The Freshman Year Experience presents an authoritative, comprehensive guide to the policies, strategies, programs, and services designed to ensure student achievement in the first year of college--and so to facilitate student retention and academic success in subsequent years.

Demystifying the process of completing a college application

Written by two former admissions officers at top universities and current admissions coaches, this book is a must-have for preparing a winning college application. The authors reveal the mystery behind what college admissions officers are looking for and show applicants how to leverage their credentials, stand out in the over-crowded applicants' pool, and make a genuine, memorable impression. This is the book that will help the college-bound get off the "like many others" pile and onto the acceptance list.Includes instructions and examples for every component of the college application, from writing the essay to answering questions like "Why do you want to go to College X?"Shows how to avoid underestimating the importance of critical features on any applicationIncludes the latest information on the Common Application 4.0 and corrects outdated, holdover advice still stressed in many other books

This book is filled with step-by-step advice that students and parents can use immediately and will refer to again and again.

Here is a doorway through which readers will sneak a peak at the academy-its exterior and interior spaces. There is much within the academic environment that can invite entry or obstruct movement. With this text, doors have been opened for novice scholars and new faculty, as well as experienced academicians and administrators. Each chapter has an aperture on vital mentoring issues (such as productive learning within groups, developing effective marketing and networking strategies, and creating successful student-centered programs) that, together, provides a broader perspective on the professoriate. Readers are guided through the process of becoming successfully mentored, largely by entering into viable relationships and learning the art of receiving and giving. The various mentoring formats described provide exposure to a wide range of options that readers can mindfully act upon; these also demonstrate the value of learning within one-to-one systems and group contexts. Finally, readers are given access to guarded secrets about graduate school, not only concerning unspoken norms but also the 'hidden curriculum' of the academy and of mentor's expectations. The mentoring concepts and practices narrated have all been tested in real-life settings. Further, the chapters' case scenarios and analyses are supported with data collected from multiple sources_documents, surveys, and interviews_including the Writers in Training (WIT), a long-standing doctoral cohort. Dozens of graduate students in education in particular, as well as faculty and administrators have contributed to this work.

Raise the academic bar for your students and watch their confidence and student success skills increase. STUDENT SUCCESS IN COLLEGE: DOING WHAT WORKS offers an accessible and relevant way for students to move beyond opinions and advice about how to succeed in college by offering an integrated approach of researched back student success practices paired with student success research studies. Your students will find success as they learn how to put the information on skills for success into practice as they strive to accomplish their academic goals. With an overall theme of reading, critical thinking and information literacy skills, STUDENT SUCCESS IN COLLEGE will help students feel comfortable with the structure of research study articles, making it more likely that they will use these higher level sources earlier in their academic careers. By providing students with shared content that is relevant and meaningful, they can practice skills they can apply immediately to their other classes. The 7 chapters in the text covers key strategies for success in college including how to use campus resources, staying motivated, setting goals, making good decisions, staying positive and establishing a support system, using memory techniques and taking notes, and preparing for tests.

As more students engage the help of an education consultant when applying for colleges, how can students have an edge over their competition? Often times, students go about the application process on their own or seek the advice of an agency, many of which are led by individuals who have not personally experienced applying to and being accepted by elite American colleges. Regardless of a student's choice, this book provides students and parents with an in-depth, holistic view of American college applications. In a competitive applicant market where it is increasingly difficult to gain acceptance into top universities, specific useful insights found in this book are necessary for students and parents who want to succeed. This book discusses successful and unsuccessful application trends and guides readers on how to avoid common mistakes. The author, who was accepted to 18 universities and graduated from Yale University, knows the entire application range. Having spent several years in China working with students on college applications, she has knowledge of both the Western and Asian systems that would help international applicants - particularly Asian students - in their endeavors.

Examines the roles of historical, cultural, and personal identities in the classroom Can whites teach African-American literature effectively and legitimately? What is at issue when a man teaches a women's studies course? How effectively can a straight woman educate students about gay and lesbian history? What are the political implications of the study of the colonizers by the colonized? More generally, how does the identity of an educator affect his or her credibility with students and with other educators? In incident after well-publicized incident, these abstract questions have turned up in America's classrooms and in national media, often trivialized as the latest example of PC excess. Going beyond simplistic headlines, Teaching What You're Not broaches these and many other difficult questions. With contributions from scholars in a variety of disciplines, the book examines the ways in which historical, cultural, and personal identities impact pedagogy and scholarship. Essays cover such topics as the outsider's gaze as it applies to the study of non-white literature; an able-bodied woman's reflections on teaching literature by disabled women; and the challenges of teaching the Western canon at an African American college.

