On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life [Paperback]

Skip Downing (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0618116362 | ISBN-13: 978-0618116362 | Publication Date: January 2002 | Edition: 3

The Third Edition of On Course includes more materials on career planning yet maintains its focus on life and study skills. In addition, Downing blends practical study tips with journal skills in a style that is down-to-earth and positive.

• Icons denote Principals at Work sections, which show the importance of success strategies in choosing the right career, getting hired, and succeeding in the working world.
• Revised Case Studies for Critical Thinking apply strategies to a real-life problem, focusing on topics such as procrastination and collaborative work
• The On Course web site provides additional activities for students and links to relevant sites that help reinforce the lessons from the text.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company; 3 edition (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618116362
• ISBN-13: 978-0618116362
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.6 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,406,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

SKIP DOWNING is an international consultant in the field of faculty development and student success strategies. Dr. Downing has earned degrees from Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Santa Monica, and Carnegie Mellon University. He holds advanced degrees in both English and counseling psychology. He was Professor of English at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) for 32 years.

In addition to his role as an academic instructor, Dr. Downing created and coordinated BCCC's Student Success and Learning Community Programs. These programs teach students how to apply proven strategies of success to achieve their full potential in college and in life. The College Success Program resulted in a significant increase in both student academic success and retention.

Dr. Downing has made numerous presentations at national conferences and conducted faculty development workshops at many two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Virgin Islands. Since 1996, he has facilitated the On Course Workshops, intensive four-day retreats for college educators focusing on proven strategies for empowering students to become active, responsible partners in their education and to achieve greater success in college and in life. These workshops offer participants the option of earning three graduate credits in a follow-up on-line course. Dr. Downing's teaching, writing, and consulting are all guided by his belief that the greatest mission of any educational institution is empowering its students to live rich, personally fulfilling lives.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read on how to succeed in college and life!, July 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College in Life: A Guided Journal Approach (Paperback)

As an educator, this is the book I wish I had written. The author is a great coach, persuasively urging readers to make wise choices that will change the outcome of their lives both in college and in life. I highly recommend this book to teachers and students alike.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars You have got to be kidding me!, September 20, 2007

By 

Rebecca Yoder "avendesora4" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life (Paperback)

Maybe it was because the book was a required text for an English class, and I thought that inappropriate, but I really did not like this book. Maybe it is because I am not a person who is able to have a serious conversation with my inner critic and then analyze the listening style of that that imaginary voice. I went into the course with an open mind, but after so many patronizing Dr.Phil-after-a-ripping-bong-hit style Journey Entry assignments, I was tired of having my time wasted. (The margins contain many Oprah quotes, so if you are a fan, dig in.) If you need a therapist, get a therapist. If you must have a book to help you succeed in life, try Seven Habits by Covey.

5.0 out of 5 stars On Course-Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life, January 11, 2007

By 

Nola Burns "Nola Burns" (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life (Paperback)

I found the book to be an excellent reference source and guide to creating independence, self-reliance and encouraging critical thinking in students (and staff). I especially appreciate the 'practical' approach taken by the author and the use of plain English which makes it very easy to follow and understand the various strategies and concepts the author proposes.

Excellent.