Survival_Guide

Student Survival Guide Axia College In order to achieve success in an online learning environment, students must be able to conduct successful library and internet searches, uphold academic honesty, develop effective study skills, manage time wisely and set and achieve goals. In order to do this, Axia College presented GEN 105 as one of the first courses students undertake to assist them in learning the skills necessary to be successful. Below is a plan of action that the writer has created in order to successfully achieve my goal of earning my Associates Degree through Axia College. Using Axia’s Educational Resources • The University has a library online. To navigate the online library, follow the following steps: 1. Log in to your student home page. 2. Select Library 3. Select a link from the list presented. You can choose to search based on article databases, books/dissertations and theses, by subject, etc. 4. If article database is being used, select the appropriate link database for the topic you are searching. 5. When the database comes up, type in the key words and press search. 6. Use an advance search if necessary. • The Center for Writing Excellence is available on the student homepage. You can: 1. Submit papers to check for plagarism 2. Submit papers to have reviewed for grammar, usage and some formatting errors. a. Submit your paper by selecting the “Submit paper for review” link. b. Upload your paper by typing in your title in the first box, and then selecting browse, and find your file. c. If you want plagarism checker to be used, you must select the given box. d. Select submit. e. Return after about 20 minutes, and check to see if your papers are complete. Upholding Academic Honesty • Axia College's academic honesty policy states "University of Phoenix students utilize university resources with honesty and integrity. These resources include, but are not limited to, the online library online consultation with faculty, and registration systems. In addition to truthful representation in these areas, students must acknowledge references form original works, avoid plagiarism, and use writing and formatting styles generally accepted as sound academic writing." • To avoid plagiarism: 1. Use the APA Reference Manual 2. Write down the website, author and date you find the source for each and every source. 3. Make sure that you cite all information, whether you are paraphrasing, summarizing or directly quoting the material. 4. Complete a reference for each and every citation that you make. 5. If you do not understand the information in order to summarize or paraphrase the information, then directly quote the information • To correctly cite references 1. Use the APA Reference Manual 2. Write down the website, author and date you find the source for each and every source. Make sure the book, if applicable is listed, the publisher, year of publication, and any page numbers you specifically are using. 3. Double check your reference before submission with the APA Reference Manual. 4. Save each reference and location in case you misplace what you write down or leave out necessary information to cite the source. Fostering Reading Comprehension and Retention • Forming Study Skills for a distance learning environment 1. Create an area where you can work, include music (if you need to), lighting, necessary equipment, and ability to have good posture 2. Set aside time to study each day, at the same time, that you can work uninterrupted. 3. Organize your assignments according to when the assignments are due, how much time the assignment will take to complete and the amount of time you have set aside to study. 4. Save academic websites that you normally use and are sound, unbiased websites. • Using SQ3R and other study habits 1. Survey - think about the title, and the subheadings. How does it relate to your topic' 2. Question - Turn each heading and subheading into a question to answer when you are reading. 3. Read - Read only one section, looking for answers to your questions 4. Recite - answer the questions in your own words. This helps you to determine if you understand the material or not. 5. Review – proofread everything for accuracy, spelling, and format • Adapting learning style to Axia format 1. Create flashcards with vital information from the reading that I can put my hands on and use to study 2. Read assignments out-loud to hear the material 3. Use APA reference manual every step of my writing process Managing Time Wisely • Balancing time between courses at Axia 1. Create time management schedule 2. Create calendar showing when each assignment is due • Juggling school, work and family responsibilities 1. Prioritize my weekly schedule 2. Weekly schedule will include family obligations, work obligations and school obligations 3. Set a given time to study, in a place where I will not be interrupted. • Prioritizing and avoiding time-wasters 1. Stick to my schedule. 2. If I finish an assignment earlier than the end of my set scheduled time to study, I will begin working on the next assignment. Setting and Achieving Goals • Identifying long and short-term educational and career goals 1. My long term goals include completing my associate’s degree. 2. My short-term goals include completing individual courses with at least a B. • How to reach goals despite obstacles 1. My obstacles include myself. To overcome myself, I have to keep a positive outlook and keep my priorities in order. 2. I will help people to see me not as an older person but someone they want to hire because of my positive outlook on life, team player attitude, and my love for teaching young children. • How an Axia degree relates to goals 1. An Axia degree will allow me to obtain my initial goal of receiving an Associates Degree. 2. An Axia degree will allow me to obtain a career in a field I feel I am good at – education. 3. An Axia degree will allow me to finally achieve a life long goal of obtaining a college degree. Applying Personality and Learning Styles • I am a bodily kinesthetic learner. 1. Complete work on paper and then type up. 2. When studying, I can record my notes and listen as I exercise. • Developing my multiple intelligences 1. Work hard in all assignments. 2. Set up a schedule for studying, and when to turn in assignments. • Relating to others with a different personality and learning style 1. Keep an open mind. 2. Use suggestions for improvement 3. Collaborate