EDUCATION

In 1997 Nassau Community College gave me the opportunity to teach, which allows me to serve people in a manner consistent with my values.     

 The following principles guide my teaching regardless of the course.

1.  Learning takes place in relationships:  Fostering personal relationships with students is a key component for their academic success.  I require all students to visit me at least once in my office during the semester.  This is just one small example of how this goal is fulfilled.  Nassau Community College (NCC) supports this effort by limiting class enrollments which is unique for higher education.

2.  Teach students how to study:  Study skills are not innate and need to be learned, but students report their educational experiences prior to NCC fail in this regard.  I reserve the first session for teaching study skills that will help students achieve their goals.  The best idea is to use active study techniques such as re-writing all your class notes immediately after a class session.  Unfortunately too many students engage in passive studying (such as reading and re-reading notes) with limited success.  NCC offers students various academic services include tutoring, extra help labs, and workshops in study skills.

3.  Students must have full access to notes:  Students should be given full opportunity to succeed in the class so I distribute my notes at the start of the semester.  This results in class sessions with higher caliber discussions and reduces overall student aniexty.

4.  Teaching is facilitation:  The lecture style of education is no longer appropriate.  Students need interactive learning experiences to help the development of critical thinking skills, oral communication, and analytical abilities.

I have discovered good teachers possess the following three characteristics:

1.  A Passion for Their Subject

2.  A Passion for Their Students

3.  A Passion for The Learning Process

I am very proud to be teaching the next generation of Criminal Justice professionals who will truly fulfill their mission as men and women for others.

·      Tip 1:  The continuous reading and re-reading of notes is the most popular form of studying and it does not work.

Researchers call the reading and re-reading of notes passive studying as it does not engage the brain.  If the brain is not engaged it has a very limited memory and you will only recall 35-40%.  With the enormous amount of material covered in college versus high school, this method will not work in college.  Research shows active studying techniques work best, which leads to Tip 2.

·      Tip 2:  The re-writing of class notes is the best active studying technique.

Far too complex to explain, but the brain has enormous recall ability when it is actively engaged.  Students should then study by re-writing their class notes.  Please buy two notebooks for each class using one for in-class notes and the second one for re-writing the notes.  Another key tip is to re-write the notes the same day as the class so to maximize the memory process.  So, for example, if you have Math and Psychology on Monday you should then go home on Monday and re-write those notes into your second notebooks for those subjects.   Re-writing your notes might take 20 minutes for each class.

·      Tip 3: Review your newly re-written notes for 20 minutes in preparation for the next class session.

A big secret in teaching and learning is that all the material covered in a particular class session serves as a foundation for the next class session.  So, for example, Monday’s lecture in your Criminal Justice class will serve as the foundation for Wednesday’s Criminal Justice class lecture.  You should re-write Monday’s notes as well as study them so you are ready and prepared for Wednesday’s class. 

·      Tip 4:  The vast majority of your classes involve learning a new vocabulary.

You will find the majority of your classes involve learning a tremendous amount of new words.  In addition to re-writing the notes, you should create an index card system for each class.  Simply, write the word on the front of a card with its definition on the back.  This way you could flip through the cards and quiz yourself.

·      Tip 5:  Where you sit in a class matters.

Students who sit in any front seat of any row or sit anywhere in the middle row earn higher grades. 

·      Tip 6:  Put yourself in the role of the exam maker.

Due to re-writing and studying your notes, the material will seem “easier” and more manageable.  This will give you extra time in terms of your exam preparation.  You will now want to look through your notes and develop 40-50 exam questions as if you are the instructor.  You will be amazed how many of your questions overlap with the real exam.

·      Tip 7:  Visit your instructors during office hours.

You should plan to visit each of your instructors at least once during the semester.  This is a good time to raise any questions about class material.

·      Tip 8:  You will never be a good writer until you read good writing.

College requires writing which is a skill that comes with time and practice.  Reading good writing on a daily basis will increase your reading and writing skills necessary for college success.  I recommend reading a daily newspaper such as The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal, which are written on a college level.  Reading the front cover articles will help your knowledge of current events grow and your reading abilities will increase.  No matter the subject every exam is a reading exam so this tip will lead to better reading abilities which will help with exams.  Also, by reading good writing your writing will benefit.

Nassau Community College is committed to your academic success by offering many services for students. 

A partial list of (free) services includes:

-The Writing Center:

Dedicated staff members will work individually with you to produce high quality writing assignments.  All your written papers and essays should be reviewed prior to submission.

Location:  Bradley Hall Ballroom or call 572-7195

-Math Help Lab:

Receive free math tutoring on campus at B Cluster 130 or call 572-7379 to schedule an appointment.

-Center for Educational and Retention Counseling:

Receive general help with time management and other study/exam skills in Nassau Hall (M Building) Room 19 (1^st Floor).

-The NEST:

Food insecurity is a reality on college campuses across the US.  Please visit The NEST in South Hall (S Building) Room 118 to receive food and other necessities.

In my academic support role, I am committed to helping you succeed with your classes.  Please feel free to visit me in G 157 or email me at Robert.costello@ncc.edu.

 
Note:  Please return to the homepage of this site and link to "Academic Success at Nassau Community College" to print off a fuller version of the above information.