The Walter E. Dennis Learning Center - WEDLC

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General Description of EPL 259

Individual Learning and Motivation (ILM)
Strategies for Success in College

This 5-credit course teaches "study skills," which are abilities to use specific techniques and approaches to enable better learning, better understanding and better retention of what is taught. EPL 259 also addresses time and life management issues that are pertinent in a college environment. Using the ADAPT instructional model, the course introduces four key strategies for achievement: Take Reasonable Risk, Take Responsibility for your Outcomes, Search the Environment, and Use Feedback. These strategies are applied to enhancing skills and processes such as learning from lecture and text, preparing for exams, researching and writing papers, managing tasks, making career decisions, and managing oneself and one’s life at college. EPL 259 uses Learning and Motivation Strategies: Your Guide to Success by Tuckman, Abry, and Smith, 2002, as the primary textbook. The following topics are covered:

Module 1: Introduction...

...describes the purpose and format of the course.

Module 2: The Keys to Achievement...

...introduces general overall strategies that enable people to be successful achievers.

Module 3: Procrastination - The Thief of Time...

...describes strategies and approaches that reduce or eliminate procrastination.

Get more information on Procrastination.

Module 4: Believing in Yourself - Self-Confidence...

...introduces methods that increase self-confidence.

Module 5: Taking Responsibility - It's Up to You...

...presents methods that increase one's sense of control over life.

Module 6: Active Listening - Learning from Lecture...

...describes methods for taking notes and processing the material from notes.

Module 7: Active Reading - Learning from Text...

...introduces methods for reading and understanding text materials.

Learn how to construct a Q & A outline.

Module 8: Preparing for Exams...

...describes methods for organizing class information to successfully prepare for exams.

Learn how to overcome test anxiety.

Module 9: Preparing Papers and Speeches...

...covers methods for writing papers and giving speeches.

See the step-by-step guide on how to prepare a speech for EPL 259.

Module 10: Managing Your Life in School...

...presents methods for successful adjustment to college life.

Module 11: Relationships that Work...

...introduces methods for developing and maintaining healthy adult relationships.

Module 12: Preparing for Your Future...

...covers methods for exploring potential career choices.

See a slideshow on the EPL259 - ILM course.

See an evaluation of the course on student GPA.

EPL259 uses "A Hope in the Unseen" by Ron Suskind as a supplementary reading.

For information on the book, follow these links:

Purchase the book from Amazon.com

Read the Wall Street Journal articles for which Suskind won the Pulitzer Prize

To learn more about WEDLC services, stop in at the Walter E. Dennis Learning Center, meet our Learning Specialists, and try our online resources on topics including note-taking, test preparation, and time management. If you'd like to raise your GPA, consider taking EPL 259 Individual Learning and Motivation: Strategies for Success in College. If you have any questions, call a WEDLC Learning Specialist at 688-3967 or email us. If you are currently in the Walter E. Dennis Learning Center, look for a Learning Specialist in room 250K.