Questions to Prompt Student Reflection

Precision

Students who approach their education by being exact, careful with details and specific with assignments exemplify the fundamental factor of precision. Our society is highly technical, often demanding calculations that are precise to the second or even millisecond. Many people spend their days working in technical jobs that demand a high level of precision and linear sequencing to be accurate. We value individuals who are precise, and use this skill for success. Relying on an imprecise mechanic or doctor could have serious consequences.

For first year college students, precision is critical. As an instructor, you may find yourself giving grades not only for the ability to complete assignments that demonstrate an understanding of the content, but also for precise work that follows specific criteria. You will expect that work is handed in on time, meets specific length requirements and also contains accurate punctuation, spelling, and sentence construction. In math, teachers not only value how math problems are solved, but also require that these solutions be accomplished precisely, often to the third decimal place.

In college, students are also more apt to be tested about the names, dates and discrete information. The processing of information may need to be more precise in exams than possibly those in some advanced classes that require more conceptual and reflective knowledge. Learning how to complete tasks with the appropriate level of precision will improve not only student’s grades, but also their understanding of the coursework.

Questions to Prompt Student Reflection

Do you wait until the last minute to complete assignments?
Are you aware of class deadlines?
Do you keep a “to do list”?
Can you prioritize your assignments? Put time frames to them?
Are you having difficulty being specific in your internet directions?
Are you able to place linear events or elements in a precise order?
Are you concerned with your spelling and grammar decisions?
Do you make sure you were precise and go over and correct your exam answers?
When measuring with a ruler are you exact or so so?
Are you able to remember dates of events discussed in class?
Can you make a time line for the events mentioned in class?
Personal counseling workshops featuring the Meyer-Briggs measurement and interpretations.

Counseling Interventions

The following are some suggested counseling interventions you can offer:

Repeat descriptions of data in reading assignments
Prioritizing exercises
Time Management
“To Do” list planning
Reading comprehension courses
Note taking workshops
Understating details exercises
Following directions step-by-step exercises
Listing the reasons you received the grade you did for an assignment.
Underlining details in class notes exercises.
Tutoring workshops

Institutional Interventions

The following are some suggested institutional interventions related to precision. Encourage students to utilize one or more of these services:

Take Math and Statistics courses.
Study computer applications.
Work with faculty on research projects.
Visit money management seminars.
Take a job in Campus Work Study in business areas.
Work with student organization planning and funding.
Verify steps in course assignments with a study skills instructor.
Edit written work of other students.
Join data collecting experience in anthropology or archeology.
Join a theater arts class and learn to recite lines of a play.

Ten Steps to Becoming More Precise

Read for details of events, dates, and important people.
Build a timeline of important dates, events, and people.
Practicebeing precise by being specific (by the minute)regarding time.
Remember numbers are discrete not guesses.
Practice being specific with internet addresses.
Proof your papers three times.
Speak as precisely as you can.
Practice reading out loud and hearing yourself read for precision.
Tell time by the minute not merely so-and so time.
In examinations think through the details you use as well as general content of your answer.