Form SBS. Skills and Work Patterns



Student ........................................... FN...... Date.........

Where do you think you stand now in relation to the skills and work patterns that Bucknell courses will call for? For each item below indicate how you think that Bucknell faculty would evaluate you in relation to the standards that they set for first-year students. Use the following scale (using intermediate ratings such as 3.7 and 2.3 if you want):

4.0 Excellent 2.0 Satisfactory

3.0 Good 1.0 Unsatisfactory





..... Reading Comprehension. Understanding and recalling college-level readings.

..... Reading Speed. Reading rapidly enough to finish assignments in a reasonable time.

..... Critical Reading. Evaluating college-level readings with respect to such matters as their internal consistency, how well arguments are supported, and what biases they contain.

..... Expository Paper Writing. Writing papers that analyze and explain.

..... Essay Exam Writing. Writing essays under exam conditions. Staying calm enough, using your time wisely, organizing your response.

..... Library Skills. Finding and evaluating library sources skillfully and efficiently. Using tools such as the computerized catalog and data bases. Seeking help from librarians appropriately.

..... Lecture Listening Skills. Understanding and recalling the main content of college lectures.

..... Discussion Skills. Skillful listening and talking during class discussions. Not talking too much or too little. Questioning and disagreeing without attacking.

..... Quantitative Skills. Working with numbers.

..... Computer skills. Using the computer for word-processing, making graphs, and other basic academic tasks.

..... Perspective Taking. Understanding points of view that contrast with your own, e.g., those of people with different backgrounds and values.

..... Reading Assignments. Keeping up with reading assignments. Making appropriate notes and thinking about the material as you go along. Staying focused with minimum distraction.

..... Class Attendance. Coming to class regularly and on time. Remaining alert and awake and staying focused with minimum distraction.

..... Writing Assignments. Getting clear on the nature of the assignment early. Starting to work well in advance of deadlines. Preparing drafts enough in advance so that you can get help and revise.

..... Preparing for Examinations. Starting your exam preparation enough in advance so that you can get help on confusing material and avoid "all nighters." Being organized. Reviewing efficiently.

..... Time Management. Balancing academic demands with others so that you not only deal with everyday requirements, but can deal with special tasks such as exams and papers.