Key Features

• Includes information about COVID-19 and an expanded discussion of online learning
• Practical, no-nonsense approach is easily understood and can be successfully applied by students with any level of preparation.
• Clearly organized, consistent structure supports learning by students with varying levels of preparation.
• Complete coverage of online learning is integrated throughout all chapters, including online degree programs, electronic texts, digital testing and online assessments, online social networking, reading and working with websites, relating to instructors and peers online, and writing for online courses.
• Insight-generating self-assessments woven throughout stimulate and support active reading, self-reflection, and critical thought.
• Particularly strong coverage of adapting to college (Ch. 1: “You and Your College Experience”); note taking (Ch. 3: “Listening, Taking Notes, and Remembering”); test taking (Ch. 6: Preparing for and Taking Tests”); and financial literacy (Ch. 11: “Taking Control of Your Finances”) helps students succeed.
• Consistent, supportive framework reinforces learning:
  • “Where Are You Now?” assessments at the start of each chapter help students gauge their present knowledge and attitudes regarding upcoming chapter topics.
  • “Where Do You Want to Go?” assessments build upon the preceding “Where Are You Now?” questions and help students determine what they want to get out of the following chapter.
  • “How to Get There” bullet-point summaries connect what students discovered about themselves in the chapter-opening assessments to the chapter’s upcoming material.
  • Interactive self-assessments, case studies, and tips for success strategically placed throughout each chapter engage students’ interest and take advantage of teachable moments to convey important information.
  • Additional interactive features throughout:
    • “Activity” feature provides opportunities for students to critically evaluate and process their own thoughts, actions, and behaviors—and raises learners’ levels of awareness to stimulate self-improvement.  
    • “Exercise” feature prompts students to reflect on the material just read and interact with key concepts via written responses to prompts.
    • “Make an Action List” feature encourages learners to turn thoughts and intentions into measurable steps.
  • “Key Takeaways” and “Checkpoint Exercises” at the end of every section reflect the section’s “Learning Objectives” and encourage students to consolidate what they just read while it is fresh and best retained.
  • End-of-chapter material include “Chapter Takeaway” summaries; “Chapter Reviews” which call for written responses; “Outside the Book” sections that expand learning opportunities through activities such as journaling; “Make an Action List” features that help students transition from thinking to doing; and “Class Discussion Questions” that connect students and encourage interaction.