University 101: Study, Strategize and Succeed

Reviewed by Erin Weldon, Instructional Design Specialist, Trine University on 1/5/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

University 101 provides a comprehensive view of various topics from developing a foundation of post-secondary education to planning for success, managing time, ways to learn, study tips, project completion tips, preparing for exams, and moving forward in your educational career. Students might find it helpful to have information regarding how to “learn” in an online learning setting (synchronous or asynchronous) as online learning continues to expand at a rapid rate. Teaching about technology skills that will support successful learning will assist learners who are using technology in their courses.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate and up to date on the most successful strategies.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This textbook is designed for both first-year college students and adults pursuing higher education for the first time. While primarily geared towards undergraduates, it also contains valuable insights for graduate students. The text contains insightful information for new students, returning students, international students, or students wanting to improve their skills and strategies. Packed with practical guidance and insights into graduate-level studies, it lays the groundwork for a future companion text: "Graduate University 101."

Clarity rating: 5

The text was written concisely. The book is accessible and contains content that is written to align with student success.

Consistency rating: 5

This textbook's consistent tone and organization make it an accessible and user-friendly resource for both first-year college students and adult learners. From introducing key concepts to building upon them, the writing style maintains a clear and cohesive flow throughout, ensuring a smooth and consistent learning experience.

Modularity rating: 5

Whether you're a visual learner or prefer concise summaries, this textbook has you covered. Each section is the perfect length to keep you engaged, and bullet points provide a clear roadmap to navigate the material. And if you need a quick reference, key details are presented in a visually appealing way, often with helpful images like illustrations or timelines. It might helpful for students to be able to download a few quick infographics to have on hand when working on their assignments to illustrate the key ideas.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Each topic is organized in a logical way that allows learners to build upon knowledge to gain knew knowledge. Learners are able to build stronger connections with the logical flow and see how different topics are related or how they build upon each other.

Interface rating: 5

No navigational issues found. The textbook navigation is accessible to readers. There are multiple ways to read the text such as a PDF, Online, eBook, XML, and ODF format.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

None found.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I appreciated the relevance to all types of learners. As stated above, the text contains insightful information for new students, returning students, international students, or students wanting to improve their skills and strategies. This textbook promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. By embracing diverse perspectives, students develop a deeper understanding of learning strategies and their role as a student.

Reviewed by Suzannah Crandall, Bridge Program Coordinator/Instructor, University of Wisconsin - Superior on 11/5/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This book does a great job of covering core topics essential for any student to gain a solid foundation . The order of topics was appropriate and incorporation of exercises in each section is an appropriate method of engagement for students. Information given is quite simple and straightforward. Supplemental information and examples to increase relatability will be helpful for students engaging with this text.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate and straightforward.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Concepts were up-to-date though it was noted that alternative approaches could have been presented in each section . Example, SMART goals was used for goal setting and while this is a straightforward approach, alternatives that seek to think more about purpose and focus on creating routines could have been helpful (i.e. systems approach). Additionally, while it would be difficult to include videos or memes that hold long-term relevance, the use of images or alternative modalities may increase engagement by students.

Clarity rating: 5

The book was written at an appropriate level for early college level students.

Consistency rating: 5

The text and layout of the book were consistent throughout. Color to highlight boxes was done well to help quickly orient to specific information in each sections (i.e. objectives and exercises)

Modularity rating: 4

Sections were short and simple. There were lots of simple bullet points which were helpful to avoid block text however charts or images may be helpful to hold student attention.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Text was easy to read and sections were consistent. The incorporation of color was nice to quickly be able to search and refer to during class or in an assignment. Exercises at the end or incorporated into each topic related to each topic well and were a good way to apply concepts.

Interface rating: 3

I reviewed the book using a downloaded PDF. All links to exercise sheets worked well however when returning to the text, it would return to the start of the text and the entire book had to be scrolled through again to return to the page.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

None notable.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text remained neutral throughout and relied upon each individual's experiences as a point of reference for the topics. Alternative perspectives and approaches to topics could be incorporated in with the addition of videos, podcasts, etc. per an instructors preference to supplement the material in the text.

Reviewed by Jennifer Simpson, Lecturer, West Virginia University on 5/2/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The ideas presented in this textbook are set up in a way that is easy for students to understand. I liked the variety of topics. Having worksheets embedded in the text made it simple to use.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content was presented very well. The information provided was accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This book is wonderful for college bound high school students, first year college/university students, or ESL students preparing to attend a university. The topics are perfect and cover all needed material.

Clarity rating: 5

This book is extremely clear. I looked at this book for an ESL course and found the language used to work very well.

