EGS 1001C Introduction to Engineering

Succeeding in the Classroom

Professor: Dr. Miguel Alonso Jr.

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.

Outline

IntroductionAttitudeGoalsKeys to EffectivenessTest-takingMaking the Most of your ProfessorLearning StylesWell Rounded Equals EffectiveEffective Use of TimeAccountabilityOvercoming Challenges

Introduction

Important goal: succeed in all classes and get your degree!

Depends onIndividual 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

Introduction

Pg. 163 PassageReluctant to try new thingsNew environment, new study methods and

techniquesExpectation is different and require much more

preparation outside of classInstructors are only a guide to the materialMethods presented work, but are not set in stoneIntended to be a starting point

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

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 professorsExample 7.1 - Discuss

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 goalsOnce the goal is reached, set a

“stretch goal” to push yourself to produce more

Often seems unreachable, but is usually met!

Goals

Set a time limit for the goalsWhen will the goal be accomplished?Long-term goalsShort-term goalsExample, what do you want to do with your engineering

degree? “Why am I doing this?”Short-term or intermediate goals should b e stepping

stonesUse academic breaks to refresh, and establish

intermediate goals within a time frameShort-term goals should be rewarded to keep motivation

Goals

Get into your groupsExample 7.2 Class workGet 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

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!

Keys

Take time to studyGo to class

Read the assignments and focus more on parts that are covered in the lecture

Early vs. Late classesIf you miss…Could be a goal

Keys

Make class effectiveParticipate, ask questions if you don’t understandCan’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 alongTake the time to learn the conceptsDon’t wait until test day

Take effective notes – Strategies on pg 169

Keys

DO HOMEWORK!Work as many problems as possible

Careful with solution manualsGroup Study

Select a good study spotMake it interesting

Test taking

Tests are the main form of evaluationPrepare by:

Studying the course material and working out previous tests

Take practice tests (Ask professor for assembling a simulated test)

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!

Make the most out of your professor

Office hoursReasons 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

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 worksheetExample 7.3

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.