TOOLS FOR

STUDENT SUCCESS

101

TOOLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 101

CHAPTER 1: Discover Grambling State University (Historical Milestones)

1. Name the first president of Grambling State University.

2. Name the year in which Grambling State University was

founded was.

3. What was the name of Grambling’s legendary football

coach who coached for 57 years?

4. Discuss the definition of the GSU Code of Student Conduct

5. What is the Alma Mater?

6. What are the school colors?

7. What is the school motto?

8. What is the Grambling fight song?

9. What is the school mascot?

10.What is the title of the Black National Anthem?

Founder’s Home – built in 1935; prior to living in this home, the Adams’ Family home was in the vicinity of his bust behind Lee Hall. Renovations of this home were completed in 2006; beautiful, very peaceful home, but no electricity at this time.

Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center named for legendary Basketball Coach at GSU. Coach Hobdy came to GSU as a freshman in 1942 and was named Men’s Head Basketball Coach in 1956. His teams won many championships, and several players went on to play in the NBA…..including Willis Reed, Robert Hopkins, Larry Wright, and Aaron James. Coach Hobdy died in December 1998.

The Foyer in the Assembly Center is named for his wonderful wife, Mrs. Mary Hobdy, who served as Executive Assistant to the President for many years.

Conrad Hutchinson Jr. Performing Arts Center is named for the Legendary Tiger Marching Band Director Conrad Hutchinson, Jr. It was under Mr. Hutchinson’s leadership that the band became internationally known. During his tenure as band director, the band performed in many bowl games, parades, and even performed in Japan and Hawaii. The Tiger Marching Band performed in the first Super Bowl in January 1967 in Los Angeles, CA. Mr. Hutchinson died in March 1996.

President Warrick’s Home – built in 1984; our third President – Dr. Joseph B. Johnson and his family were the first to live there. The former President’s home (where President Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones and Dr. Johnson and family lived prior to completion of this home) is located on Main Street between the Judicial Affairs Office and the Student Union. It is now the home of the Purchasing Office.

Original Dormitories…….can see the back of the Assembly Center….students had to walk a long way to class.

GSU West Campus R.W.E. Jones Annex……Grambling State University West Campus R.W.E. Jones Annex (formerly known as Ruston State School and/or Ruston Developmental Center) is located approximately 2.3 miles west of Grambling State University’s Main Campus. The property sits on 157 acres and comprises 47 buildings with approximately 26 usable buildings for residential, administrative, academic, and maintenance functions. May 27, 1947, Camp Ruston was formally transferred to the state of Louisiana for use as a tuberculosis hospital. July, 1959, the camp was reopened as the Ruston State School for the developmentally disabled and was in operation until 2009. It is currently Grambling State University West Campus R.W.E. Jones Annex. Click this address for more information: http://www.llaonline.org/ne/lla2012/campruston.pdf

Original Marker……Liberty Hill Baptist Association……where GSU began in 1901 as The Colored Industrial and Agricultural School

Gravesite of Mr. Adams…..died on June 27, 1961…….Mrs. Martha Adams and all four sons Charles P., Jr., Edward, Henry, and Ralph are buried here, also. The daughters (Fidelia and Theresa) are buried in the Grambling Memorial Garden on Hwy 80.

Founder’s Bust – commemorates our founder, Mr. Charles P. Adams and was unveiled in September of 1947……Mrs. Ruby Billups was a freshman at this time. There was a big ceremony in the Men’s Gym which is now the Eddie G. Robinson Museum.

Eddie G. Robinson Museum – Completed in February 2010; grand opening on February 13, 2010 which would have been Coach Robinson’s 91st birthday. This facility was formerly the Main Gym where all activities including graduations were held.

TOOLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 101

CHAPTER 2: Making the classroom work for you

What’s In It for You?• Being Prepared• Know What the Class Is About• Ready to Work • The Importance of Class Attendance• Get There Early• When You Miss a Class • Classroom Etiquette• Tips for Being Courteous in the Classroom • Class Participation• Tips for Participating in the Classroom • Classroom Expectations: Yours and Your

Instructor's• Your Expectations• Your Instructor's Expectations

• The Connection Between Class and Work Expectations

• Adapting to the Classroom: Your Learning Style and Instructors' Teaching Modes

• Learning Styles• Tips for Making the Most of Your Preferred Learning

Style• Your Instructor's Teaching Mode• Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Instructor's

Teaching Mode • Compensating for Learning Disorders and

Difficulties

• Learning Assistance• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)• Tips for Managing Attention Deficit Disorder • Active Learning Beyond the Classroom• Tips for Learning Outside the Classroom • Making a Comeback When You Need To

TOOLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 101

CHAPTER 3: BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT

What’s In It for You?

