The big conversation for many years has been go to college. A decent goal that everyone develop the skills to be prepared, increase options. Now the concern is how to stay in college.
According to recent research staying in college is more difficult than getting there. To some degree there are specific rules and procedures to follow and one gets in college. Apply, find the money, have a high enough GPA and ACT and then select the college. Staying there is more attitude and behavior.
Yes all students need academic skills. There is a major question in the research about how much and howhigh. But assuming every one that gets in is at least meeting the entrance requirement. Why do some remain the necessary years and why do other bomb out? Well the research suggests that number one is that many students and families do not recognize that college is different than high school. Duh?
The two absolutely necessary academic skills determined by research are writing and research skills. Again there is a question about how prepared the average high school students is with either of these academic skills.
The most important skills for college success are self-direction, self motivation, study skills, group work, time management and organization. Not particularly surprising. Those are the skills necessary for almost any career. They are learned skills and can be developed and improved. None of these skills are related to genes or past history or poverty or family life. What the research is suggesting is that college readiness is more than a bunch of courses and good grades. Learning to think, organize thoughts, communicate your ideas and be motivated are equally important.
Southwest has a long history with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaueate courses and study. Fortunately these are a strong curriculum and academically sound but they also require students to think, create, apply and inquire. Not saying that we do it all perfectly but it is comforting to have research confirm that this is the right path.
Do we support the learning of those skills as teachers and parents. Are we seeing that our students understand self-direction and motivation (responsibility)? Do we push writing and research? Do we challenge our students and children to accept responsibility for what they are doing. Or do we skim through a quarter and then with a couple extra credit projects get by?
Are we preparing students to enter college or complete college?
1 comment:
Such a good topic, and good timing! I have a student starting his senior year, as well as an alumn that is starting his 3rd year of college. My college student has said on more than one occasion that while "prepping" him for college - the one thing that was missed by both middle school and high school - was HOW to study! It would have been nice to have every incoming freshman take some kind of study skills class or touch on it in one of the core classes. It would have prepared him much better for college.
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