You Get an A! (Edit by Ro)

Aimee Stroup
astroup@sclance.com
Staff Writer

For a college student at any age, success can be difficult to measure. Can it be found in a good
G.P.A.? Maybe so, but realistically it is only one of the many indicators of student success. Author Dave Ellis supports this idea of success in his book, “Becoming a Master Student”, used on the Shasta College campus for the College Success course. The book explores the many concerns of incoming freshmen and their new environment, and also offers an invaluable resource to those older students who may be returning, or just beginning their college career.
Ellis uses practical tools, such as individual and group exercises, easy-to-use charts and graphs, along with journaling and a Power Process in an effort to get the most from the text. His practical advice is given right up front, as the title of page three declares “This book is worthless—if you just read it”. The interactive nature of the book is designed to give students useful tools for college, and for life. Real-life stories are included that help readers to move toward the goal of the book, becoming a master student. The idea here is one of a well-rounded individual who seeks to make the most of his higher-level education, taking away positive life skills from the techniques learned in the book. Rather than hitting new students with a load of information at once, Ellis breaks down a process that can and should evolve in due time.
In discussing academics, the focus is on things that matter and have the power to make a difference, highlighting such specifics as memory, reading, notes, study skills, tests, and critical thinking. Breaking each one of these concepts down allows for a more progressive type of learning, as well as facilitating interaction with the text in order to successfully integrate valuable methods into a learner’s academic habits.
Tools that have the power to make a difference are not solely found in academics. Often taken for granted is the exceptional challenge of seeking higher education, while caring for oneself, and possibly others as well. The book examines personal factors that can contribute to, or draw away from, a student’s success. Basic needs are covered, including time, communicating, money and health. All of these can combine to affect the student’s attitude for the better or worse. Knowing what is necessary and critical to becoming a master student is often the first step toward that goal, and a lifelong attitude of success.
Attendance at college classes is something that should not be overlooked. Showing up and sticking around goes a long way in an instructor’s impression of a student. Consistent, regular attendance, asking questions and actively participating in discussions can be a boost to grades. A positive experience for both the student and teacher should be a direct result of regular attendance.
Tools, tips and techniques are offered throughout this resourceful book, with all indicators pointing to top priorities in becoming a master student. Academics, attitude and attendance rise to the top of the list, and not necessarily in that order. To quote a banner hanging in a Shasta College campus classroom, “average and works hard beats brilliant and lazy”. Perhaps a more accurate measurement of student success can, and should, look different depending on the learner. If the success is in the achieving, Shasta College students are positively ones who succeed!