Useful Links For Students
Free Tutoring at El Camino
Writing Conferences and One-on-One grammar workshops.
The Writing Center/Computer Lab Humanities 122 (310) 660-3873
Learning Styles
Do you really know your learning style? (Visual, Aural, Read-Write, or Kinesthetic)
Try the VARK questionnaire here to find out. Be sure to save or print the HelpSheets that appear with your results. These are great study tips that apply to your learning preferences.
Other Links:
Supporting Students with Special Needs
El Camino College
Multiple Intelligences Survey
Quick Easy Bibliography
What Career Should I Pursue?
Get a great GPA
College Success Tips
More info for Sociology Majors
Local Volunteering Opportunities
So what's the right way to participate in class discussions?
Here are some tips from collegeuniversity.suite101.com:
- DO give it a try and speak. Like everything else in life, this may be scary at first, but once you do it enough, you'll feel more comfortable.
- DO be respectful of your fellow students at all times. Yes, you can openly disagree with what that last person just said-- but no need to attack him/her personally
- DO add on to what other people say. Random comments don't keep the conversation going, but comments that relate to what other people have said do. Refer back to other comments explicitly by saying things like, "Well, this kind of relates to what Ashley said," or, "I agree with Roberto, and here's why..."
- DO come to class prepared. If the instructor says, "We're going to discuss chapter 5 in class tomorrow, and I want to hear your opinions," then by all means, read chapter 5! If you don't, you're not going to get much out of the discussion--and you certainly won't impress anyone.
- DON'T interrupt. Raise your hand.
- DON'T be afraid to express an unpopular opinion. You may be contributing to what's called the "spiral of silence." This means that when one person has an unpopular opinion, they keep quiet, and as a result, other people who share that opinion keep quiet too. In other words, if you speak up, you just might find that others agree with you. And even if they don't, so what? This will make the class more interesting. Also, your instructor has an ethical obligation to make sure all opinions are addressed respectfully.
- DON'T be bullied. If someone is rude and attacks you personally, gently say something like, "I'd appreciate it if you'd address my opinions respectfully" or contact the instructor (after class or via-email) and he/she will be happy to help resolve the issue.
- DO think of this as a learning experience. There will be other times in your life where you need to speak up--a brainstorming session at your job, a city council meeting, a PTA meeting, and so forth. Get into the habit now and you'll be more comfortable with participation later.
- DO think of yourself as a member of a community with a responsibility to everyone. When class participation is strong, students enjoy coming to class and learn more--but that's not going to happen unless everybody does their part. If you stay silent, you're not living up to your responsibility-- and the instructor will notice this.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen
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