Howard Community College
Improving Student Learning and College Teaching

Open book with quill pen



By Dr. James Bell, Professor of Psychology
with help from the HCC Faculty
October 1998

 

Skills Expected of High School Graduates

Here is my synthesis of what expert sources believe should be learned in high school.

When given a written source, the student should be able to demonstrate these reading skills:

  1. Scan

1.       Identify the author, title, place published, and date published.

2.       Change headings into questions.

3.       Distinguish between primary and secondary sources.

  1. Skim (reading once quickly)

1.       Identify key terms and their definitions.

2.       Identify the central idea.

3.       Identify the introduction, main body, and conclusions.

4.       Analyze for the key facts and evidence.

5.       Analyze for statements of opinions.

  1. Closely read

1.       State the central idea and key supporting points in his/her own words.

2.       Summarize a key term, example, or small section of the source.

3.       State the author's viewpoint.

4.       Explain unfamiliar words by using the context or a dictionary.

  1. Use the special features of books

1.       Table of Contents.

2.       Glossary.

3.       Preface.

4.       Introduction.

5.       Title and Subtitles.

6.       Questions.

7.       Summaries.

8.       Index.

9.       Appendix.

10.   Bibliography.

The student should be able to competently write.

  1. Essays

1.       Organized.

2.       Paragraphs developed around topic sentences.

3.       Very few errors in mechanics, usage, or spelling (Proofread.)

  1. Short Research Papers

1.       Based on primary and secondary sources.

2.       Accurate summaries.

3.       Sources properly cited, conclusions drawn.

4.       Correct form for bibliography (references).

  1. Outlines - (1) Sentence or (2) Topic

The student should be able to listen and verbally express knowledge.

  1. Actively participate in group discussions and class discussions.
  2. Verbally summarize what has been read, heard in a lecture, or heard in a discussion.
  3. Take accurate notes on lectures and discussions.
  4. Ask coherent questions.
  5. Follow verbal directions.

The student should have a solid foundation of learning to learn skills (study skills).

  1. Follow directions.
  2. Use study helps, such as study guides, film guides, practice tests, and learning objectives.
  3. Request help when needed.
  4. Budget time and follow a schedule.
  5. Set personal study goals and follow them.
  6. Find information in a library.
  7. Learn from various media.
  8. Prepare for and pass tests.
  9. Use constructive criticism.
  10. Turn homework in on time.

The student should be able to competently reason.

  1. Problem solve alone or with a group.
  2. Detect propaganda techniques.
  3. Brainstorm.
  4. Evaluate ideas.
  5. Evaluate sources of information.
  6. Compare and contrast.
  7. Reason logically.
  8. Apply knowledge and skills to new situations.
  9. Synthesize information.
  10. Draw reasonable conclusions from various sources.

 

 

 

Expectations of High School Graduates: Skills Expected of High School Graduates |
Sources Consulted on Skills Expected of High School Graduates

 

Ideas to Improve Learning: Lecturing | Cooperative Learning |
Teaching Enrichment | Active Learning | Expectations of High School Graduates

 

Faculty Resources: All College Teachers | Psychology Teachers |
Teaching Thinking | Increasing Student Learning | Outcomes Assessment | What’s New?

 

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Last updated on 28 Aug 2003
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