Issue 5
Have You Done Your Brain Push-Ups Today?
Westwood students are getting a workout in their classrooms. It can be attributed to a new, dynamic, research-based teaching method called PT3–Practical Tools for Transformative Teaching. The classroom calisthenics involve active learning techniques that allow students to be fully engaged during their time in class.
Dr. May Lowry, director of the Westwood Center for Teaching Excellence, explains, "Students who learn through PT3 will stand out in the job market. Faculty members challenge students through techniques like 'brain push-ups,' which encourage a deeper level of learning. They also remind students of outstanding skills for the WOW (world of work)–skills like speaking up, taking notes, asking questions, and practicing a firm handshake.
"Other techniques include 'writing it down before you talk.' Students write down their ideas about a particular topic before the discussion begins. Since everyone takes the time to write ideas before talking, every student is ready to participate in the discussion. And thinking before you speak is another great job skill!" Lowry continued.
Because these methods encourage deeper thinking, skill building, and modeling the professionalism of their faculty, the result is a student who can end up being more of a standout employee.
Questions about PT3? Ask your instructor. We'd love to hear your feedback as this new teaching program unfolds.
Ear to the Ground
The Westwood Education That Keeps on Giving: Tuition-Free* Graduate Retraining
If you're a student in the midst of completing major assignments to finish a term or even close to graduation, the last thing on your mind is thinking about coming back to study even more!
But don't forget about Westwood's commitment to your success after graduating. As an alumni, you're eligible for and encouraged to take advantage of tuition-free retraining through the Alumni Retraining Program. You can return to campus and hit the classroom again for a refresher on topics that are within your original degree plan. This includes:
- auditing a class you've already taken
- taking an updated course
- continuing to learn about new equipment/software
In addition to picking up valuable new skills, your willingness to continue your education sends an important message to your employer–or a future employer.
Contact your academic dean for more information.
*Books, tools, lab fees may apply.
Career-Focused Colleges – Right Place, Right Time
In an increasingly competitive global workforce, there is a way to move forward and not back: education. And a college education pays off for those who persevere. College graduates earn an average of $20,000 more a year than those without degrees.
It's becoming more evident that higher education needs to respond to the trend of disappearing jobs in the United States by providing a quality, career-focused education. Westwood College is on the front lines of retraining this new, specialized workforce, preparing students with the practical skills that employers are looking for in the 21st century.
A recent report issued by the Association of Governors urged community colleges to model some of their programs after private career colleges, saying these schools are effective at focusing students on job skills and keeping them on track. The report goes on to say that "…career colleges are the most successful of all colleges in retaining, graduating and then placing students quickly into well-paying jobs."
Westwood College works closely with local business communities to develop and expand programs to educate and train students in the skills employers have identified as integral to success in their fields.
Links: Click here for a Career College Association report, and here for a report by the College Board on the value of a degree.
Job Tip
First impressions are critical to the success of your job interview. A firm handshake, looking the interviewer in the eyes and confidence are all important, but if you don't look the part, you can destroy the impact and create a negative first impression.
On most Westwood campuses, Career Services has a loaner wardrobe program with a selection of business attire from which to choose, and they can help you select appropriate clothing for those all-important job interviews. Make certain you take advantage of this resource if you need it.
Graduate Profile
Diana Rivera, 2007 Criminal Justice Graduate
Attending a community college for just a couple months convinced Diana Rivera that she needed to find a better place to earn her degree. "I felt that all the students were at different levels, and it was hard for the teacher to teach us all at the same pace," Rivera explains. Westwood's program flexibility, hands-on training and small class sizes made Westwood the perfect choice for her.
Rivera, 29, graduated in 2007 and is currently employed as a safety manager at Enlace Chicago, a neighborhood-based community support program. But Rivera has her sights set on something bigger. In January she started a graduate program in social work at Dominican University with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker helping at-risk high school students. "Helping children is important to me because I'm from the community, and I love to give back. I believe in empowering others and educating the community," she says.
Rivera's advice to those still in school?
"My advice to students in school right now would be to focus on getting good grades and learning as much as you can. It's hard to think about the future when you start classes, but remember, those skills will only help you when you graduate."
Campus Briefs
Dallas Campus Mock Trial Team Receives Outstanding Spirit Award
The Dallas campus Mock Trial Club recently competed for the first time in the 2010 American Mock Trial Association regional competition and scored the Outstanding Spirit Award. This represents the team judged to be the most civil and having the best team spirit. As the only career-focused college participating, the newly formed Westwood team competed against veteran teams from UCLA, University of Texas at Austin and SMU.
Denver North Student Competes for HGTV's Design Star Show
As of press time, Rick Butler has made it through the first round of auditions for HGTV's Design Star competition! We wish you the best of luck and look forward to following your progress.
Westwood Student/Good Samaritan Aids Elderly Couple
A letter written by a 90-year old man tells of a Westwood student who came to his aid recently when he became weak at a grocery store in Littleton, Colorado. As his wife (on oxygen) tried to help him to his feet, a lady, clad in a light-blue sweater with a Westwood College logo, came to their rescue. She helped him to their car and unloaded their groceries. Writes the gentleman, "…if this is the way you are training your students, you are doing a wonderful job, and we congratulate you!"
The mystery student identified herself as a medical student at Westwood. We are proud to have you as a student and want to know who you are!
On the Net
In-Demand Degrees and Skills in Emerging Trends Spell Success
Here's a link to a great article from The Wall Street Journal about preparing yourself for a career in growing industries.
Feedback Wanted for Westwood Facebook through "Westwood Wonders" Poll
Thanks to everyone who participated in our informal facebook poll–"Westwood Wonders." Now that we have over 1,300 fans, we want to make sure our page is helpful, informative and fun for you. We've learned a lot and received some excellent suggestions. If you want to participate, there's still time. Look for the "Westwood Wonders" posts on Facebook and chime in!
Westwood College Online
Westwood Grad Talks About the "Hottest Job in IT"
Westwood graduate Dustin Fritz, the CEO of The Computer Network Defense Group, will speak about "The Hottest Job in IT: How to Get Started in IT Security" at the February 25 Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) meeting. Guests and AITP members are invited to join at 6:30 p.m. MST by logging on with their first and last names at http://learn.westwood.edu/technology1.
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