First Year Initiative

Student Responsibility

High School

"Teacher Supported"

College

"Student Directed"

High schools and teachers require attendance.

Successful students attend all classes although attendance may not be required.

Teachers remind students of assignments and tests.

Students complete assignments and take tests on time.

Teachers tell students what to study.

Successful students determine what to learn and how to study, considering learning styles.

Teachers:

Successful students:

Teachers guide research and the location of information.

Successful students possess library and internet research skills.

Teachers give students supplementary information.

Successful students seek background information or supplementary resources.

Teachers monitor performance by providing grade sheets.

Successful students monitor their own performance and set improvement goals.

Teachers discipline inappropriate talking in class.

Teachers do not tolerate inappropriate talking in class.

Teachers usually require less outside studying than college.

Successful students study 2-3 hours for each one hour of class time.

Teachers provide in-class study time.

Successful students use study areas on campus and create a study area at home.

Others schedule a student’s time.

Successful students manage time for classes, study, work and social life.

Students often choose elective courses based on interest.

Successful students choose courses based on program, degree, or transfer requirements.

Resources & Support
High School "Parent/Teacher Directed"	College "Student Directed"
Students have daily contact with teachers.	Successful students have limited contact with teachers and must seek feedback.
Teachers and parents arrange academic accommodations and services for students with special needs.	Successful students seek out academic accommodations and special assistance.
Teachers provide extra help.	Successful students seek tutoring and further assistance during instructor office hours.
Friends and family support students.	Students may not be in contact with an older support system and need to create a new support system.
Teachers give structured assignments with clear directions.	Successful students organize and interpret assignments and conduct research independently.
Teachers use T/F and multiple-choice questions.	Teachers give complex exam questions requiring analysis, application, and synthesis of ideas and theories using multiple-choice and essay formats.
Teachers test frequently, providing retakes and make-ups.	Teachers give fewer tests (2-3 per semester) and may not allow for make-ups or retakes
Assignment grades based on effort and completion.	Grades reflect the quality & adherence to college-level thinking and writing.
Teachers offer extra-credit opportunities.	Teachers may not offer extra-credit.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 5/09/06

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