Book Review: Staley, C. (2010). Focus on Community College Success. Boston: Wadsworth

Abstract

Staley, C. (2010). Focus on Community College Success. Boston:DOI: 10.1177/0091552109337254Focus on Community College Success sets out to provide students with the tools to help them through the community college process and into their careers. The textbook style of this book brings the reader through 13 chapters of basic but vital skills ranging from getting the right start (chapter 1) to your future (chapter 13). Constance Staley, the author of Focus on Community College Success, skillfully integrates the knowledge she gained from more than 30 years of teaching into 13 case studies that give essential tools to aspiring and new community college students.Staley features diverse community college students in case studies that exemplify the real-world topics covered in each chapter. Each chapter is structured in a similar pattern, beginning with a list of objectives and then moving on to a readiness quiz (a short quiz that examines the reader's previous knowledge of the chapter content), an introduction to the students and the case study, questions about the case study, advice from the author on pertinent content contained in the chapter, and a reality check quiz (a short quiz that examines knowledge of the chapter content after it has been read). Chapters 1 through 5 explore issues related to starting on the community college path, setting goals, becoming aware of learning styles, managing time and energy, and thinking critically. Chapters 6 through 10 focus on developing technology skills and doing research; engaging, listening, and taking notes in class; developing memory; honing reading and study skills; and learning test-taking skills. Chapters 1 1 through 13 consider the processes of building relationships, choosing a major and career, and creating a future.Focus on Community College Success incorporates online resources and technology. Students are encouraged to download mp3 -format audio summaries of each chapter at a specific Web link provided at the end of the chapter. Throughout the text, students also are guided to an online resource center for online assessments, chapter practice quizzes, and video introductions to students featured in each chapter.The text covers many topics related to surviving the academic and personal aspects of attending college. Regarding academics, students are given guidance in understanding the course syllabus, studying for tests, and taking effective lecture notes. However, the text also includes topics that consider the student holistically, such as motivation and monitoring physical and spiritual health. Key topics designed for the young adult reader include fiscal responsibility, choosing a career path, and advice for noncompleters. Other topics relevant to a young adult authence include technological advances that shape students' college experiences (e.g., online social communities such as Facebook and appropriate management of text messaging).Current and prospective community college students are often first-generation students who may have difficulty finding the guidance and advice needed to feel engaged and successful in the community college environment (Horwedel, 2008; McConnell, 2000). Research has reported that 61% of students entering community colleges are first-generation students (Calkins, 2005). Increasing students' awareness of programs offered on campus opens opportunities for students to use the programs available to them. For example, students are often drawn to the community college mission of access and low cost, and they may benefit from programs such as financial aid and on-site daycare programs. But too often these students are unfamiliar with the process of obtaining assistance in these areas. Focus on Community College Success provides answers to frequently asked financial aid questions as well as contact information for the federal student aid information center. Moreover, the author illuminates how to obtain a free copy of the U. …