Activity 6

Activity 6

Dear friend,

                Going through high school may seem like it has no effect on your future, and you may just be going through the motions at this point but from experience, it is crucial to start developing the strongest foundation possible in order to be successful in college. In college, your professors will assume you have already obtained the “academic habits of mind”, according to a survey recently taken. These academic habits of mind include curiosity, rhetorical sensitivity, critical analysis, and civility. Of course it would be ideal to build up all of these before getting into college, but I feel the most important habits would be critical analysis and curiosity.

                Critical analysis is defined as, “the willingness to subject your ideas and those of others to critical analysis and to assess evidence- facts, events, text- accurately and fairly; including sources that support both your positions and opposing positions.” In other words, critical analysis involves looking for specifics beyond the surface meanings and exploring various points of views. Furthermore, it asks to essentially ask questions of self and also of the author. This habit of mind is important while writing in that strong writing uses the opposing points of view to support and build up the point of view you are trying to get across. In reading, there will always be meanings that you can get by reading for information, but by reading for analysis, you will be able to find implicit meaning and in the end be able to join the academic conversation. By starting this in high school, it will be easier to know what to look for while reading the plenty of material you will be assigned, and knowing how to create an intelligent, college-level piece of writing.

                To get the most out of your college experience, it is imperative to be curious and always ask questions. Not only this, but to pay attention to others questions and answer them logically and willingly will push you to engage in class and learn things you might not be able to by just reading a text book. The ability to listen to what others have to say and their thought process, may open many new ideas and avenues in your thinking. With this, no question is a stupid question to ask, but asking effective, inquiry questions may be better to start an academic conversation. Questions that have more than just yes or no answers and questions which will encourage others to ask some of their own have proved to me to work the best. Throughout my first semester of college, I feel I was just testing the waters and somewhat holding back, but I am now aware of just how powerful being curious and constantly involved can be.

                Keep in mind these habits which will push you to be successful and will reward you in your college endeavors. Remember the sky is the limit!

Sincerely,

Stephanie