College Success - TCC OER Subject Guide: OER starting points
This guide compiles starting points for OER and freely available resources for College Success courses and topics. This OER subject guide was created for TCC faculty and staff and reflects TCC courses and curriculum. The purpose of this guide is to help faculty and staff more easily find and review OER in their areas so that they can make decisions about quality, accuracy, relevancy, and potential use.
OER starting points for College Success, by course area and material type
College success & College 101
Textbooks, courses, and readers:
- College Success Concise (OER textbook)OpenStax, published 2023. "[S]erves First Year Experience, Student Success, and College Transition courses, and can also be used as a supplementary resource in courses across the curriculum. With the input of hundreds of instructors and academic success experts, the authors carefully prioritized the most critical topics to align to briefer courses. The offering covers material such as college culture, time management, mindset, study skills, test preparation, financial literacy, health, and planning for the future. While much of the material is very similar to the original College Success book, this version was holistically edited and updated. Users will see additions such as a new section on group work and greatly expanded coverage of stress management and wellbeing." Organized into 8 chapters. Instructor resources, including instructor's manual, test bank, and slides, freely available upon verified account. Online and PDF formats; customizable Word document files available upon verified log-in. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Preparing for College Success (OER textbook)OpenStax, published July 2023. Designed for high school students taking college courses and/or transitioning to college. "The book addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities of today’s diverse students. College match, preparing for transition, time management and study skills, building relationships, financial literacy, and career planning are all reflected throughout the material. Preparing for College Success also includes an array of student-centered features including scenarios and advice from current college students that can support robust classroom conversation or individual learning." Organized into 9 chapters. Instructor resources freely available upon a verified log-in. Online and PDF formats; customizable Word document files available upon verified log-in. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- College Success (OER textbook)OpenStax, published 2020, updated 2023. Designed as "a comprehensive and contemporary resource that serves First Year Experience, Student Success, and College Transition courses... Engagement, self-analysis, personal responsibility, and student support are reflected throughout the material." Organized into 12 main chapters, including exploring college, learning styles, time management, academic pathways, reading and notetaking, test taking skills, thinking, communicating, cultural competence, financial literacy, healthy lifestyle, and career planning. Instructor resources, including Canvas course cartridge, instructor's manual, test bank, and slides, freely available upon verified account. Online and PDF formats; customizable Word document files available upon verified log-in. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Success Strategies for the Reentry Adult (OER textbook)Concepcion Perez, College of the Canyons, 2nd ed., 2020. This OER textbook "designed and dedicated to all the adult reentry students reentering college and pursuing their long educational goals and dreams." Organized into 11 chapters, each with interactive features and glossary of terms. PDF and editable Word formats. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Blueprint for Success in College and Career (OER textbook)Textbook Excellence Award winner! Dave Dillon, Rebus Community, 2019, updated 2021. "This text, designed to show how to be successful in college and in career preparation focuses on study skills, time management, career exploration, health, and financial literacy.” Written by a community college counselor and instructor. Downloadable in multiple formats, including digital and print PDFs, an editable OpenDocument format, and more. Appendices include a Study Skills Assessment.
CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand. - Blueprint for Success in College: Indispensable Study Skills and Time Management Strategies (OER textbook)Dave Dillon, Rebus Community, [2019]. Part of the Blueprint for Success series; this text focuses specifically on study skills and time management. Available in multiple downloadable and editable formats. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license.
- Steps to Success: A Guide to Excelling in College and Beyond (OER textbook)Jennifer Hurst-Kennedy, et al, University System of Georgia, 2022. Organized into 13 chapters, including chapters on community, time management, mindset, stress management, careers, financial aid, budget planning, cultural competence, and more. Embedded activities throughout. Online and editable Word formats. CC BY NC SA (Creative Commons - Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Introduction to College and Strategies for Success (OER textbook)Erika Torgeson, College of the Canyons, 2020. Organized into 8 chapters, with integrated activities. PDF and editable Word formats. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) format. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- College Success (OER course)OER course from Lumen and currently hosted by LibreTexts. "Time management, effective methods of communication, career exploration and practical tools for academic achievement are a few of the topic areas covered." Online and PDF formats. Course pages may have different CC (Creative Commons) open licenses. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- How to Learn Like a Pro!2016 textbook "features the 'big six' effective learning/study skills topics: learning styles and preferences, time and materials management, critical thinking and reading, note-taking, memory principles, and test-taking techniques. Each of the six units featuring ... lessons and accompanying exercises ... were developed with the diverse student body of the community college in mind as well as learners in other educational venues.”