A Child Knows More Than You Think
Written by a 12 Year Old Child With Dyslexia 
Jennifer is struggling through school. Kids tease her, teachers question her ability. Her own family doesn't even understand her.
Listen to her story as she tells it in her own words.
Learn how she struggles from being different from her peers, how she reacted when she finally found out why, and how she overcame the trials dyslexia brought into her life.  Parents, teachers, tutors, and family members will benefit from the lessons in this remarkable story.
“I Have Dyslexia: This Does Not Define Who I Am!”  Jennifer Smith
For the one in every five children who has dyslexia and the millions of other’s who struggle to read at their own grade levels and for their parents, teachers, tutors, families and friends.

More and more students in the world now decide to undertake their university studies in another country to their own. They see advantages of quality, value and experience in studying abroad and rightly see the experience as a preparation for life and a big plus for their CVs in an increasingly inter-connected world and job market. The world language is now undisputedly English and even universities in non-English speaking countries such as Holland and Denmark, universities that are wanting to attract international students, are switching to teaching university programmes in English. This makes for an unparalleled opportunity for UK students these days, just at a time when UK university fees are increasing significantly. This guide gives an overview of the opportunities available to UK students across the world, from the English speaking counties of the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, to Asia (India, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore), to offers nearer home, in Europe. As well as information on what is available - the education systems and academic cultures and demands of the different destination countries are explained, application procedures and information on living (accommodation, food, entertainment) are provided and there are self-development exercises that will help with the process of cultural readjustment that you as a UK student are likely to undergo and need to understand. The book covers information for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and recommends ideal destination countries for these. Tips and advice on how to avoid certain pitfalls while being an international student living abroad are provided.

Success in College provides essential information and advice that students need to better learn more and receive higher grades. It offers strategies for test- and note-taking, studying, writing papers, and making class schedules. Peter F. Burns also gives an insider's perspective to the academic semester, in-class behavior, and how and when to approach professors. Perhaps most importantly, there is invaluable advice about the attitude and work ethic that are essential to the development of outstanding college students. Burns uses his own college experiences, as well as the experiences of other students and professors and research findings, to supplement the material given. The impact of Success in College will last a lifetime. High school seniors, college students, and parents will welcome this humorous and thought-provoking work.

This book gathers 16 theorists from diverse spaces to see what they each have to say about play. From deep in the 19th century until contemporary times, across cultures and different disciplines, through many languages, these theorists observed children in their finest form, at play. From social interactions to meaningful engagements, beginning in the crib, and outside to the pitch and forest, these theorists examined the evidence before them. Each in their own way, they affirmed that play is at the center of childhood growth and development.

More and more people are considering a career in nursing or healthcare, but the thought of undertaking an academic degree at university can be intimidating. Whether you are moving straight from school or college or have been away from education for some time, Getting Ready for your Nursing Degree is essential preparation for anyone considering becoming or about to become a nursing student. It looks at all aspects of university work in a straightforward way and provides advice, examples and activities designed to help you get the most out of classes, research and assessments, from your first lecture right through to sitting exams and learning on placement. Designed with nursing students in mind, this small but perfectly formed guide is tailored to help you develop the skills you will need not only for your course but for your career and lifelong learning as a registered healthcare practitioner.

Are you thinking of studying at university in Britain? Do you feel confused about which course is best for you, which university to choose, and how to apply? Are you wondering about what kinds of challenges you will be faced with, how best to approach them and how to overcome them? If so, this guidebook is for you.

Honest and accurate, this book acts as an international student introduction and cultural guide to UK Higher Education. It informs and guides students in their preparation for all aspects of UK HE, from university selection and application through to participation, and provides a clear understanding of how British universities function. Helping international students make the most of the many opportunities that university offers, this text will expand your knowledge of UK Higher Education with regards to:

• Application procedures
• Finances
• Self-awareness, cultural understanding and adaptation (social and academic)
• University administrative procedures, facilities and support
• Work and career information and advice.

The International Student s Guide to UK Education is a comprehensive guide that will help students to develop critical and reflective ability in order to become independent, well-informed and empowered decision makers.

The Classroom Library: A Catalyst for Literacy Instruction serves two purposes by first providing classroom teachers with a how-to guide in setting up and using the classroom library to support literacy. Next, it provides teachers with excerpts and stories of practicing teachers who have successfully used their classroom library to teach literacy. A wide array of photos, documents, tips, ideas, and descriptions lead teachers to create a classroom library that will scaffold students in the classroom library to establish and extend their literacy development. Several chapters specifically focus on working with under-served students, including students in urban settings, those who are learning English as a second language, and students without access to other libraries. Content in this book is easy to use to help teachers establish a library oasis in their classroom to support learners in preschool through grade eight classrooms. This book is a companion book to More Mirrors in the Classroom:Using Urban Children's Literature to Increase Literacy. Both volumes cover the selection of culturally responsive children's literature.

