Book Reviews

Issue 28(2)

Learning to learn: the Skill and will of college success. (2008). Scott W. VanderStoep & Paul R. Pintrich. Upper Saddle River NJ : Pearson Education, Inc. 286pp., $26.99, (paperback) ISBN 9780024225511

Review by: Vanessa Bouey

Transfer Counselor

Daytona Beach College (FL)

Learning to Learn …sounds like an oxymoron or a clever play on words. However, this text written by VanderStoep & Pintrich presents an academic road map for college success that utilizes the combined concepts of individual skill and will. Comprised of applicable strategies presented in a straightforward approach, each chapter suggests completion of specific tasks and review summaries to enhance the college student’s learning experience.

A significant section covered in the text is resource management of external and internal factors (pp.57-92) as it relates to physical and emotional aspects of the learning process. Time management, interpersonal relationships (instructors and/or peers), actual study environment, a balanced lifestyle, and positive psychological insights are but a few of the critical resources, which, when properly managed, can lead to positive learning experiences. The overall theme of individual skill and will is especially stressed here. Initiation of a personal development plan is stressed if students are to develop a cache of skills to effectively identify and overcome external and internal academic interferences. To accomplish this disciplined task, a student must be capable (skill) and motivated (will). Again, target tasks and assessments are used to provide suggestions and guidance to further ensure implementation.

Learning to Learn , though geared primarily toward the college student, can also be used by academic advisors (college and high-school), as well as instructors of College Success and First-Year courses. In general, this text is informative, interactive, and can be easily implemented for individual or group use. The text is presented in an organized manner; it provides exercises and self-evaluations to determine unique student needs and as tools to measure progress.