Issue
27(1)
Keys
to Success: Building Successful Intelligence for College, Career,
and Life. (2006). Carol
Carter, Joyce Bishop & Sarah Lyman Kravits. Columbus,
Ohio: Prentice Hall, Pearson Education, 432 pp. $48.00.
ISBN # 0-13-171506-2.
Review
by: Keith
Rocci
University
College
The University
of Arizona
Achieving
success in college can be difficult. Whether students seek success
during their first year or help in getting back on track toward
graduation, proper resources are vital. Keys to Success
can be a valuable resource for any advisor, student services professional,
or college student. Moreover, students within any college success
course would benefit from using this text.
Carter,
Bishop, and Kravits have created a text that follows the progression
of the college experience and explores what it takes to be successful.
For example, the theory of multiple intelligences is presented
in a clear fashion (p. 66). Note taking, time management, and
exam preparation are also effectively presented. Many practical
techniques are revealed that can be used immediately by students.
A sample visual approach to note taking is provided (p.178); students
can easily see this and adapt it to the content in their classes.
The
authors effectively discuss non-academic aspects of college success
such as personal wellness and money management. They include an
organized list of the signs of depression that is a useful resource.
The dangers of certain substances are defined in a clear academic
structure (p 304-307). A sample of a student's monthly budget
is a valued resource for any reader (p. 340). Some difficult topics
such as sex education are presented in the text (p. 309-313).
The developmental value of this information is integral to successful
student outcomes.
Any
advisor or success course instructor can benefit from this text.
Contemporary student development issues routinely addressed by
academic advisors are effectively explored. These include helping
students understand how to manage their lives. The "learning about
values" section was particularly interesting since it discussed
defining academic integrity (p. 32-33), an issue students need
to understand.
Why
read this book? First, the issues presented are easily defined.
An advisor can learn very practical techniques to address current
student issues. Second, being a college student has changed vastly
during the last five years. Technology has changed the student
and the higher education professional alike. This text will assist
any advisor in understanding the scope of being a college student
today. Third, the authors provide answers to some very tough developmental
issues; these issues are vital in the successful developmental
advising process. Finally, the text can provide insight to new
advisors regarding the many resources available for college students.
I would recommend
that this text be included in every advising department's library.
The issues addressed and answers presented are drawn from real
life; they are contemporary to the new college student. Even re-entry
students will benefit from the resources found in this text. Developmental
advisors and college counselors will find a wealth of resources.
Reading this text will result in a better, more informed student
services professional.