• Your own vision of success.• Strategies for accomplishing goals.• How to boost your self-esteem.• How to create positive self-talk to motivate

yourself.• The importance of creating a successful self-

image.• How to develop support systems and inspiration.• Tips to improve your self-discipline.• Strategies for creative problem solving and

decision making.

• Thinking About Success

How motivated are you? Your own visions of success Keep your eyes on the prize You can get there from here Be your own guide Visualize yourself as a successful person

• Goals and Motivation in College

Remember the Small Goals Make Time for Fun

• Boosting Your Self-Esteem to Boost College Success

Creating Positive Self-Talk to Achieve Goals Developing Positive Self-Talk for Motivation Recognize Past Successes and Your

Capabilities

• Creating a Successful Self-image

Concentrate on What You Do Well Build on Your Strengths Accept Your Weaknesses Take Credit for What You've Learned Picture Yourself Succeeding

• Finding Support and Inspiration

Finding a Support System Friends and Family As Support Finding Role Models

• Developing Self-Discipline

Staying on Track Making It Happen Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Six Strategies for Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

1. Problem Analysis – What exactly is the problem

2. Possible Solutions – Brainstorm the possibilities

3. Evaluate the possibilities4. Develop a specific plan5. Put your plan into action but be flexible,

focused, persistent, and committed6. Evaluate the plan

TOOLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 101

CHAPTER 4: MAKING TIME WORK FOR YOU

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• The rewards of time management• Your time wasters and the importance of

eliminating unnecessary activities• Tips to mange your time and set priorities• Methods for creating the best schedule for

you• Tips to help you save time

THE REWARDS OF TIME MANAGEMENT

• Less stress• More work done• Better control• Improved quality of life• Better self-image• Quicker promotions• Better grades

UNCOVERING YOUR TIME WASTERS

• Time wasters are those things that you spend time on that you really wouldn’t miss if they were cut back or eliminated.

• To find out your time wasters, determine what you’re spending your time on…

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?

• Establish habits to make your time productive

• Develop a time inventory list• Develop a time monitor chart

Take control of how you ACTUALLYACTUALLY spend time and how you WANTWANT

to spend time!

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? (continued)• Develop a time inventory list

School assignments Television

Classes Children

Job Sleep

Friends Relationships/dating

Recreation Religion/faith

Exercise Cleaning

Eating/nutrition Family (siblings, parents, spouse)

Meal preparation Leisure activities

Reading for enjoyment Shopping, running errands

Organizations/clubs Medical/dental appointments

Creative activities Helping others

Driving/commutingSocial Media (phone, FaceBook, Texting,

Instragram)

Sports Home maintenance

Relaxation Car repair

Practicing (band, football,

track, etc)

Other

(+) too much time (-) not enough time (!) Just right

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? (continued)• Develop a time monitor chart

ACTIVITIES MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN ACTIVITY TOTAL

Sleeping

Eating

Studying

Listening to music

Talking to friends

Relaxation

Job/work

Other:

Other:

Other:

Other:

MANAGING YOUR TIME

• Determine what’s important to you• Do the important things first

• Does it really have to be done• What happens if I never do it?• If the task is too big, can it be broken up into

smaller bits?• Is it really part of my job?• Is it important to my job/organization/me?• How important is it to my grade?• How long will this assignment/activity take?• If I don’t do it now, will I be sorry later?• Should I do this myself or can others help?• Can it be delegated to someone else?

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

• Study during your “peak” time• Use the small blocks of free time between

classes or waiting time• Review your notes just before class that

requires you to recite or discuss material• Review your notes as soon as possible after a

lecture to help retain and understand• As a rule of thumb, study 2-3 hours for every

hour of class• Schedule study breaks• Allow adequate time for sleep• Start long projects early

CREATING THE BEST SCHEDULE FOR YOU

• Develop a weekly schedule• Develop a daily planning “TO DO LIST”• Develop a weekly assignment schedule• Develop a schedule for long-term

assignments (curriculum plan)

STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE!STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE!

