Part I: Getting Started

Photo Credit: www.uvi.edu

How do I use this book?

As a new student, the best way to use this book is as a guide to your first semester. Take a few moments in the days before class, or your first few weeks, to get acquainted with the material in these chapters.  Refer back to chapters along the way to find key information.

If you are a continuing student, you may already be aware of some areas where you want to strengthen your skills.  Dive into the chapters that seem most relevant to you.

How is this book organized?

In each chapter, you will see the following features to guide you:

• Plan-Monitor-Evaluate Connection.  This helps you to identify where each skill fits into the larger framework for organizing your learning.
• Learning Objectives guide you through what you can expect to learn by reading and completing the chapter exercises.
• Try it! activities allow you an immediate opportunity to put new information into practice in your current courses.  You will benefit most from this book if you take the time to try the new skills presented and see how they work for you.
• Extend Your Learning sections provide you with opportunities to continue exploring the concepts you are learning through connections to other helpful information.

Let’s get started!