Consistency rating: 5

The flow of the text is consistent throughout the entire text. They use the same framework to build each chapter and topic.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is divided into chapters and sub-headings. It would be easy to assign small blocks of reading to the students. There are also activities that are presented directly within the text, making it easy to give assignments or have in-class activities.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I teach a university success course and the outline of this book is almost identical to my organization of topics. I feel that it is very organized and everything is well labeled.

Interface rating: 3

The biggest problem I encountered with this book has to do with broken links. There were many broken links across the chapters. There were also several broken links in the references. They advise students to make use of a few programs that have been discontinued, such as Wunderlist.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not find any grammatical errors in this text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

While this text is not insensitive or offensive, it does not have any sections on diversity. I used supplemental materials to teach about cultural diversity. The pictures represented some diversity, but I did not feel it was enough.

Comments

The worksheets that are embedded in the text are on KPU stationary. They are PDF's, making it difficult to alter the pages. I intend to change the worksheets to be used in my classroom. I will have to do a new CCBy license to alter the worksheets and remove school logos and broken links. I hope to remove all mention of any specific university within the curriculum and have a folder of Word documents that can be added to your own school stationary for distribution.

Reviewed by Leticia Schneider, Adjunct Faculty/ First Year Experience, Eastern New Mexico University on 11/5/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This textbook covers important areas to be success in college (time management, study skills, and learning strategies). The textbook has several worksheets that you can click on which are helpful, but no back button to take you were you were reading. You would have to start from the title page. They did have a clickable arrow at the bottom of the screen, you can click to the Next section or the Previous section with the title. Organization of the book flowed easily from one topic to the next.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Yes, every section was properly cited throughout the book.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The textbook was easy to follow and up to date.

Clarity rating: 5

The terminology was explained and easy to read.

Consistency rating: 5

The textbook was consistent with the layout (Learning Objectives, the explanation of the section, Try It! Section, and Extend Your Learning section) At the beginning of each chapter, the Author has a Plan-Monitor-Evaluate Connection explaining what part of the learning cycle you will be exposed to.

Modularity rating: 5

This book could be utilized for an entire course and each chapter leads nicely into the next.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

From headings to subheading, the topics are well organized and easy to read. Organization of the book flowed easily from one topic to the next.

Interface rating: 5

All worksheet and images/charts are easily viewable.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical error are found in this resource.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This book is written in general terms.

Comments

This textbook is very precise and to the point. I like this book as a supplement to the Campus resource you might be teaching at. The time management section can be helpful for students.

Reviewed by Carissa Johnson, Adjunct faculty, First Year Experience, Anoka-Ramsey Community College on 10/27/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The index is clear and concise as well as true to the content it lists. The book begins by building a foundation for college success and emphasizes the importance of learning how to learn. Key questions are posed within each section to maintain the student's active learning process, and exercises are included promote student involvement in this process. This is not a one-sided reading experience, rather it keeps the reader engaged and accountable.

The resource is cleanly divided into sections; within each there is thorough attention given to concepts, clear examples of these concepts and how they take shape in the learning process, and activities for students that can be used in both seated and online learning environments. Detailed explanation of how to use the book is provided early on, in order to familiarize the reader on how to make the most of the material. There is extensive focus on application of the learning objectives and it is evident that the author(s) have a solid grasp on how to best organize information in a way that will allow for involved and engaged learning.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Adaptations are properly cited throughout the entirety of the resource. I did not observe any inaccuracies, errors, or bias; the work is precise, professional, and of meticulous quality.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book introduces the cycle of planning, monitoring, and evaluation in the learning process in the first chapter, and each section includes learning objectives that will incorporate the cycle throughout the book. Application of this can be applied to all areas of college success and will likely be applicable for a long time to come. Additionally, concepts widely recognized to support student growth and development such as SMART goal setting, growth mindset, and the Four Levels of Questioning are included. While not all higher educational institutions use the Moodle platform referenced in book for online learning, it would not be difficult for an instructor to refer students to BrightSpace, Blackboard, or an alternative platform. Additional tips for virtual student success could be expanded upon and would further strengthen this content and its relevance for a rapidly increasing number of distance learners.

Clarity rating: 5

The text avoids use of jargon that a college student would not be familiar with, with the exception of the introduction of topics that are clearly defined and explained (such as SQ3R: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review technique or metacognition.) When these terms are used, they are thoroughly illustrated and explored, with the inclusion of opportunities to deepen student comprehension.

Consistency rating: 5

Each chapter includes the following four components: (1) The Plan-Monitor-Evaluate Connection, (2) the learning objectives for the particular section, (3) exercises and activities for students to practice, and (4) an 'Extend Your Learning' section that provides tips and strategies to continue building on the concepts covered. This consistency allows for the user to put into practice the Plan-Monitor-Evaluate cycle as they go through each lesson; transitions between topics/section are smooth.

