Key Chapter-by-Chapter Revisions

In addition to new features that appear across all chapters of the book, each chapter also features key new and updated content:

Chapter 1, Welcome to Your College Experience, introduces students to the concepts of purpose and goal setting and explores the value of higher education. New to this reorganized chapter is a summary of high-impact practices that are featured throughout the book, an introduction to the role of peer leaders in the college success course, and new material on academic planning and working with an academic adviser. In addition, the authors introduce students to the concept of resilience, a topic that is addressed throughout the new edition.

Chapter 2, Time Management, addresses the tools today’s students use to stay organized. This chapter includes information about the relationship between locus of control and one’s ability to manage time. Students are guided in using time-management tools and understanding how to avoid procrastination. The chapter includes a new procrastination self-assessment and a valuable tool for measuring the impact of distractions.

Chapter 3, Emotional Intelligence, has been improved by linking emotional intelligence concepts to the daily events of college life, with additional explanation on the concepts of resilience and making good choices. The chapter also includes self-assessments that help students evaluate and improve their own level of emotional intelligence.

Chapter 4, How You Learn, introduces students to learning styles and learning preferences. The chapter includes the VARK Inventory, which can be used in class. Also, three other learning-styles theories are described in the chapter: David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. A brief version of the Multiple Intelligences Inventory is included. The chapter ends with coverage of learning disabilities to help students know how and when to seek help for themselves or other students.

Chapter 5, Thinking in College, has been heavily revised and reorganized to give students a better understanding of what is involved in college-level thinking and practical strategies on how to achieve that high level of thinking. Students are clearly shown how concepts like fast and slow thinking, problem solving, creativity, and collaboration all relate to critical thinking. The chapter includes a critical-thinking assessment that is new to this edition, as well as a new application of Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Chapter 6, Reading to Learn, helps students meet the particular challenges of reading college textbooks across the various disciplines. It introduces them to the steps involved in active reading and explains how to use strategies such as outlining and mapping to understand and retain important content for tests and exams. Strategies for reading with concentration, reading improvement, and monitoring are provided. New visuals include a sample organizer, several new photos, and sample textbook pages from an economics and chemistry textbook, which reflect the text’s increased attention to the STEM fields.

Chapter 7, Getting the Most from Class, covers topics such as preparing for class, listening, taking notes, and participating. The chapter introduces students to various note-taking methods, particularly the Cornell method. The chapter’s Tech Tip presents helpful note-taking apps. Students are encouraged to overcome any reluctance they might have about asking a question in class or participating out loud in a group discussion.

Chapter 8, Studying, includes an essential focus on the basics—how to study and how to remember. Students are warned about the pitfalls of multitasking and the downsides of trying to study in an environment that is full of distractions. The chapter opens with a new assessment that asks students to determine their willingness to make tough choices to improve their study habits and includes a new figure showing a sample mind map.

Chapter 9, Test Taking, helps students learn how to prepare for tests and exams, understand and deal with test anxiety, and appreciate the value of maintaining academic integrity. The chapter covers different types of tests and different test environments, including online testing. A major theme in the chapter is the importance of being resilient—not allowing a poor grade on a test to negatively affect a student’s motivation. A new visual showing a sample page from a math textbook reinforces the value of working practice problems as a great way to study for tests.

Chapter 10, Information Literacy and Communication, connects writing and speaking to the important topic of information literacy. The chapter now more clearly walks students through the steps of the writing process. The chapter emphasizes doing good research and getting comfortable using the resources at the campus library. Students are also introduced to ways to evaluate and cite sources and recognize bias.

Chapter 11, Relationships, includes a major focus on the value of students building positive relationships with their instructors. The chapter also addresses the changing nature of interactions with family members, roommate issues, and romantic relationships. The chapter contains a new section on communicating in a digital age, with a new table outlining best practices for online communication. The chapter’s Tech Tip has been reoriented around building a digital persona in an attempt to educate students about being responsible with their online presence, especially as it relates to employment. This chapter also covers the value of involvement in campus life.

Chapter 12, Diversity, takes a broad view of diversity and considers the many advantages of a diverse campus environment that includes differences in gender, race, ethnic group, sexuality, age, economic status, religion, and learning and physical abilities. The chapter advises students to refrain from stereotyping and instead get to know others as individuals before drawing conclusions about an entire group.

Chapter 13, Wellness, takes a new, holistic view of wellness, including mental, physical, and spiritual health. A major focus of this chapter is stress and how to prevent and manage it through proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise. The chapter includes a stress self-assessment exercise and a Tech Tip that introduces students to ways that technology can help monitor health. This chapter includes new coverage of cyberbullying and the latest information about the federal government’s actions against sexual assault, including strategies that students can use to protect themselves and others from becoming victims.

Chapter 14, Money, emphasizes the importance of budgeting and gives students a template for designing their own budget. The chapter also explores responsible use of credit and debit cards, and ways for students to obtain and maintain financial aid.

Chapter 15, Majors and Careers, helps students understand how to consider different majors and to make a decision that sets them up for success and fulfillment. The chapter also provides a wealth of guidance on and tools for exploring different careers and industries. This chapter offers a cutting-edge evaluation of the new economy and guidance in developing the right mind-set for creating a strong future, before moving on to discuss clear strategies for career planning, enhancing marketability, conducting industry and company research, gaining experience while in college, and searching for jobs.