Online textbook also downloadable in multiple formats, including PDF and ePub. CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. - Student Success (OER textbook)Graciela Martinez, et al., College of the Canyons, 4th ed., 2019. 6 major units: Self-awareness; Cultural diversity; Self-responsibility; Self-empowerment; Personal plan of action; and Learning skills. PDF and editable Word formats. CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- A Different Road To College: A Guide For Transitioning To College For Non-traditional StudentsAlise Lamoreaux, Open Oregon, 2016. “[D]esigned to introduce students to the contextual issues of college. Non-traditional students have an ever-growing presence on college campuses, especially community colleges. This open educational resource is designed to engage students in seeing themselves as college students and understanding the complexity of what that means to their lives.” 11 main chapters, from “What’s College For?” to “Pulling It All Together” with activities and online readings. Multiple formats available, including PDF, Kindle, and ePub. CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Bridges: United States Academia for First-Generation and International College Students (OER textbook)Shawn Higgins, Temple University, 2021. "[D]esigned to help first-generation, first-year, English language learners, and/or culturally unfamiliarized students more fully and successfully explore their educational environments. By using this book, students will be better prepared for the academic and social challenges of successfully undertaking higher education in English." Organized into 21 chapters. Faculty reviews on this site. Online, PDF, and e-book formats. CC BY-NC-SA (Creative Commons - Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study (OER textbook)Michele Miller and Anne Greenhoe, Portland State University Library, 2018. "This Open Access Textbook will guide students through their English language to academic degree studies [...] Key elements include culture and expectations in an American university, transferring academic skills from ESL to content-specific academic courses, and helpful exercises to be academically successful." Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Cengage OpenNow College Success Reading & Learning ObjectivesCengage, 2018, updated 2022. "This content takes students through the steps to successfully navigate their journey in higher education. Topics include planning for success, choosing a career path, setting and attaining goals, understanding financial management, developing critical thinking skills, making healthy choices, using effective communication, managing time, developing learning strategies, developing meaningful relationships." PDF and Word formats. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) 4.0 license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
Supplemental tools and materials (incl. games, lessons, videos, exercises, etc.):
- How to College - Crash Course video playlistCrash Course video series of 15+ videos (each video around 10 mins.) with innovative graphics, last updated 2022. Includes videos on: How to Pay for College, How to Choose a Major, Your Mental Health in College, and more. Crash Course videos are high-quality, with a mix of live-action and animated graphics. Not openly licensed but freely available to view, link, and embed into courses.
- Learning to Learn (OER textbook)Julie Hovden, et al., College of the Canyons, 2020. Organized into 13 lessons, including lessons for successful learning strategies, active listening, reading to learn, etc. PDF and editable Word formats. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- The LEARN Method: An Interactive Guide for Effective Learning (OER textbook)Karla Lassonde, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2024. "The LEARN Method is a program designed to teach students strategies to improve learning." Organized into 5 major parts: Listen, Elaborate, Association, Retrieval, and Night, each with several learning activities and multimedia. Online (Pressbooks) and PDF formats. Faculty peer reviews of this textbook available on this site. CC BY NC (Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Time Management for Busy Students (OER textbook)Learning Centres, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Canada), 2018. Interactive modules and activities focused on 3 different time management styles/pathways: for students trying to balance studying while working, for students transitioning to college from high school, and for students who are procrastinators. Online format. CC BY SA (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Study Skills - Crash Course video playlistCrash Course video series of 10+ videos (8-11 min. each) with innovative graphics, last updated 2020. "Based on introductory college-level material and scientific studies, this course takes you through the tools and skills you need to get better at studying and finishing assignments in school and beyond." Includes videos on: taking notes, reading assignments, memory, planning & organization, focus & concentration, procrastination, studying for exams, test anxiety, and papers & essays, and more. Crash Course videos are high-quality, with a mix of live-action and animated graphics. Not openly licensed but freely available to view, link, and embed into courses.
