Key Traits for Being "College Ready"

• Interest in Learning (Intrinsic Motivation)

• Participation and Perseverance in Learning Activities

• Critical Thinking

• Self-Advocacy

• Self-Efficacy

• Curiosity

• Independence

• Fluency with Academic Communication (fluency with Learning Management System)

INTRINSIC MOTIVATION

• Beginning projects independently

• Motivation comes from within as opposed to being motivated by external tokens and rewards

• The reward is satisfaction with the work or one’s performance and the positive feelings associated with completing a task to the best of one’s ability

PARTICIPATION  AND PERSEVERANCE IN LEARNING ACTIVITIES  (SHOWING UP/ EFFORT)

• Completing all tasks

• Attending class

• Participating in group and class discussions, projects, 

• Opting in to new experiences and challenges

• Working through challenges, roadblocks, time constraints, personal conflicts to not only complete a task but to develop grit and determination

• Looking at Multiple Perspectives (and noticing which perspectives are not present)

• Questioning ideas

• Reconsidering one’s position based on new evidence and emerging information

CRITICAL THINKING

• Looking at Multiple Perspectives (and noticing which perspectives are not present)

• Questioning ideas

• Reconsidering one’s position based on new evidence and emerging information

SELF ADVOCACY

• Setting goals for oneself, carving an action path, evaluating results at intervals 

• Asking for assistance, feedback and guidance from teachers and mentors

• Making choices and decisions that align with goals

• Problem solving

SELF EFFICACY

• Definition:  Belief that one can succeed

• 4 Sources of Self Efficacy (Bandura, 1994)

• Mastery Experiences (Applying peak effort to tasks to begin to map one’s capability; risk taking)

• Vicarious Experiences (seeing someone similar to oneself succeed)

• Social persuasion (feedback from others)Reduced stress reactions and reduce negativity associated with tasks

CURIOSITY

• Seeking out new experiences

• Finding comfort in the unfamiliar

• Expanding and Diversifying one’s interests

• Receptive to new ideas and perspectives

INDEPENDENCE

• Ability to follow oral and written directions

• Ask for help when confused or struggling

• Time management

FLUENCY WITH ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION & USING LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

• Demonstrates responsibility for communicating with academic professionals through written and oral means: e-mail, phone, in-person

• Fluency with a learning management system (ie., Blackboard, Canvas, high school systems)Timely communication regarding feedback and requests