Page 57 - Learning to Learn

LEARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF -GROWER 57
EXPERIENCE 3: YOUR PAST D OESN’T DEFINE YOUR FUTURE READING
Reading Logs document your critical exploration of texts and assigned readings. A Reading Log has
three sections: 1) before you read, 2) while you read, and 3) synthesis and analysis after you read. The
purpose of the Reading Log is not to replace highlighting and writing in the book but rather to provide
a place where new discoveries and important data can be recorded as well as analysis to help you, the
reader, make greater sense out of the reading. You will learn to use Reading Logs in Experience 10.
In summary, journal writing is a powerful process you should use to facilitate the creation of a Life Vision
Portfolio. Journaling allows you to become better at processing information, recording development, and
assessing learning as it occurs in and out of the classroom. The resulting journal becomes a working
document that records your growth and literally grows as your learning skills grow.
Making the Transition to College and to Becoming a College Student
Now that you’ve had a chance to reflect on who you are at this point in your life, let’s look more closely at
your new college surroundings and your new role as a college student. For many of you, college is a new
environment with all the facets of any new place: a new vocabulary, new people, new buildings and landscape,
and perhaps even different food in the cafeteria. This new experience comes with several guidebooks, though,
and many people who want to see you succeed. The guidebooks include the college web site, college catalog
and Student Handbook, and most likely a college newspaper. Make use of these tools to become familiar
with your college. This will help you feel more “at home.” Remember, this is your college.
Success in college isn’t just about knowing where the library is although that certainly makes research
easier. There are many college-related and outside pressures facing college students. The following table
illustrates some common pressures. Which ones pertain to you?
Table 1 Typical Responsibilities and Challenges Facing College Students
managing
your time
managing
your money
making decisions
on your own
being
independent
being
self-reliant
being
assertive
handling adult
responsibilities
solving problems
in various contexts
developing leadership
attributes and qualities
making social
adjustments
choosing mutually
supportive relationships
handling peer influences
and pressures
examining and/or
changing value systems
dealing with loneliness
and/or homesickness
dealing with home
and family issues
maintaining
personal wellness
making choices about
alcohol and drugs
coping with stress
and pressure
learning in
large classes
communicating
with professors
adjusting study habits
appropriately
finding a role
model or mentor
seeking
assistance
maintaining
balance