Two Canadian professors have written a new book to help students get the most from their university years.
It’s not only a guidebook to success at school, but also later in life.
John Dwyer is co-author along with Professor Thomas Klassen. Dwyer is professor emeritus in the Department of Humanities at York University in Toronto.
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The book is called, How to Succeed at University (and Get a Great Job!) : Mastering the Critical Skills You Need for School, Work, and Life
Professor Dwyer says it’s sometimes difficult for new students to see that some studies, skills, and activities at university will help them in their career and later life. This book helps to explain that and provides advice to guide readers along the path.
For example, some might not see the connection between giving oral presentations, to a later working life in an office, but in fact, it can be extremely important, along with working in teams, meeting deadlines, overcoming challenges, locating information, explaining events, writing well, and dealing with people in authority , all of which are facets of university life and which are essential in any professional job.
As part of the guide, the professors explain how to take notes, get organized,
Learn strategies for multiple-choice and written exams
The usefulness of essays, how to organize an essay, writing as a process, and common errors to avoid.
Another chapter deals with strengthening critical skills.
This involves sections on communication, critical thinking, contextualizing,
the significance of theories, theoretical levels and forms, and practical tips.
Another chapter explains active and passive listening, and reading, while other chapters delve into researching a topic; Practical problem solving for School, Work, and Life; Creative problem solving; Finding a great job- including interview skills and resume preparation.
The final chapter deals with Success at work and beyond.
Dwyer notes this book builds and expands on earlier such efforts and is the result of the two authors experiences in both private and institutional settings including many years teaching in a number of universities in Canada.
Although aimed at new university students and those planning to go to university in Canada, he says there has been much interest from parents, other teachers, and people already in careers. The book has garnered interest not only in Canada but internationally as well as the information is applicable to most university and other situations.
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