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Rhythms of College Success: A Journey of Discovery, Change and Mastery
Stephen V. Piscitelli

ISBN-10: 0132386402
ISBN-13: 9780132386401

Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2008
Format: Paper; 320 pp
Published: 01/02/2007

Suggested retail price: $45.00
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For courses in Student Success or First Year Experience.

 

His message is memorable; his energy is contagious. Building on Steve Piscitelli’s classroom experiences and workshops, his new book Rhythms of College Success: A Journey of Discovery, Change and Mastery focuses on the whole student - both internally and externally.  It embraces the power of personal choice and addresses the (sometimes) competing needs of first-year students. Using a universal theme of music, the book offers memorable messages that show how respect, responsibility, reflection, and renewal can fuel student success. Throughout the text, readers are introduced to the 4R’s and how these, along with change and life balance, impact one’s future and one’s success. More than 100 activities, 75 figures and innovative part openers keep students engaged and help them on their own journey of discovery, change and mastery.

THREE INTEGRATED THEMES OF STUDENT SUCCESS, CHANGE, AND WELLNESS

An emphasis on "The 4 R's" of student success (respect, responsibility, reflection and renewal)–and the inherent power that comes with personal choice (pg. 19).

·        Outlines a clear method of achieving college success by helping students understand who they are, where they are and where they want to go.

·        Emphasizes how students can control their own successes by reflecting on their actions (past and present), respecting their abilities, taking responsibility for their successes and their weaknesses, and enjoying the renewal that comes with growth.

 

A clear understanding of "The Change Cycle"–is presented throughout each chapter (pg. 20).

·        Reinforces how change works and helps readers become comfortable with this continual process.

·        Examines the cyclical nature of change that involves (1) recognizing the need for a change, (2) planning for the change, (3) executing the plan and (4) enjoying the achieved goal.

 

A discussion of life balance and how to "Tune Your Life-Strings"–is integral to each chapter (pg. 21-22).

·        Recognizes the strain involved with change and the strength that comes with life balance.

·        Examines the importance of maintaining balance in the social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional dimensions of life.

 

REALISTICALLY MEETS STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE 

"What's on your mind?" innovative part openers–offer a unique way to obtain “need-it-now information” essential to the class and student success (pg. 2).

·        The college experience is anything but linear and most students would benefit from immediate access to all the information in the book at once.

·        Based on the experiences of past students, this feature raises questions that will resonate with students at various times throughout the term then directs them to pertinent information wherever it may be found in the text.

 

A unique problem solving index–another feature that helps meet students where they are by offering strategies for what to do when things are not going well and to quickly answer personal, social, emotional, financial, physical, and academic questions (pg. 314).

·        Directs students to topics they may need to address immediately.

·        Makes the text an ideal reference throughout the course and one’s college career.

 

PRACTICAL MOTIVATORS THAT STUDENTS CAN RELATE TO

Written by well-known educator and workshop facilitator Steve Piscitelli–who has more than two decades of teaching and professional development experience (pg. xvi, xiv).

·        Captures Steve Piscitelli’s contagious energy and in-depth knowledge of first-year students. 

·        Presents material using methods that have been developed and tested through countless courses and seminars. In those workshops, a beach theme was incorporated, complete with flamingos, beach balls, sunglasses, and music.  Why?  Because they symbolize laughter, humor, and renewal.  Yes, successful students need effective study skills - but they will also benefit from maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

 

A theme of music offers universal appeal–which engages students and makes the author’s message memorable (pg. 4-5, 8-9, 18-23).

·        Music is used as a metaphor on the colorful cover of this book and throughout the text, making key concepts easier to remember and use throughout one’s college and life experiences.  It is the author's belief that college can and should be an academically rewarding, fun, and energizing experience.

·        Provides strong take away points and messages that appeal to today’s diverse college students.

·        The Instructor's Manual includes two songs, written and recorded by the author, that complement textbook points.  These songs capture real classroom issues with a humorous tone:

        ·        "End-Of-The-Semester-Blues": addresses issues of time management, work ethic, and personal responsibility.

        ·        "Dot Commies Are Coming":  addresses the issue of academic integrity.

 

"Guest speaker" sections–open each chapter (pg. 5).  

·        Offer viewpoints from a variety of educators (classroom faculty, student services professionals, and administrators) from different regions of the country.  

·        Similar to bringing a guest speaker into your classroom to introduce a topic, this feature provides a unique perspective, followed by that expert’s top three suggestions for student success.  

 

More than 100 activities and 75 figures/tables–provide material for reader participation, lectures and class discussion (pg. 8, 17).

·        Offers an opportunity to learn experientially and create a dynamic class environment.

