ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the value of self reflection and realistic self assessment by students. For many students, academic expectations change from secondary school to introductory college classes to upper-level college courses. Problems in real life are often complex and difficult, and academic programs naturally seek to prepare students to address these challenges. Thus, students should expect to encounter progressively harder problems through their academic work—in many cases, assignments should be hard and challenging, as students prepare to address complex societal and business needs. Instructors may be able to help—not by changing expectations, but by articulating new expectations, suggesting approaches that may be helpful, and encouraging students to stretch themselves. If a new problem is reasonably different from past examples, then considerable thought may be needed. Past problems may illustrate a range of techniques, but thought is needed regarding how those techniques might be combined creatively to address new challenges.
