Going West Well: Suggestions for Success in English Program Courses

Develop Intellectual Curiosity

Focus on Adaptability

Commit to Proactivity

Develop Intellectual Curiosity

*Read and reread all assigned materials with three questions in mind: What?; How?; and Why? Answer these questions as you read, and do so in writing so that you have a record of the reading you accomplish.

*See reading assignments as opportunities instead of requirements.

*Throw away the highlighters and engage with assigned materials via close annotation.

*Engage with peers and professor during class discussion of reading materials--ask questions, offer your ideas, and be willing to revisit any given text after discussions.

Annotation Resources to Investigate: KWL charts, the SQ3R method, SOAPSTone.

Focus on Adaptability

In English courses, professors will often ask you to draw upon existing composition skill sets as you move towards greater sophistication, which is good. But you must also . . .

*make use of your professor's written or verbal comments to revise work. Writing and rewriting is a must.

*make use of various writing strategies or processes that you may have ignored in the past.

*develop an academic voice that, while still your voice, approaches writing from a more critical stance and exhibits a range of abilities.

Commit to Proactivity

*If you earn grades that trouble you, immediately use resources mentioned on ENGL course syllabi, especially professor office hours. Getting professional input for writing improvement makes good sense.

*Set up a standing, weekly appointment at the University Writing Center or the EXCEL center. Along with class time and the hours you work on your own, an hour with a tutor each week can potentially add points to your final grade.

*Most of all, remember: "Education is not a spectator sport."