Surviving PU-240!

1. Surviving PU-240! Helpful Hints For A Successful Term

2. When in doubt..... Ask Questions. 1) Post general questions under the specific unit “Have a Question?” section Or 2) Email instructor at Acooksey@kaplan.edu Or 3) “See Me” during office hours every Thursday (8-10 pm)

3. What should I do each week for successful completion of course? • Review the To-Do-List for the unit • Check the announcements page for any updates (every couple of days) • Read, Read, Read assigned readings each week • Review the rubric for the specific assignment • Complete and submit all assignments, discussion boards, and exams as required

4. How can I successfully complete discussion boards each week? • Post initial response by Saturday of the unit week (min. 100 words) Note: I actually do a word count!! • Respond to at least two other posts by the end of unit week (min. 50 words each) • Use terms, concepts from the textbook, required readings, announcements, and other materials to support and explain your ideas • DO NOT SIMPLY RESTATE MATERIAL! Further the discussion through examples, personal observations and/or experiences, or critical evaluation. (SEE EXAMPLES ON SLIDE 5) • Reference appropriately (APA style) • SPELL CHECK and use appropriate grammar for all posts • Stay on topic • Remain respectful of each person’s post (review netiquette info under course home)

5. Discussion Board Examples • Hi Eric, in this discussion i love the fact that you discussed this information very brief and directly to the point. You stated your fact well and detailed in regard to disparities in health. In reading your information, it is understood from your post that the facts are concrete and well found. Great Post. • Hi Eric, you make a great point on disparities. Although the health of most Americans has improved significantly over time, not all racial and ethnic groups have benefited equally. Not only can socioeconomic factors account for disparities, but also gender identity, culture and age differences. All these factors must be considered when addressing health behavior on the individual and population level.

6. What things can I do to ease the stress of the semester now? • Gather reputable references on one of the five modifiable behaviors and specific interventions: 1) Physical inactivity 2) Overweight and obesity 3) Tobacco use, 4) Substance abuse, 5) Irresponsible sexual behavior Note: Assignments in units 3, 5, and 9 will pertain to one of the aformentioned topics • Explore Writing Center Resources i.e. APA format, writing literature reviews, effective writing techniques, powerpoint presentations, etc. (also see doc sharing for resources) • Explore Kaplan’s Online Academic Journals!

7. How can I successfully complete exams? • Read, Read, Read! • Review all powerpoints (including any study guides or supplemental materials) • Review all of the instructor’s discussion board posts • Ask questions immediately if you do not understand the material

8. How can I successfully complete mini-projects or assignments • Review APA format • Reference reputable journal articles, organizations, and books • Review all supplemental materials provided • Ask questions before project is due! • Submit drafts if unsure (in an appropriate amount of time) • Submit on time

9. What things can I do to ease the stress of the semester now? Note: Assignments in units 3, 6, and 9 will pertain to one of the aforementioned topics • Gather reputable references on one health disparity: • Explore Writing Center Resources i.e. APA format, writing literature reviews, effective writing techniques, etc. • Learn, polish, and/or refine your PowerPoint skills. Explore resources for effective PowerPoint presentations.