PLC & Pre-University/College
Programme 1
Support for Pre-University Students
The aim of this programme is to help each student prepare for the college experience, so as to gain as much as possible from it, and to perform academically according to one’s ability and potential.
Elements:
1. Fortnightly contact (by phone or in person) with a member of the J.U.S.T. support team. The aim of this regular contact is to ensure that any difficulties can be resolved as soon as possible.
2. A monthly peer group meeting. This meeting with other students at the same stage will provide an opportunity to share experiences and learn from others.
3. A year-long programme addressing specific issues, divided between two semesters.
1st Semester
Starting the week of Monday, September 8th, 2008
Day and Time:
Length of Session: 90 minutes
WEEK 1:
Starting out in College:
Introductions & forum discussion on
a) Experience of obstacles overcome & to be overcome
b) Hopes & Fears,
c) Sharing of successful experiences with study.
1st Written Assignment: Complete fully J.U.S.T. Student Information Form
WEEK 2:
Notes
Lectures, note-taking and study skills.
What’s it like in a class or lecture?
What should I do at a Class or lecture?
What notes should I take?
What will I do afterwards?
How will I remember?
Handout on taking notes - available
Return Completed J.U.S.T. student Information Form.
WEEK 3:
Notes
Cultural event:
Film, Play or other event followed by informal discussion
2nd Written Assignment.
WEEK4:
Staying focussed and in control
What should I study first?
How should I study it?
Where will I study?
When will I study?
What has worked for students and what has not worked.
Input from animator.
Handout on Basic Study Methods - available
WEEK 5:
Reading a book or an article.
How to use SQ3R Method (Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review)
Handout on SQ3R method - available
Use SQ3R method on 2 previous handouts
3rd Written Assignment.
WEEK 6:
Motivation
The role of the learning environment, incentives, goals.
The role of the learners attitudes & beliefs, desire, & anxiety.
The role of planning & organisation in the learning process.
Looking at the problem of Procrastination
Handout on general principles of motivation
Handout on motivation and procrastination
DCU Fact Sheet on procrastination - All available
WEEK 7:
Review of material covered to date:
Forum discussion on learning re:
Study methods, Note taking, Reading, Motivation.
Sharing in small groups of what found helpful & how you used it.
4th Written Assignment.
WEEK 8:
Cultural event
Film, Play or other event followed by informal discussion.
WEEK 9:
Essays and written assignments.
(acquiring the skills needed to complete written assignments).
Steps in Essay Writing:
Decide Topic, Outlining ideas, Thesis Statement, Body of essay, Introduction, Conclusion, Finishing Touches.
Handout ‘Basic Guide to Essay Writing’ – available
Check out ‘Google’: Essay Writing.
WEEK 10:
Using the Internet for research.
Using a search engine like ‘Google’
Using the SQ3R reading method.
Semester-long option: Computer skills
2nd Semester
Starting the week of Monday, January 8th, 2007
Day and Time:
Length of Session: 90 minutes
WEEK 1:
Personal Organisation (Managing your valuable time)
Developing blocks of study time, Reviewing & scheduling reviews, Prioritising assignments, Different places to study, Planning,
Time Management & use of the internet
Handout on Time Management
WEEK 2:
Essay Writing and written assignments 2.
Looking at use of language, style, referencing etc, with assistance from Trinity Access Programme Writing Resource Centre material
WEEK 3:
Cultural Event, / Informal discussion.
WEEK 4:
Stress Management & Health Promotion
(How to keep a healthy mind in a healthy body)
WEEK 5:
Communication skills
(Developing clarity, logic and reason in what I say and what I write,
with assistance from Trinity Access Programme Writing Resource Centre material - Handouts)
WEEK 6:
Presentation Skills
(The skills needed to make competent written and oral presentations)
WEEK 7:
Cultural Event, / Informal discussion.
WEEK 8:
Personal Development (Personal growth in an academic context)
WEEK 9:
Assertiveness
WEEK 10:
PREPARATION FOR EXAMS (Being prepared to perform well)
WEEK 11:
PREPARATION FOR EXAMS (Being prepared to perform well)