Modularity rating: 5

Excellent. The text is clearly divided into nine sections; each with numbered subsections that are easy to refer back to. The organization of the content is consistent and easy to follow in both the PDF print and online forms. Detailed explanation of how to use the book is provided early on in order to familiarize the reader on how to make the most of the material. In addition, use of color and text boxes are included consistently to help the reader capture important points, and add to the flow of the book. The resource is easy to read, user-friendly, and would likely be useful to many educators who could easily choose the sections most relevant to their classrooms without becoming bogged down in content they choose not to utilize.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text begins with an introduction to metacognition and lays out the cycle of planning, monitoring, and evaluating as guiding concepts that will be followed throughout the text, before moving into the development of a foundation for post-secondary education. Though it could initially be confusing to a student unfamiliar with these terms, this is done with the intention of teaching a student how to put the planning, monitoring, and evaluating cycle into action from the start, allowing a student to begin with this method and use it throughout the text. The topics are ordered appropriately for a student new to the college experience.

Interface rating: 5

The text and links are easy to navigate and move through; all links to exercises, downloadable worksheets, and visual aids work properly and without any significant lag time. Multiple versions are available including PDF, eBook, Online, ODF, and XML. All versions displayed the same and without issue.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors are found in this resource.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The book is not culturally offensive or insensitive in any way. The university resources section provides specialized advising for international students and resources for indigenous services to support Aboriginal students (likely the underrepresented demographic in the part of British Columbia that the authors reside/work in.) Accessibility Services is included for students in need of accommodations for disabilities. Addition of resources for adult learners, LGBTQIA students, first-generation and lower income students, and other underserved/minority groups would strengthen the content and its applicability-though understandably it could also make it more confusing for students if too many offices/services were to be listed.

Comments

Excellent visual aids are included to demonstrate techniques such as concept-mapping, SQ3R reading strategy, Bloom's Taxonomy, use of color in organization, and other strategies for student success that are better demonstrated visually than explained through words alone. The hands-on activities/worksheets that are included and can be printed/downloaded for use in seated or online environment are especially impressive. The thought and effort behind this work is evident in the way the concepts are presented in this resource. University 101: Study, Strategize, and Succeed is a clear recipe for establishing and maintaining student success.

Reviewed by Stephanie Moran, Director of Adult Studies, Anderson University on 1/5/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

From the index to the reference section, this book is very organized. One can easily see the progression of learning from beginning to end. References are provided within the chapter and at the conclusion.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The links for electronic resources need to be reviewed and cleaned for any broken links or changes in content. I found a broken link and an assessment tool no longer available. Other than that, the accuracy was great. If found that the content covered a wide range of necessary success skills without bias toward any one category.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content reflected new language, theory, and ideas that will be timeless in application. Other more traditional thoughts were presented in a way that was relevant and updated.

Clarity rating: 5

This book was written in a straight forward and easy to comprehend method. The appeal was to a wide range of learners so there was not jargon that would marginalize any subset of students/readers.

Consistency rating: 5

The book presented up front in a way that reflected the content delivery. What you thought you would get....is what you got. No surprises. No disappointments. The underpinnings of the book were reflected in the objects.

Modularity rating: 5

Yes! This book could be utilized for an entire course, or broken into workshop content. Although each chapter leads nicely into the next, you can stop and start, pull the most needed or relative chapters, or reorganize to your priority for your own course/workshop.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

From headings to subheadings, the topics and sup-topics are well articulated and presented.

Interface rating: 4

Electronic links for assessment need verified before using.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not find grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I found the content to be free of insensitive discussion. The objective met a diverse set of academic success needs of a diverse set of students.

Comments

I am thrilled to be able to utilize this book with the students that I am tasked with serving in both the first generation and adult student population groups. I think the content provides new concepts and terminology to address long standing student needs. This will be a great tool.

Reviewed by Brenda Williams, Part-time Faculty, Lane Community College on 12/30/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The textbook covers several important areas to college success ( time management, study skills, and learning from texts). I was not a fan of the navigation system. There was no "next" button. It was always scrolling back to the top to the Contents drop down box. It also did not have a clear glossary of terms at the end of the book.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

Yes it was accurate

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

It was up to date and easy to follow.

Clarity rating: 4

I felt it was an easy read and explained terminology.

Consistency rating: 4

Yes it was consistent but needed a glossary.

Modularity rating: 4

It was well organized and an easy read.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

It flowed easily.

Interface rating: 4

Everything looked fine to me. I thought it needed more examples and I just didn't like the navigation system of this book. It needed a text button and to say what chapter was next at the bottom.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Free of errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

It was written very general