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Academic Self-Management
As readers of this book, you are a
diverse group with varied back-
grounds and goals. Some of you
are beginning your education at a
college or university, whereas oth-
ers of you have selected commu-
nity colleges. Some of you may
have taken college courses last
term, whereas others are returning
to school after an absence. Some of
you are taking a learning and
study skills course because it is
required, whereas others are
enrolled in the course as an elec-
tive. Some of you are looking for-
ward to taking the course, whereas
others may doubt its usefulness.
Although I recognize the wide
range of interests, motivation, and
abilities of those of you reading
this book, I have one goal: to help
all those who read this volume
become more successful learners.
Once you learn how to learn, you
can apply these skills to any aca-
demic or work setting in which
you participate.
Who is a successful learner?
Most of us know, read about,
or have observed successful and
expert individuals in some field or
profession (e.g., a plumber, musi-
cian, athlete, teacher, or artist).
These individuals have special
knowledge and skills in a particular
field. Similarly, successful learners3