A Curriculum by Definition - Essay Example

College Level Study Skills Curriculum Design Project affiliation A curriculum by definition is that which is taught in schools. A set of subjects or a program of studies that when aggregated facilitate the process of learning in a school system. It revolves around the default and designed concepts, substance, modes of instruction, handiness, mechanisms of evaluation and attitudes dispensed formally in the classroom and or through other non classroom activities that commandeer prospective emotional, academic, physical and social development of the college student. Needs The sole purpose of studying is to read, comprehend and apply a piece of text or information to a prevailing situation. Each page and chapter may encompass a tedious load for the student hence command in the subject of discussion is key and rivets a methodological loom involving a number of steps. There is a myriad of textbook reading systems, many of which have three stages in common: a pre-reading stage, a reading stage and a post reading stage. Exposing learners to these systems empowers them to culture a system of critiquing issues, strategic approach to reading and establishing a student centered textbook study system. Overview A proper reading system should entail the learner combing through a given text to unearth its gist. Skimming through the titles and sub headings to decipher issues of uttermost interest, problems highlighted and queries posed. Desist from overemphasis on analysis of pieces. This is encouraged to jumpstart the learners’ innate prowess to overcome torpor and gain impetus for reading. Objectives To expound on the command of the contents of tertiary level study skills. To provide an avenue for designing methodology and mechanisms for demonstrating subjects enshrined in institutional level study skills. To familiarize the scholar with the procedures involved in proper primer study reading. To provide prospects for students to indulge generative processes. To grant practice using pre-reading stratagem that trigger schema, familiarize the learner with vocabulary and notions of substance to be read. To elucidate reasons for attending college To boost self-esteem of the learners Needs assessment The major discrepancy between an excellent student and poor students is the mode of study. Inadequate students highlight points in textbooks and hope that they will be able to comprehend it later while excellent students use a learning system. A study system enables the student to filter the key ideas under test, and provides a way of settling them through generation of solutions The main difference between good students and poor students is the way they study. Poor students read their textbooks, underline, and hope that the significant points stick in their memories. Good students use a study system. A study system helps you choose the key ideas that are likely to be on a test, and it gives you a way to memorize them. There are many study systems. Some students outline chapters and memorize their outlines. Some students make chapter summaries. But the most efficient study system of all is SQ3R, which stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. SQ3R was designed for textbook reading, and it is guaranteed to increase your comprehension, memory and speed. SURVEY Before delving deep into the contents in a piece one has to first survey the book. The reader has to first scan the phase matter i.e. the title, the author, the time of publication, the table of contents, and the preface and/or the introduction. Then survey the index, glossary, and the appendices segment. Flip through the book while checking the chapter organization. The learner has to pay key interest in summaries, diagrams, review questions and chapter outlines. It often gives a brief overview of the topics in the book, opening up the reader to study aids for the book. When a chapter is assigned to the reader, they have to first take some time to scan and internalize the gist of the piece. QUESTION When tackling large volumes of texts break them down into smaller and more manageable bits i.e. read, question and recite steps. The learner has to first internalize what it is they are reading about through questioning the purpose of your reading. Questioning gives direction to your reading, indulges one actively and prevents your mind from veering off the topic under scrutiny. READ Reading through the section allows the learner to look for answers and take note of important nit bits. As one does this caution should be exercised especially towards the temptation to highlight or memorize. Additionally any issues that require clarification are noted during this period. There exist in the offing a myriad of study systems where learners delineate chapters and memorize them. While most students make chapter summary,SQ3R, Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review, is the most effective study system.. It is basically designed for textbook reading and guarantees increased comprehension. QUESTION If the chapter is long, break it down into sections for the Question, Read, and Recite steps. First, using the headings you have surveyed, ask yourself questions about what you will be reading. Questioning gives direction to your reading, indulges one actively and prevents your mind from veering off. In summary SQ3R entails: Reading titles and synopsis Revising titles into questions Indulgently read to respond to issues raised Test your level of comprehension Try reciting the entire chapter Evaluation The learners have to evaluate themselves on their mastery of the topic. They take control of their learning activities by utilizing a personal textbook study system. It offers an unchallenged experience especially in student self- assessment as it merges different erudition styles and inclinations in the unending quest for academic excellence and knowledge autonomy. Methods of Evaluation Oral presentation Completion of written assignments Demonstration of application of specific study skills to content courses Online discussions Final seat-in examination Methods of Instruction The major methods of instruction will encompass but not limited to group and individual exercises, guest speakers to break monotony, computerized digital presentations, group forums, Implementation Enforcing a reading system would ensure the students proper reader-ability, comprehension and increasing their methodology of making skills more applicable. A proper reading system challenges the student in the learner to clarify their purpose in education and indulge the necessary skills to attain them. Topics of paramount importance include communication skills, time management, goal setting, study skills and career planning. After the student has undergone the processes above he should be able to: Appreciate the value of college Understand their motivation for enrolling in college Appreciate the learned individual in society Understand studying for learnings sake Appreciate the society’s academic expectations re References David Ellis, Becoming A Master Student, Houghton-Mifflin, 2006. Jodi P. Holschuh And Sherrie L. Nist, Effective College Learning, 2007. Read More