The self-regulatory strategies discussed by
Zimmerman (2002) such as goal-setting, self-confidence, learning strategies,
time management, personal insight, and motivation are necessary applications for
students to be successful lifelong problem solvers (learners). James would agree that teaching self-regulatory
strategies creates habits that facilitate learning. “See to it now, I beg you, that you make
freeman of your pupils by habituating them to act, whenever possible, under the
notion of good” (James, 1899/2001, pp. 94-95).
Self-regulatory behaviors are critical for academic success
in all students, but specifically for the first-year college students who are
in a transitional stage of their education.
The first-year college student is moving from a highly controlled environment
(work or school) to one that is highly independent. One effective way to enhance student learning
is through a first-year experience course that is designed to assist students
in developing self-regulatory skills.
The course focuses on expectations of higher education, academic skill
development (learning strategies), academic support services (seeking help from
others), goal setting (personal and professional), and self-management skills
(time and stress management, self-discipline, self-motivation). Cueso (2003) stated, “research suggests that
the cognitive and behavioral habits students develop during their first year of
college may become their modus operandi for the entire college experience” (p.
272). Cuseo and James would agree that creating self-regulatory habits are vital
to success in education. “The more of
the details of our daily life we can hand over to the effortless custody of
automatism, the more our higher powers of mind will be set free for their own
proper work” (James, 1899/2001, p. 34).
Reference:
Cueso, J. (2003). Comprehensive academic support for
students during the first year of college.
In Kramer, G. L. &
Associates (Eds.), Student academic services
(pp. 271-309). San
Francisco, CA:
Jossey-Bass.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteI too read Zimmerman's article and agree with you that a first-year experience course that is designed in a way that teaches and reinforces self-regulatory skills would be advantageous. He mentioned near the end that many teachers don't discuss this in their classes or provide strategies to assist students with self-regulation. To be honest, I assumed they were taught these skills along their educational path before reaching college. I have slowly come to realize that even though these skills may have been taught (as we've read though that's a big "if"), they aren't incorporating them into their studies, for whatever reasons. Having this type of a course would help out not only the students but instructors as well.
Great idea!
Tori,
ReplyDeleteKCTCS approved a new course that will be offered for the first time this fall - FYE 105 (Achieving Academic Success). Is Gateway offering this new course in the fall?
Tori,
ReplyDeleteI see that I accidentally referred to Gateway and I meant Owensboro.