- The Learning Center’s Tips & ToolsUNC-Chapel Hill's online guides, handouts, and related videos for study skills and college success tips. Categories include Study Smarter, Be More Productive, Read Better, Own Your Calendar, Ace Your Tests, and ADHD. CC BY NC ND (Creative Commons - Attribution - NonCommercial - No Derivatives) license.
- Student Success Skills - University SurvivalShort articles on different student success skills. Not OER but freely available to view or link to.
- Key Concepts of Computer Studies (OER textbook)Meizhong Wang, College of New Caledonia (Canada), 2020. "If you are looking for a quick study guide in Computer Studies, this book is an excellent resource." Organized into 11 units, each with self-tests. Could also be used as a computer skills review resource for foundational courses. Multiple readable and editable formats, including online, PDF, EPUB, Canvas cartridge, and more. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
Success in online learning
TCC-created resources:
- OLL 101 Success in Online Learning (TCC OER course)To view: First, log into your TCC Canvas faculty account, then click on the Canvas Commons link/icon in the global navigation menu, and then finally click this link to view this Canvas course content. Online course shared by TCC instructor, Kristina Young, 2017. CC BY SA (Creative Commons - Attribution - ShareAlike) license.
Additional Canvas course shells:
- Learning Online 101 (OER Canvas course)To view: First, log into your TCC Canvas faculty account, then click on the Canvas Commons link/icon in the global navigation menu, and then finally click this link to view this Canvas course content. OER Canvas course by CSU Channel Islands, 2020. "Self-Paced Course to prepare students for Online/Blended Courses. Takes approximately 1-3 hours for students to complete. Plan to adjust branding, images etc to mirror your institution." CC BY NC SA (Creative Commons - Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike) license.
Textbooks, courses, and readers:
- Learning to Learn Online (OER textbook)Christina Page and Adam Vincent, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Canada), 2018. "[H]elps you prepare for online learning success by introducing you to the online learning environment and your role as a learner within it." Incorporates a lot of self-reflection exercises throughout, particularly when it comes to adjusting the ways of thinking and interacting in an online learning environment. Peer reviews of this text emphasize how each chapter is already set up like a module, with readings, videos, and practice built in. Multiple formats, including online, print PDF, digital PDF, and editable OpenDocument format. CC BY SA (Creative Commons - Attribution - ShareAlike) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Key Concepts of Computer Studies (OER textbook)Meizhong Wang, College of New Caledonia (Canada), 2020. "If you are looking for a quick study guide in Computer Studies, this book is an excellent resource." Organized into 11 units, each with self-tests. Could also be used as a computer skills review resource for foundational courses. Multiple readable and editable formats, including online, PDF, EPUB, Canvas cartridge, and more. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
Supplemental tools and materials (incl. games, lessons, videos, exercises, etc.):
- Online Readiness tutorials + toolsCalifornia Community Colleges Online Education Initiative. 11 interactive tutorials plus 4 interactive tools. Scroll down to the "Interactive Tutorials" section. Each tutorial and tool includes downloads for the presentation, audio version, and script text. All have a CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license.
- Resources to help learners learn onlineEd Tech Factotum site. Page compiles articles, texts, courses, and activities to help learners learn online.
- "Internet" Tutorials - GCF GlobalComprehensive and up-to-date tutorials created by GCF Global. This section includes tutorials and examples for Internet Basics, Internet Tips, Using the Web to Get Stuff Done, Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and more. Not openly licensed but freely available to view online and link to.
- "Digital Skills" Tutorials - GCF GlobalComprehensive and up-to-date tutorials created by GCF Global. This section includes tutorials and examples for Digital Media Literacy, Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks, Using the Web to Get Stuff Done, Search Better, and Use Information Correctly. Not openly licensed but freely available to view online and link to.
