Freshman Experience Videos

The following videos are available for checkout from the Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching, 1783 Chestnut St.
Call 745-6508 for more information. The videos were reviewed by Gabriel Fancher, the undergraduate student worker at the FaCET.

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FaCET FYE Homepage | Introduction | Curriculum | Resources

Instructor viewing:

*Tuesdays with Morrie Book Discussion (60 min)  Presenter: Nathan Phelps, FS Instructor 
	*Discusses how to read the book, when to schedule the reading, setting the tone, how to
	address the topics/themes, as well as closing the discussion.
	*The video suggests supporting material to help teach the book and offers activity ideas
	and ways to incorporate other freshman seminar topics into the reading and discussion.

Student viewing:

*Nightline-More Conversations with Morrie: Lessons on Living. 1999. ABC News Video (2 copies)
	*Used as closure after the class discusses the book Tuesdays with Morrie.  

*Avoiding the Research Paper Blues. 1991. 20 min.
	*How to go about writing a research paper.
	*Not that bad of a film, but it doesn't discuss computer use adequately.

*How to Write an Expository Theme. 1992. 24 min.
	*Discusses ways to write an essay (short).
 	*I thought the film was O.K., it covered the basics, and would probably 
	help students not used to essay style test. 
	Warning to possible viewers this film does contain cheesy cartoons.

*Grammar Time: Understanding Commas. 1993. 20 min.
	*Tells how and when to use commas.
	*Not too bad, seems to be made for high school audience, 
	not a strong program because it fails to mention comma splices.

*Test Taking Tactics. 1993. 15 min.
	*Tells different methods of studying for exams and 
	tips for scoring higher.
	*Good program, it is a little corny, but addresses good 
	techniques for test taking.


*Survival Study Skills. 1993. 21 min.
	*List study tips to improve grades and stresses their importance.
	*A follow up to the previous film, it is still corny,
	 but does offer valuable info. 

*Efficient Time Management. 1994. 20 min.  NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
	*Discusses ways to use time efficiently.
	*Good film, has good tips.

*Test Taking Without Fear. 1989. 15 min.
	*Discusses how to deal with and take away test anxiety.
	*This film has the cartoons, but does offer tips on making test 
	days easier to deal with. 

*Frosh.  1993. 98 min. (2 parts, same tape) 
Part I. Freshmen (Dis)Orientation (62 min.) 
Part II. Making A Home (36 min.)
	*Discusses problems freshmen face in the 90's.
	*Excellent!! Depicts freshman life very well. Truly realistic.

*How To Study. 1987. 30 min. (2 tapes) 
Part 1 Preparing To Study. 14 min.
Part 2 Note Taking, Memory, and Exams. 16 min.  CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE
	*More tips on being a better student.
	*Once again more cartoons, principles are useful, but pretty basic.

*Freshman Orientation. 1996.
	*Interview of freshman seminar students (Vanessa Virgin, Richland, Ind., 
	Rod Thorton, Glasgow, Ky., Rene Simpson and Carey McCloud, 
	Oldham county, Kentucky.)
	*Not an action film, but does share the common student's perspective 
	on Freshman Seminar. I wish it had been offered my first semester.

*Retainment Management Seminar (Noel-Levitz Workshop)
	*Discusses methods of retainment, and tries to show 
	how it should be done.
	*Not a film to rent on a Sat. night, but it did discuss how 
	retainment is not lowering standards, but accommodating students 
	needs and well-being which is some times over looked. 
	(of course this is a student's opinion)   

*The Emerging Leaner (3 part program)
Program #1: Learning For The 21st Century. 1995. 30 min.
		*This film describes distance learning and its possibilities. 
		 It also discusses what it takes to make distance learning work, 
		and how it will effect the future.
Program #2: Getting Time and Technique On Your Side.  1995. 30 min.
		*The film discusses time management skills to be used 
		with distance learning.
Program #3: Managing Your Course, Your tests, and Test Anxiety. 1995. 30 min.
		*Gives tips on how to deal with test and associated problems 
		in the distance learning classroom. 


*The Secrets to College Success Approx: 2hrs
	*An excellent film, it discusses just about every aspect of doing well 
	at college.  This video also provides noble tips on how to make it happen. 
	From the transition of home life to campus life, to grades and alcohol this 
	video is fitting for a new college student, and lacks the nonsensicalness 
	usually associated with a video of its components.
	* I do want to extend a caution because the video is extremely long, 
	but it could be broken down into segments quite easily.


*Positive Critical Thinking (14 min)
	* This video is directed mostly to high school students. 
	It deals mostly with how to choose a college to attend.


*Ten Rules for Success  (30 min)  CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE
	*Title explains content extremely well.	
	*This is a really good video. I found myself wanting to see it again, 
	just because the ideas within it were so excellent. 

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