ABSTRACT
A total commitment is paramount to reaching the ultimate in performance. In this chapter, the author focuses on three additional precise factors that can positively influence the performance of all students, but especially minority, first-generation, and academically unprepared students: building academic resilience, developing positive habits and routines, and promoting Productive Persistence. “Routines can be incredibly complex or fantastically simple”. The skills, habits, and know-how to succeed also emphasize relevance of the course as it relates to the students’ academic lives. The “importance of validation of success of underserved students” can make a difference in these students’ “likelihood of subsequent success”. Engstrom points out that “the number of students attending colleges and universities has increased over 25 percent in the past twenty years. In addition to the academically unprepared students, minority and first-generation students are having trouble staying in college and earning their degree.
