Page 48 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

With all of these pressures, how do you choose to spend your time? If you are like most college students,

research suggests…

Table 2.2 Activities College Freshmen Some of these are productive and constructive
Engaged in During the Past Year activities; others are negative behaviors that
can easily turn into roadblocks on the road

Activity % to success. The challenges of college aren’t
Studied with other students only about the school and classes—some of
83.5 the most significant challenges you’ll ever

Used the Internet for research/homework 82.9 face come from managing your own fears

Attended a religious service 81.9 and behaviors.

Played computer games 80.4 There are many support systems and
Performed volunteer work 74.2 services available to you, such as academic
Attended a public recital/concert 73.5 and personal advising services, career and
Used the Internet, other than research 72.9 financial aid services, and various groups that
Communicated using e-mail 65.9 focus on interests, cultures, and life issues. If
Read the editorial page in a newspaper 62.9 you are a single parent, for example, there may
Socialized with different ethnic groups 61.6 be a supportive group of other single parents
Came late to class 60.3 at your school. If you are a returning veteran,
Drank wine or liquor 54.9 there may be a group of other veterans who
Took part in an Internet chat room 54.2 include potential friends and study partners.
Visited an art gallery or museum 53.1
Drank beer 51.6 As you can see in Table 2.3, making it through
Tutored another student 47.8 college isn’t a sure thing. But you’re not
Participated in demonstrations 45.9 alone and whatever pressures and challenges
Was bored in class 37.7 you’re facing, there are people available to
help. Remember Maya Angelou’s words:
“Nobody, but nobody can make it out there
alone.” Others who have been where you are
now can make all the difference in the world.

Played a musical instrument 36.6

Overslept and missed class 34.5

Felt overwhelmed 29.6 Table 2.3 Degree Completion Rates
Was a guest in a teacher’s home 27.3 within 6 Years

Discussed religion 26.0 White Women Men
Asked a teacher for advice 21.5 African-American 61% 57%
Voted in student elections 21.1 Asian-American 54% 42%
Checked a book out of the school library 18.7 Puerto Rican-American 68% 63%
Smoked cigarettes 15.8 Mexican-American 52% 28%
Discussed politics 14.0 Native American 50% 41%
Felt depressed 9.3 41% 44%
Took prescribed anti-depressant 5.9

The American Freshman: National Norms for Fall 1998, Higher Education Research Institute, Degree
the American Council of Education and the University Attainment Rates at American Colleges and
of California at Los Angeles Higher Education Research Universities (CIRP 2003)
Institute

42 Foundations of Learning