EGS 1001C Introduction to Engineering Succeeding in the Classroom

1. EGS 1001C Introduction to EngineeringSucceeding in the Classroom Professor: Dr. Miguel Alonso Jr.

2. Ice breaker! • Pair up with someone you don't know and learn as much as you can about each other in five minutes • Introduce your partner to the class • Things to include • Name • Engineering Discipline • Why they chose engineering.

3. Outline • Introduction • Attitude • Goals • Keys to Effectiveness • Test-taking • Making the Most of your Professor • Learning Styles • Well Rounded Equals Effective • Effective Use of Time • Accountability • Overcoming Challenges

4. Introduction • Important goal: succeed in all classes and get your degree! • Depends on • Individual student and his/her style, temperament and strengths of the student • This section focuses on teaching strategies to help you succeed in your engineering career

5. Introduction • Pg. 163 Passage • Reluctant to try new things • New environment, new study methods and techniques • Expectation is different and require much more preparation outside of class • Instructors are only a guide to the material • Methods presented work, but are not set in stone • Intended to be a starting point

6. Attitude • Attitude is the first thing that must be controlled when tackling any challenge, including studying engineering • Expect Success and try to dwell on the positives, not the opposite • Approach everything with a positive attitude and tell yourself “I will do this” instead of “I’ll try to do this” • Feel as if you have already accomplished the task and use that to fuel your drive • Classes are opportunities to succeed, not to fail

7. Attitude • If you encounter hurdles along the way, learn how to deal with them and overcome them • Don’t sell yourself short by deciding that a certain class is to difficult -> many times this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy • You may or may not like certain professors • Example 7.1 - Discuss

8. Goals • Setting clearly defined goals early on is a key to your success! • If you don’t know what goals to set, research your careers a bit more in depth. • Set attainable goals • Once the goal is reached, set a “stretch goal” to push yourself to produce more • Often seems unreachable, but is usually met!

9. Goals • Set a time limit for the goals • When will the goal be accomplished? • Long-term goals • Short-term goals • Example, what do you want to do with your engineering degree? • “Why am I doing this?” • Short-term or intermediate goals should b e stepping stones • Use academic breaks to refresh, and establish intermediate goals within a time frame • Short-term goals should be rewarded to keep motivation

10. Goals • Get into your groups • Example 7.2 Class work • Get into your groups and list personal goals and exchange them with group. Get feedback and then each group will present a power point in class. • Long term, intermediate, and short-term goals with rewards • Clearly define your goals and write them down. Look at them daily. • Periodically examine your progress towards your long term goal. • Resources, pg. 167

11. Keys to Effectiveness • Once goals are set, the next step is to achieve them! • Effort and effective, not necessarily intelligence are keys to success. • Take two hours of study outside of class for each hour of lecture!

12. Keys • Take time to study • Go to class • Read the assignments and focus more on parts that are covered in the lecture • Early vs. Late classes • If you miss… • Could be a goal

13. Keys • Make class effective • Participate, ask questions if you don’t understand • Can’t see or hear? Do something about it! • Be proactive! • Prepare for class prior to the lecture • Keep up with the class as it goes along • Take the time to learn the concepts • Don’t wait until test day • Take effective notes – Strategies on pg 169

14. Keys • DO HOMEWORK! • Work as many problems as possible • Careful with solution manuals • Group Study • Select a good study spot • Make it interesting

15. Test taking • Tests are the main form of evaluation • Prepare by: • Studying the course material and working out previous tests • Take practice tests (Ask professor for assembling a simulated test)‏

16. Test Taking Tips and Guidelines • Come Prepared • Extra pencils, paper, calculator (learn how to use it)‏ • Skim over the test • Do easy problems first • Keep track of time • Goal is points • Write down what you know and don’t leave questions blank (partial credit)‏ • Concentrate on problems that will produce the most points • Leave time (if possible) for a final review at the end • After the test, redo it!

17. Make the most out of your professor • Office hours • Reasons to know your professor • Experienced professional • Job References • Teaching the course • Experts in their field and can help you understand • Assign your grades ( if you work hard, and they know it, the may nudge you up if your are borderline)‏ • They know employers • Scholarships • Lab work

18. Learning Styles • Our brain is constantly learning! Neurons are created even in old age or physical injury. • Each person has a unique learning style, and you are never to old to learn something new • Preferences worksheet • Example 7.3

19. Homework • Take a typical week in your life for this semester. Break it up into categories of attending class, studying, working, playing, eating, sleeping, physical activity, intellectual pursuits, emotional health, and other. • Total your time spent on each area. Are you spending the time needed on your studies? • Is this the kind of schedule that will make you successful? If not, what will you change to make it better.? • In your groups, prepare a power point presentation to be presented at the beginning of class highlighting each persons schedule and changes that can be made to make it more productive and ensure a successful semester.