·        Addresses topics such as open-minded observations, study skills, critical thinking, integrity, positive relationships, and majors.

 

Extensive Instructor Teaching Resources/Supplements Package (pg. xvii in the front matter for details).

  • Offers a full array of teaching materials to feel confident and prepared for class, including instructor's manual, test bank, PowerPoint, Acetates, Companion Website, OneKey Course Managment(CourseCompass, Blackboard, and WebCT), video library, and more!

Vango Notes Audio Study Guide.  An exciting new alternative to 'traditional' study techniques - and a Perfect option for this course!  This audio study series is designed to give students a brief overview of the main points of each chapter in the text.

  • Through the use of audio practice questions, flashcard key terms and a unique approach to test prep called "Rapid Review", we try to assure that students have a solid grasp of the essential terms in each chapter.  These audio files are designed to be used by busy students who are on-the-go.  Turn their commute, work out, or other free time into a productive review for an upcoming test.  (Visit www.vangonotes.com for additional information).

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INTRODUCTION

PART I: TRANSITIONS

 

1.      Transitions and Adjustments: College Success without the Blues

2.      Motivation and Goal Setting: Dancing to Your Own Beat

3.      Open Mind/Diversity: Getting to Know all the Members of the Band

4.      Organizing Time and Space: Finding Your Rhythm and Beat

 

PART II: ACADEMIC STRATEGIES

5.      Creative Thinking: Creating Your Own Song

6.      Becoming an Active Learner Inside the Classroom : Lessons from the Maestro

7.      Becoming an Active Learner Outside the Classroom: Rehearsing for the Performance

8.      Test Taking & Memory: Avoiding Stage Fright

9.      Information Literacy: Hip Hop, Rock, Jazz or Blues–Which is Best?

 

PART III: WELLNESS

10.  Building Nutritious Relationships: Harmonious Connections

11.  Personal Integrity; Hitting the Right Notes

 

PART IV: APPLICATION AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING

12.  Exploration of Majors and Careers: Your Next Engagement

13.  The Choices You Make: Looking Toward your Next Engagement

I love the descriptors of a motivated learner, overcoming barriers (things we can control) and the self reflection.  Motivation is a huge problem and this text breaks it down in a way I’ve not seen.  Most textbooks discuss the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation but I have never seen a text actually help students with a practical plan if they just cannot get motivated which is an epidemic among college students…this is a very strong component of this text.

-- Lori R. Holtmann

-- University of South Carolina Upstate

 

Overall, I liked all of the exercises. In some texts, authors are in such a rush to put in more strategies that they do not take the time to ask the student to reflect on what he/she has learned or think about how he/ she can use this information.  It’s in reflecting on what you have learned that learning truly takes place.  Without reflection and thinking, students may be just ‘going through the motions.’  Without this metacognition students won’t be able to transfer this knowledge to new situations or courses.

-- Judith B. Isonhood

-- Hinds Community College

His message is memorable; his energy contagious. Steve Piscitelli’s new book Rhythms of College Success: A Journey of Discovery, Change and Masteryembraces the power of personal choice and addresses the often competing needs of first-year students. Using a universal theme of music, the book shows the importance of respect, responsibility, reflection, and renewal and how they fuel student success. More than 100 activities, 75 figures and innovative part openers keep students engaged and help them on their own journey of discovery, change and mastery.

 

Exciting features include:

  • Three integrated themes of student success, change, and wellness reinforce the strategies and concepts of each chapter
    • The 4Rs
    • The Change Cycle
    • Tuning your life-strings
  • The book realistically meets students where they are. 
    • Each part of the book opens with the section titled “What’s on your mind?” based on actual student questions as they arise throughout the semester.
    • A problem-solving index supplements the typical subject index.  The P.S.I.  enables students to quickly find answers to personal, social, emotional, financial, physical, and academic questions.

Additional Support — in and out of the classroom…

 

Rhythms of College Success has its own companion website designed to help students review the text material.  This site (www.prenhall.com/piscitelli) can also be accessed through the Student Success Supersite (www.prenhall.com/success), where students and faculty will find a wide array of resources.

 

View a Sample Chapter PDF: /samplechapter/0132386402.pdf

 

Would you be interested in a fresh, new alternative to your current text that focuses on the power of personal choice?

Building on Steve Piscitelli's classroom experiences and workshops and using a universal theme of music, the book offers memorable messages that show how respect, responsiblity, reflection, and renewal can fuel student success. More than 100 activities, 75 figures and innovative part openers keep students engaged and help them on their own journey of discovery, change, and mastery.

Take a look at Steve Piscitelli's personal website. Review the video Rhythms of College Success and visit his music page .

See what others are saying and use the Testimonials from his site.

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