Issue 27(1)
Your
Guide to College Success: Strategies for Achieving Your Goals
(Instructor's Guide).
(2007). John W. Santrock and
Jane S. Halonen. Kendallville, IN: Thomson Learning,
320 pp. Price $38.95. ISBN # 1-4130-2073-9.
Review
by: Kerrie M. Rueda
Coordinator
of Study Abroad, Office of International Studies
Florida International
University,
Miami
Providing
useful tools for students and those assisting them through the
first year of college is the focus of Your Guide to Student
Success . This combination text/workbook addresses the main
issues faced by students entering their first year of college
in a format that will appeal to students, instructors and advisors
alike.
This
text is divided into easily digested chapters that cover several
areas critical to establishing foundations for success. Unlike
other such texts Santrock and Halonen begin by guiding students
through the frequently overlooked process of identifying their
values and goals before providing them with a wealth of resources
in areas that include time management, study skills, communication
and relationships, health and wellness, and managing finances.
The process of identifying personal values and goals is then woven
throughout the remainder of the text. Each chapter builds upon
the previous one as students are reminded to consider their values
and goals when making choices. This element is refreshing in a
text that could otherwise be impersonal.
What
further sets this book apart as a valuable resource is its format
for delivering the information in formulaic chapters that each
follows a pattern. The authors begin each chapter with a self-evaluation
called "Where are You?" that allows students to understand their
aptitudes with regard to the chapter topic. They then provide
real life stories of well-known public figures in order to place
the topic in a context that allows the student to relate on a
personal level.
Within
each chapter, myriad tools are provided to assist the student
in understanding the material and putting it into practice. "On
Target Tips," "Staying out of the Pits," and "Take Charge" boxes
appear throughout the book to offer strategies, suggestions for
avoiding problems, and ideas for implementing aspects of the concept
discussed. "Learning Portfolios" end each chapter by offering
self-assessment worksheets and journal exercises that ask the
student to reflect, think critically, create and act on the topic.
The
authors address each student as an individual rather than preaching
to a group. They have taken great pains to approach each topic
so that every student will find something that resonates e.g.,
not only do authors explain different learning styles, they
do so by inserting diagrams that appeal to visual learners. Inspirational
quotes from authors, sports figures, educators and other notable
figures from history are scattered throughout the book; the variety
of individuals quoted broadens the book's appeal.
Instructors
of First Year Experience courses should strongly consider using
this text in their classes. Students will find the text easy to
understand and practical as they move through their first year
and beyond. Although this book's primary audience is First Year
Experience courses, Santrock and Halonen have created a tool that
easily can be adapted for use by academic advisors. Any academic
advisor would benefit from adding this book to their personal
library as it provides the advisor with useful tools to supplement
advising sessions and workshops. Although I am not currently in
advising, I look forward to incorporating ideas from this text
in my approach to teaching the First Year Experience class, as
well as throughout my career as an advisor.