This book explores what a PhD is and the challenges and rewards of completing this journey. There is no one way to complete a doctorate but there are a number of wrong ways, like having your ego flattered into it or because you can t think of what else you would like to do. This book is about what is like to submit yourself to the process of doing a doctorate. It is about how is feels to be a research student; the elation, the guilt, the isolation, the self-doubt, the loneliness. It also describes the practical issues such as choosing a topic, finding funding, writing a research proposal, different methods of research, the literature review, academic writing, the question of truth in research, the relationship between student and supervisor, maintaining a clear focus, and the viva examination. Lucy Russell Accessible and well-written, this guide will be invaluable reading for anyone thinking about, embarking on or completing a PhD.

You can take control of your well-being and mental health. Student life can be overwhelming, with so many issues to deal with including living away from home, workload, deadlines and exams, family pressures and challenging relationships. It is not surprising that you might struggle to cope sometimes. But there are simple and effective ways that you can take ownership of your mental health, meaning you stay stress free, enjoy your university experience and achieve academic success. This book guides you through your student journey from preparing to go to college or university, managing the academic pressures, finding a job, and everything in-between. Relevant scenarios are presented, linked to a series of topics that explore the challenges you might experience, along with self-enquiry reflections which help you to apply the theory to your own experience and key take-aways. The approaches and strategies outlined will help you improve your academic performance, enhance your social skills, learn to manage your emotions, reduce your anxieties, and help you to think in more empowering ways. Combining practical psychological and spiritual guidance, You've Got This is written in a down to earth, jargon-free way, helping you, the reader take responsibility over the most important thing of all - the way you think. Examples of topics covered: I am homesick and feel lonely I feel like I don't fit in I feel anxious about attending lectures I am scared to admit I am struggling at university I feel anxious about submitting my work I am worried if I don't get good grades, I won't get a good job I don't like attending lectures Why do I struggle with my mental health? I think I may have an eating disorder With over 100 topics providing solutions to common challenges faced by the university student, this book is a preventative tool, helping the student stay emotionally balanced allowing academic success. "...This book provides the kind of advice academic staff would want to offer if they could and gives boundless reassurance to parents who might be 'too' close to be able to help at the time. Perhaps most importantly, it offers students an immediate sense of not being alone, not being the only person to experience such fears, anxieties and stresses and instils the capacity to deal with the in ways that will, hopefully, provide them with learning for life." Professor Jonathan Parker, Bournemouth University

This book provides background, strategies, and tips for higher education faculty and instructors interested in incorporating meditation in their classrooms. The work is based on research involving introducing brief meditation practices to college students and developing a detailed guide. Readers will learn how to develop their own meditation practice as an academic, to set the stage of introducing practice to students, to create ideal conditions for meditation in the classroom, specific, classroom-friendly meditation methods, ways to advance meditation practice with students and keep it interesting, and how to spread the culture of meditation across campus. A detailed script is provided.

Ensuring Learning: Supporting Faculty to Improve Student Success is the second book in a two-book series. This book highlights the importance of teaching and learning in student success reform and is a deep dive into the fourth pillar, ensuring learning, of Guided Pathways which is a national movement focused on increasing the number of college students who earn a degree or credential. It emphasizes how institutional strategies such as investing in faculty development through Centers for Teaching and Learning and revising reward structures can significantly improve student achievement and completion rates. This book calls for colleges to prioritize teaching and learning and provides college leaders with guidance on how to do so. For example, strategies to develop and enhance Centers for Teaching and Learning and increase professional development programming that provides ongoing, substantial support to faculty are shared. Readers will benefit from numerous practical suggestions on how to help faculty improve teaching and learning practices and ultimately improve student success outcomes.

