference between high school and college as being like the difference between chess and checkers.  Sure, they are played on the same board, but they are 2 completely different games.

Different Laws Apply.  For those with special needs, the differences between high school and college also reflect different laws about accommodations.  

College Terms & Definitions.  Getting comfortable anywhere is easier when you can speak the language -- here is some of the post-secondary lingo.

Self-Knowledge.  In this Webmaster's humble opinion, this is the key to success in college.  If I understand my needs and learning styles, I can make better decisions.  I can also use my strengths to build skills in areas where I am less confident and strong.

Self-Advocacy.  Once I understand my rights, responsibilities, and needs, I am ready to more effectively advocate for myself -- a valuable life-skill.

Memorizing Information.  Here are some "tips and tricks" to help get started absorbing the material that is part of a good education.

Learning Differences.  We do not all learn the same -- probably a good thing to.  Each of us has a unique set of skills and abilities.  Thinking about differences in learning will be more productive than worrying about  our learning needs.

Time Management.  Once we start developing an understanding of our learning needs, it is time to start planning how we will use time to achieve our goals.  Here are links for a downloadable "semester planner" and "weekly planner."  Personally, I recommend using a notecard to outline my plans for the day -- a 3 x 5 card fits in a pocket and is "ready to go!"

Time Tips.  Do we want to work harder to meet the higher expecations of college or should we learn to work more efficiently.  Here are some tips to help get the most out of time while at college.  

Stress.  For some, learning accept and meet the expectations of professors in different classes is the most valuable part of the college experience.  College will have its stressful moments.  The more I know about stress, the better prepared I am to deal with it.

Managing Stress.  Life is full of stressful moments  -- we can learn to deal with them while in school or in the "real-world."  Stress management is an important skill that we can learn in college and not on our first professional job.

Get Results; Set Goals.  Knowing where we want to go and how we are going to get there is important.  Most of us would not think of driving across country without a roadmap -- why not create a "map" for success?

Motivation:  A Powerful Tool.  When we really want something, we become willing to go to any length to get it.  Put that power to work for you -- here are some ideas about practical strategies that get results.

Getting More Out of Math.  Often called "the gateway to higher education," math skills are necessary to earn degrees.  College math courses are very different than the ones in high school.  Math is distinctly different from other subjects. 

HELP!  When to Get Help in Math and Where to Find It.  Deciding that I need help and getting it BEFORE there are problems is important -- especially in math classes.  Here are some ideas to prevent problems and more fully ensure success.

Algebra Connection:  Let's Get Started.  This is actually one of the resources I created to help my Beginning Algebra class.  We "previewed" many of these resources this summer.  You can find more at Mr. B's Algebra Page.

Classroom Etiquette:  Watch your P's and Q's.  Most students want to get along with their professors.  Being polite, courteous, and respectful are all important lifeskills.  Minding our manners" can also make college easier.

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