Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Yet, if queried further, many students would not be able to explain precisely what it means to become a successful student. McWhorter has identified several strategies in her College Reading and Study Skills, seventh edition to assist you in defining success and ultimately to determine what it means to you. It is important to understand that, as in all classes, students' academic success depends on carefully studying course material, sharing ideas with others and preparing assignments in a scholarly manner. Perhaps, one of the major challenges to students, as they make the transition from high school to college, is the understanding that learning is mainly up to them.
Instructors serve as guides or facilitators in specifying or explaining what is to be learned.
For the first time, many students will be faced with a tremendous volume of facts, statistics, dates, definitions, formulas, rules and principles to learn. Students may use this as a guide to enhance their approach to learning. McWhorter pinpoints several key steps to becoming active learners. In summary, because of the newness of the college experience, it is crucial to have a realistic perspective of what will be required of you as college students. Become familiar with available campus personnel, resources, and services.