25 Tips for Student Success

To help you make the most of your time in our department, we asked our faculty what they wished all CHDV students knew before taking classes. We also asked current and former CHDV students’ what advice they would give to students taking our classes. Here’s a selection of what they said:

Tips from CHDV Faculty

• “Your classmates are your partners in learning- make sure to collaborate!”
• “You will need to have a certain level of English mastery in order to succeed in your classes. There is a lot of writing and reading, and all of it is expected to be at a college level. If you are not proficient in English, you will save time in the long run by taking classes to improve your English skills BEFORE taking CHDV classes, rather than having to retake CHDV classes that you do not pass.”
• “The skills and concepts that you will learn in your CHDV courses are lifelong and are not just for use in the classroom or workplace.”
• “Success in class does not always translate to success in employment. And vice versa!”
• “Please buy a stapler- your instructor does not provide a stapler for you to use before you turn in assignments.”
• “Don’t be afraid to ask for help! We are here to help, and there are no silly questions. We can’t help you if we don’t know that you need our assistance.”
• “Make sure to utilize the campus resources that can help you succeed. The Writing Center, DRC, TLC, library, and tutoring center are all free resources that can help you do better in your classes. Use them!”
• “Not all students are good candidates for online learning. Online classes are not easier than in-person classes. They require students to be self-motivated, have a good work ethic, and to be organized, as well as technologically proficient.”
• “Update your MyPalomar/E-services account with your current and accessed email address. Otherwise, you may miss out on important information from your teachers and the college.”
• “Attend class. One of the biggest predictors of success is attending class and participating. And yes, you will miss important information if you are absent.”
• “Attend your orientations for online classes- these are important sessions that should not be missed.” “Enjoy your learning and keep your eye on your end goals.”
• “When you are on a waitlist—CHECK YOUR PALOMAR E-MAIL, frequently.” The instructor is likely to contact you through e-mail to distribute add codes.

Tips from CHDV Students

• “Get involved with the department, meet to discuss your career goals; the more comfortable and at ease you are with the faculty the more enjoyable your experience will be.”
• “Don’t worry if you can only take 1 or 2 classes per semester, it may take you a little (or even a lot) longer, but YOU CAN DO IT!”
• “Dedication, work hard, passion, put your heart and love into what you do, make a difference, and try your best always!”
• “Don’t try and overcomplicate activities for children. Instead, get down on the child’s level and marvel at the awe they have for simple and beautiful observations all around them.”
• “Try everything and learn from your successes and failures.” “Talk to your professors and ask for help when you need it!”
• “Don’t be easily frustrated- the professors are there to help you, even if it’s something small.”