On Course, Study Skills Plus Edition 1st (first) edition

by Skip Downing

ON STRATEGIES FOR CREATING SUCCESS IN COLLEGE AND IN LIFE, STUDY SKILLS PLUS EDITION was created for educators who would like to promote student growth and self-awareness, while providing more extensive instruction in study skills. Downing's powerful guided journal entries have been retained from the original ON COURSE text to encourage students to explore essential life skills such as personal responsibility, self-motivation, interdependence, and self-esteem. The Study Skills Plus Edition engages students in a learner-centered construction of study skills knowledge, and gives students practice in applying empowerment strategies. The 2nd edition highlights the very process of learning how to solve academic challenges with improved study skills. Students engage in critical and creative problem solving that will enable them to achieve greater success in all parts of their lives. The 2nd edition also features expanded coverage of diversity, emphasizing the many ways in which people are different and how these differences often influence the choices they make. Other new topics include a discussion of academic integrity, how to thrive in the college culture, and a research-based section on the importance of developing a growth mindset. Plus, a new Annotated Instructors Edition guides instructors to relevant exercises and materials in the ON COURSE FACILITATOR'S MANUAL. Available with InfoTrac Student Collections

Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kit · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was required to read this book. Be ready for a mind-numbing ride through "positive" thinking and battling your "inner critic". It's also pretty triggering because the book requires you to call back previous memories of significant emotional impact.

[Mikayla Beckman]

again, I do not rate text books, however this really felt less like a text book and more like an outdated and problematic self help book.

I had to read this for a class called college success. A class I probably didn't need to take because I already am a good student, but oh well. I found somethings in this book valuable, however, other parts were extremely problematic to me. I would say the main theme in this book is that YOU alone control the outcome of your life. Which, I feel just isn't true. This book basically said that yes, mental illness sucks but it isn't an excuse, and you should just change your mindset and POOF! your depression will disappear.

Sadly, It doesn't work that way.

Basically, if your car breaks down on your way to class and you are late to class, that is your fault. Because you should have anticipated a delay and left early. If your mom dies of cancer and you become depressed, you need to suck it up and write that English paper.

In reality, the world just doesn't work like that. We are not fully in control of the outcomes of our lives. I could WANT to be the next jennifer lawrence, and I could put in an insane amount of work, but not everything is meant to be. I could get in an accident driving to class and end up missing class but that isn't a fault of me. Of course we control some of the outcome of our lives, but stating that everything is purely in our hands and we have total control completely invalidates those who do in fact struggle with mental illness, or anything else.

And that is my two cents on this textbook. I just find it really outdated.

[Ms Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

had to read this book for my English class and it was a wonderful read. eye-opener on what would otherwise be common sense.

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Course,Study Skills Plus by Skip Downing
This book was required reading and course work. Through journal entry's and student case study's we learn the skills needed to make it not only through college but through life. Over dramatic description?Perhaps, but being of an older generation listening to the younger ones, this book is great over looked and looked down on as a forced pain but it was eveident that it was greatly needed.
Showing up for class to pass it?Seems like a simple and reasonable request yet, many students feel like this is an incurssion on their time.Really? Do they think they will get paid if they don't show up? That employers are going to let them schedule their day how every they deem fit?
I hate it when she assigns reading and writing on Monday due on Wednesday isn't she aware of the fact I have other things to do. Yet these same students say that time management is simple and common sense.
On Course, shows and explains study skills, time management, and more importantly how to set and evaluate your goals and if your on course and if not how to get back on course.This is the book I wish I had read when I was younger as it contains many lessons that I read several books to learn and we didn't have classes to teach and show what should be common sense. While all of it seems simple as many of us know it is a lot easier in principle but harder when it comes to execution.
I would recommend this for all students and even non students, all those who need to learn or brush up on those soft skills required in the working world.

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class required after being academically suspended I thought it would be horrible but in reality this book helped me so much. I learned so much about myself in these pages and how to be a better student. It taught me what I was doing wrong and right. I recommend this book to everyone because it really does help.

[Lesley Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was required reading for a class, so not reading it as a choice. Some good points, but the "journaling" forces you to delve into negative feelings and experiences, which was cringingly painful to do.

[Azeem Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone thinking of picking up a few tips on life and studying.

[Lilly]

I don't know have not read it yet