- Key Concepts of Computer Studies (OER textbook)Meizhong Wang, College of New Caledonia (Canada), 2020. "If you are looking for a quick study guide in Computer Studies, this book is an excellent resource." Organized into 11 units, each with self-tests. Could also be used as a computer skills review resource for foundational courses. Multiple readable and editable formats, including online, PDF, EPUB, Canvas cartridge, and more. CC BY (Creative Commons - Attribution) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
Career & life planning
For more OER related to career & life planning, please explore the following OER subject guide(s):
Managing math anxiety
For OER and library resources on Math anxiety, please explore the Math OER subject guide, linked below and then click on the "Managing math anxiety" sub-tab:
Special topics: Financial literacy
Canvas course shells:
- Personal Finance (OER Canvas course)To view: First, log into your TCC Canvas faculty account, then click on the Canvas Commons link/icon in the global navigation menu, and then finally click this link to view this Canvas course content. "Personal Finance course using adapted OER textbook. Textbook is included within course files and resources." Shared by Ann L Strunk, Klamath Community College, 2019. Includes weekly modules with discussions, assignments, and quizzes. CC BY NC SA (Creative Commons - Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike) license.
Textbooks, courses, and readers:
- Economics for Life: Real World Financial Literacy (OER textbook)Donald Wargo, North Broad Press, 2023. "Written in an easy-to-read, conversational style, this textbook will help students learn how to make decisions on saving and investing for retirement, buying a car, buying a home, as well as how to safely navigate the use of debit and credit cards." Organized into 16 chapters. Faculty peer reviews of this text available on this site. Online, PDF, and e-book formats. CC BY-NC (Creative Commons - Attribution - NonCommercial) license. Eligible for Print on Demand.
- Personal Finance (OER course)OER course from Lumen developed through "Achieving the Dream" initiative and currently hosted by LibreTexts. Organized into 12 modules, covers basic issues of personal finance, from personal budgeting to cost of college. Online and PDF formats. Course pages may have different CC (Creative Commons) open licenses. Eligible for Print on Demand.
Supplemental tools and materials (incl. games, lessons, videos, exercises, etc.):
- "Personal finance" ancillary materials search in OER CommonsSearch in OER Commons repository for "personal finance" materials. Refined search to community college education level and material types such as activity/labs, lessons, readings, simulations, videos, and more. Each result may have a different license or terms of use.
Special topics: Test anxiety for nursing students
For OER and library resources on test anxiety for Nursing students, please explore the Nursing OER subject guide, linked below and then click on the "Test anxiety for nursing students" sub-tab:
Culturally responsive & inclusive pedagogy
The Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Pedagogy OER Subject Guide, linked below, provides a starting point for OER professional development and curricular materials relating to issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion; trauma-informed practices; and culturally responsive, inclusive, and anti-racist pedagogy and practices. This guide includes concepts and keywords; TCC OEDI resources; introductory and more in-depth professional development resources (toolkits, guides, etc.); curriculum resources (activities, assignments, etc.); OER and EDI rubrics; instructional design; accessibility; as well as EDI-focused OER in different disciplines across the curriculum, including College Success.
Your OER librarian
Jennifer Snoek-Brown
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Contact:
Email: jsnoek-brown@tacomacc.edu (the fastest way to contact me)
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Phone: 253.460.3936 (forwards to my email)
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Office: Bldg 7, Library (please wear a face mask)
Phone: 253.460.3936 (forwards to my email)
Book an appointment Click the "book now" button above to book a personal appointment with me via Zoom.
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Melissa Adams
Subjects: Astronomy, Biology, Botany, Business/Economics, Careers, Chemistry, College 101, Community Health, Early Childhood Education, Economics, Education, Emergency Medical Services, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Health, Math, Music, Nutrition, Philosophy, Radiologic Science, Science, Statistics
Attributions
Except where otherwise noted, the content in this guide was compiled by Jennifer Snoek-Brown, Tacoma Community College Library, and is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 license.
Except where otherwise noted, the content in these guides by Tacoma Community College Library is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0.
This openly licensed content allows others to cite, share, or modify this content, with credit to TCC Library. When reusing or adapting this content, include this statement in the new document: This content was originally created by Tacoma Community College Library and shared with a CC BY SA 4.0 license.
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