AVOID PROCRASTINATION

• Focus on the positive• Think of the rewards• Break down the assignment and list the

steps for completing it• Visualize yourself doing the task• Visualize yourself completing the task• Go to a quiet place to study where you

won’t be tempted by distractions

TIPS FOR SAVING TIME

• Only use the schedules that work for you• Set time limits on projects• Be flexible in your scheduling• Study on the run by keeping your notes with

you• Listen to recorded lectures or tutoring tapes• Try reciting information• Attach index cards with terms and formulas

to the wall and mirror• Learn to say NO to un-needed activities• Get up 15 minutes earlier than usual• Allow 15 minutes to get to appointments

TOOLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 101

CHAPTER 5: Improving your memory and learning skills

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

How to improve your concentration and memory

Techniques to help and learn while you read your assignments

Strategies for reading math and science

Self-talk that helps you take charge of your learning

LEARNING HOW TO LEARN

Finding your learning strengths

Using positive self-talk

I enjoy studying and learning 1 2 3 4 5I can concentrate on reading for long periods 1 2 3 4 5I remember details I read 1 2 3 4 5I remember details that I hear in class discussions 1 2 3 4 5I remember details that I hear in class lectures 1 2 3 4 5I am able to find the main points in a textbook reading 1 2 3 4 5I am able to summarize a reading in a single paragraph 1 2 3 4 5I take comprehensive notes on all important points in a reading 1 2 3 4 5I am able to make sense of math readings 1 2 3 4 5I am able to make sense of readings in science 1 2 3 4 5

Replace negative thoughts with positives ones

that will help you reach you goal!

IMPROVING YOUR CONCENTRATION

Eliminating External Distractions

External distractions are those things around you that disrupt your concentration while studying.

You want your study area to be pleasant and convenient and free from distractions.

Don’t tell anyone where you’re studying if you really want to get work done.

Tips for Creating a Good Study Environment

Keep the room temperature comfortableKeep supplies within reachStudy in a comfortable chair or deskSit straight for better concentrationMake sure you have plenty of bright lightMake sure your study area has adequate ventilation

Noise is the most common and serious distraction.

Eliminate such background noise as television, conversation, and music.

Eliminating Internal Distractions: test anxiety – financial worries – daydreams – forgetfulness – disappointments…

Tips for eliminating internal distractions

Use positive self-talk Make notes to yourself Set realistic goals To maintain concentration, study often but at

shorter periods of time Take frequent breaks Plan rewards Establish a routine Bring interest in the material and a sense of

purpose

How is your memory now?

• What do you forget the most?• What do you always remember?• What techniques do you use to remember

something special?

We're Born to Learn!

The brain has in innate and natural learning process!

Six Memory Techniques

1. Understanding2. Association3. Recitation and Recall4. Organizing Information5. Visualization6. Test Yourself

GETTING MORE OUT OF READING (STUDY READING METHODS)

SQ3RSurvey – Question – Read – Recite – Review

PQRSTPreview – Question – Read – Self-recite – Test

When to Use SQ3R or PRQRT

FIND OUT WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU!

MATH: THE DREADED FOUR-LETTER WORD!

REALIZE THAT ACROSS THE NATION, ALMOST 60 PERCENT OF ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN DEVELOPMENTAL / REMEDIAL OR TRANSITIONAL MATH COURSES TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE-LEVEL MATH.

MATH IS ONE OF THE LEADING CAUSES OF FAILURE AND DROPOUT IN COLLEGE.

BUT THERE’S HELP!

Tips for Math Success… page 155

Tips for Conquering Math Test Anxiety … page 156

Adopting Strategies to Put Muscle into Your Math Reading … page 156

Reading in Science and Technical Books … page 158

Reading Graphics … page 159-162

Challenging Your Own Study Traps … page 162-163

TOOLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 101

CHAPTER 6: Listening actively and taking good notes

What’s In It for You? • Listening Actively• Tips for Active Listening in the Classroom • Taking Notes• Note taking Formats • Highlights• Discussion Questions • Activities• Practicing for Academic Success• Practicing for Career Success• Practicing for Personal Success• In Your Own Words

TOOLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS 101

CHAPTER 7: Developing test-taking skills

• What’s In It for You? • Preparing for Tests• Getting Started• Prepare Study Materials• Rehearse Your Performance• How to Predict Test Questions• Making It a Group Effort• Cramming—Your Last Resort• Tips for Last Resort Cramming• Down the Home Stretch • Taking Objective Tests• True-False Questions

• Multiple Choice Questions• Tips for Answering Multiple Choice Questions• Matching Questions• Fill-in-the-Blank Questions • Essay Tests• Answering the Questions• Tips for Answering Essay Questions• Short Answer Questions• Just When You Think It's Safe to Leave• Preparing for Final Exams• Getting Feedback • Overcoming Test Anxiety• Be Prepared

• Positive Self-Talk• Visualization• Relaxation• Tips for Combating Test Anxiety• Highlights• Discussion Questions• Activities• Practicing for Academic Success • Practicing for Career Success • Practicing for Personal Success • In Your Own Words

THE END