How to Learn in College

Overview

I developed HTLIC to empower students in their learning journey. Watch the videos below for more in-depth explanations. Check out ASU's feature video!

See an article on this course here!

Below is the welcome video for my students at the start of the course.

This course was born out of a combination of three different observations:

The literature shows an obvious disconnect between college students' and professors' expectations. What worked for students in high school will not likely help them excel in college. They have to see this for themselves after struggling for a year or so (this experience is crucial to improvement).
My own research. In grad school, I studied how undergraduate students learned science information from texts and video lectures. Let's just say that most students don't know how to properly learn, let alone how to improve their skills.
My own observations. My assessments show that students often have misconceptions about what is required of them in a quality learning experience. Some can give me textbook explanations about what constitutes as "good learning," but are a bit blind when it comes to examining their own methods.

My role is to show students the disparities between their expectations and performances across multiple skill sets. I then coach them through the process of self-discovery, adopting a growth mindset, and selecting appropriate learning tools in future courses. To do this, students engaged in daily readings, reflections, discussions, and assessments.

These are real results from my class.

Case Study: David's Journey

David is a former student who took my HTLIC course the first summer it was offered. What sets David apart is the fact that he continuously updated me on his progress the following semester!

David enrolled in my course because he was on academic probation and desperately needed to pass his math classes in order to continue at ASU. He not only exceeded these goals, but developed an entire new relationship with education at large! David, if you see this, I'm still waiting on that cap and gown pic!

I've de-identified his information and received permission to share the following email screenshots with you.

Student Feedback and Course Evaluations

Mean evaluation ratings from students (see Course Evals below for actual PDF of evaluations)

Feedback from former students

Haylee from Physio Psych

"Wow, looking back on the getting started module, my score has changed so much. Then, my score was a 4, meaning my predicted grade was a C. In that past module, I mentioned how I would get A's and B's by the bare skin of my teeth not because I understood the material, and that is still true. However, I don't have the inclination to do that anymore. I went into this class thinking it would be interesting and a good way to have another class with one of my favorite professors, but I am coming out of it with such a different understanding of my own learning and ability. Even in moments that felt like they were falling to old pressures, I never felt the hopelessness that came with my anxiety and inattention before. This time, I might not have been able to submit an assignment on time, but I'm not beating myself up about it because I am learning a lot about a real applicable scenario and I hope that when my anxiety picks up again outside of this class, I can take what I learned and make sure I am able to submit that assignment in time. I was able to take a step back and say, "wow, that sucked. Getting assignment-specific anxiety is an awful experience, and I'm sorry I had to go through that. But, what happened? Why did this happen? What can I do about it from now on?". That in and of itself is an accomplishment on a scale that I can't really describe.

I thought I didn't take change well. I never have. I'm stubborn and stuck in my ways. But, this class showed me the value in change. The value in self-analysis and how growth doesn't always have to be accompanied every step by pain. I value my mistakes as much as I value my accomplishments now and even though I am going to mess up from time to time, I am not gonna let that turn into a spiral of anxiety and emotion. I'm going to take it, reflect, and use it to change myself going forward. I know it's not going to be easy to implement these changes in the midst of an actual semester with a lot of overlapping deadlines, but I'm excited for the challenge of it.

I'm excited to learn again. For that, I am so, so grateful."
-Addi, Neuroscience major, HTLIC student, Summer 2021

"I thought I was already pretty self-aware, but I certainly learned some things about myself and about being a student. In addition, I feel more open to interconnectedness, utilizing assets like office hours, study groups, and tutoring. I'm not sure why I was so averse to these things, as I am no stranger to teamwork. But part of the reason for me going back to school is to learn and grow as a person in a direction that was not previously available to me. I now think of myself as a 'professional learner' and it helps to think of it as a job rather than 'just school.'" I really enjoyed and got a lot out of this class. It's a force multiplier in that concepts can be applied not only to other classes but life as well, and by making each of those more effective, greater gains can be achieved."
-K., HTLIC student, Summer 20211

"This class has been helpful in ways that I didn't anticipate. I can already see myself changing in small ways here and there and while I might not always get it perfect, as long as I am improving, I'm going in the right direction."
-Anonymous student

"I wanted to tell you that although I didn't get a chance to respond to all of your comments on canvas, I really appreciated them! I've never had a Prof who responded as often and thoughtfully as you did, and it really made a difference in how I answered because I knew you actually read them and you are so "down to earth" it made it a lot of fun lol! Also, I really regret taking your course as a summer course, because I think it would have been so much more fun to learn everything throughout a whole semester and really spend more time on every chapter! Your passion for Psych was really poured in through the whole course and it really was a pleasure! I will be speaking with my advisor to see if I can sneak in some more Psych classes into my schedule! Thank you for just being yourself and making the course and the learning fun and thought-provoking! I wish you and your birdies the best!"
-Justin, PSY 101, Summer 2021

"Wow... I am in shock. I cannot believe how much has changed in a month! Just over a month ago I would never have thought that I would be able to learn these strategies so that I can guarantee myself a better grade in my college courses. Before this class I was walking alone in the dark, ill-suited to meet the task at hand and almost destined to fall short of the ambitious academic goals I have set for myself. I knew that I wanted to graduate college; but between me and getting my degree was this massive mountain! I was going to climb it. I had to. I need to. But back then, I was planning on climbing it while wearing flip flops, without water and without a good map to guide the way. It was like I would be trailblazing. But now my path is clear. I have some good hiking boots, a satellite GPS to show me the way, a camel-pack and most importantly several hiking buddies who can support me in my trek. I now feel like I have the tools needed to not only scrape by and get a degree, but to actually learn the material needed in order to help and teach those around me and advance to my next life goal! This class has changed my life and I am now even more motivated then before to conquer my goals because I have the tools to do so! I feel invigorated! Like someone who has finally seen the light in academia after years of struggle and malcontent. This class is one that I will always remember and am going to look back on often, so that I may never forget the lessons learned herein."
-D., HTLIC student, Summer 2021

"This has been another 'aha!' moment for me. This class has, since the beginning, been a series of those moments in tandem with opportunities to refine my strategies and techniques."
-K, HTLIC student, Summer 2021

Course Evaluations (Summer 2021)