Synopses & Reviews
Ann Dillon's MAKING CONNECTIONS gives students integrated instruction on study, reading and writing skills-skills that are critical for students' success in college, but which are often not taught together. Dillon helps readers see the connections between these crucial skills by emphasizing practical applications and exercises throughout the text. Organized around thematic units, this essential book begins by introducing basic key elements of College Success. It then takes the reader into the thematic units (Parts 3 and 4) that show the connections between reading skills, study skills, and writing skills. This integration allows the student to apply these skills and study strategies to their college learning.
Review
"A text that incorporates reading, writing, and study skills instruction in a guided and cooperative process under one cover will fill a void..."
Review
"I do think that building the text around these themes will make it successful....I like the approach of incorporating these skills into the overall topic of college success."
Review
"I think that reading, writing and study skills are related and are connected to success in college. I further agree that demonstrating these connections could prove highly beneficial...."
Review
"The "Are You Connected? and "Have you Connected" segments are great for faculty to introduce and conclude each chapter to ensure students are grasping the information."
About the Author
Ann Dillon earned a B.S. in Education from Duquesne University, a M.Ed. from Slippery Rock University, and a J.D. with Distinction from St. Mary's University. She served as Articles Editor for the St. Mary's Law Journal and an author for the Council of School Attorneys' Journal. She is a member of Phi Delta Phi, Order of Barristers, and the John M. Harlan Society. She has also been a speaker at the Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA), National Association for Developmental Education (NADE), and the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Conferences, as well as presenting in service training workshops. She has taught developmental education courses at Community College of Allegheny County and Austin Community College, where she is a member of the Developmental Communications faculty and has taught government and effective learning courses in addition to study skills, vocabulary and reading.
Table of Contents
Part I. STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS. 1. Setting Goals for Success. 2. Managing Time. 3. Getting and Staying Motivated. 4. Individual Learning Preferences. Part II. MASTERING COLLEGE COURSES. 5. Memory Techniques for Learning. 6. Thinking Critically About Your Courses and Beyond. 7. Taking Notes from Lectures and Textbooks. 8. Demonstrating Knowledge and Earning Good Grades. Part III. STUDY, READING, AND WRITING SKILLS IN CONTEXT: MAINTAINING A HEALTHY BALANCE. 9. Getting Physically Fit. 10. Getting Fiscally Fit. 11.Valuing Ethics and Integrity. Part IV. STUDY, READING, AND WRITING SKILLS IN CONTEXT: THE WORLD AROUND US. 12. Appreciating Culture and Gender. 13.Valuing Citizenship.