Here is a doorway through which readers will sneak a peak at the academy-its exterior and interior spaces. There is much within the academic environment that can invite entry or obstruct movement. With this text, doors have been opened for novice scholars and new faculty, as well as experienced academicians and administrators. Each chapter has an aperture on vital mentoring issues (such as productive learning within groups, developing effective marketing and networking strategies, and creating successful student-centered programs) that, together, provides a broader perspective on the professoriate. Readers are guided through the process of becoming successfully mentored, largely by entering into viable relationships and learning the art of receiving and giving. The various mentoring formats described provide exposure to a wide range of options that readers can mindfully act upon; these also demonstrate the value of learning within one-to-one systems and group contexts. Finally, readers are given access to guarded secrets about graduate school, not only concerning unspoken norms but also the 'hidden curriculum' of the academy and of mentor's expectations. The mentoring concepts and practices narrated have all been tested in real-life settings. Further, the chapters' case scenarios and analyses are supported with data collected from multiple sources_documents, surveys, and interviews_including the Writers in Training (WIT), a long-standing doctoral cohort. Dozens of graduate students in education in particular, as well as faculty and administrators have contributed to this work.

The goal of an elementary school is to educate all children. However, the growing number of students per school and the increased demands placed upon teachers make this more challenging every year. An involved parent is often the difference between a child who thrives in school, and one who merely goes to school. Yet, it is nearly impossible to help your child when you don't understand everything that is happening at school. The purpose of this book is to change all of that. No Parent Left Behind is a guide written to inform and empower parents of elementary school children. Its easy-to-understand language makes it an indispensable tool for all parents. This book is the first of its kind to take the language of education and define all the words, phrases, and processes involved in a child's school. The chapters are separated so that parents can easily open to a specific chapter to gain insight, understanding, and learn helpful tips. Petrosino and Spiegel cover every aspect of elementary education, including how to work with your child at home, and how to prepare your infant or toddler for success in elementary school. Parents never again need to feel insecure when entering their child's school or feel unsure about what is happening at school. Now, parents finally have a manual to guide them through their child's elementary education, whether a child is a regular education, gifted or special education student. This book will teach parents how to better support their child in the classroom and at home to ensure his or her educational success.

This book provides background, strategies, and tips for higher education faculty and instructors interested in incorporating meditation in their classrooms. The work is based on research involving introducing brief meditation practices to college students and developing a detailed guide. Readers will learn how to develop their own meditation practice as an academic, to set the stage of introducing practice to students, to create ideal conditions for meditation in the classroom, specific, classroom-friendly meditation methods, ways to advance meditation practice with students and keep it interesting, and how to spread the culture of meditation across campus. A detailed script is provided.

Title IX prohibits federally funded educational institutions-- from elementary to university level-- from discriminating against students or employees based on sex. Title IX applies to pregnant and parenting students. It prohibits discrimination against pregnant and parenting students and protects their right to an education equal to their peers. Although Title IX has improved opportunities for female students and is credited with decreasing the dropout rate of girls from high school, this same progress does not ring true for pregnant and parenting students. Fifty years after the passage of Title IX, the dropout rate for this student population is still 50%. This is in large part because educational barriers exist that push students out of school and schools are in direct violation of Title IX. What if those educational barriers exist at your school? What if your school is in direct violation of Title IX? Wouldn't you want to know? Helping Teen Moms Graduate will help make sure your school is in compliance and will help you to learn practical strategies for reducing the dropout rate for this student population.

The personal statement is a pivotal part of your UCAS application and the section that applicants agonise over the most. Admissions tutors will see hundreds of personal statements for one course alone, so how can you make yours stand out from the crowd? Uniquely written in direct collaboration with universities, this bestselling guide provides current and accurate insider information on what admissions tutors are really looking for. Helping you to make informed choices and positive applications, it is packed full of vital tips on: How to tailor the perfect personal statement for your chosen course, with a collection of subject-specific chapters The best way to showcase your skills Which classic mistakes you MUST avoid What an ideal personal statement looks like - and how to write one Fully updated to reflect the latest admissions procedures, this is a must-read for anyone wanting to write a winning UCAS personal statement and land a place on their dream course.

Every year, thousands of students participate in study abroad programs located in the United Kingdom. In this book, Holly Carter provides a guide to help ease the mystery, confusion, and frustration associated with studying abroad. Designed for student use, this book contains pre-departure information, tips for students in the first two weeks, advice for studying and living in the UK, and information about returning home and readjusting.

From choosing a supervisor and topic to staying motivated, completing a research thesis is not an easy matter. Each stage represents a different challenge and many students struggle through without identifying the skills needed to make the most of their time.

This wonderful resource for all doctoral and masters level students, explores the challenges and complexities of successfully engaging in the research process and thesis writing. Chapters include:

• choosing and working with a supervisor
• developing a research proposal
• motivating yourself
• choosing the right research method
• responding to criticism
• advice from the examiners
• preparing work for publication.

This clear and practical guide, ideal for all doctoral and masters level students, takes readers from the very early stages of the process through to the final phase of examination and publication, using vignette examples to highlight key issues.