Student Readiness Quiz
(Adapted from PBS-Adult Learning Service, 1994)

How well would distance-learning courses fit your circumstances and lifestyle? Select an answer for each question and score as directed below. Students who tend to be most successful are those individuals who are self-directed and self-motivated in their learning and study habits. Answer honestly ­ no one will see this but you!

1. My need to take this course now is:
   1. High: I need it immediately for a specific goal.
   2. Moderate: I could take it on campus later or substitute another course.
   3. Low: it could be postponed.
2. Feeling that I am part of a class is:
   1. Not particularly necessary to me.
   2. Somewhat important to me.
   3. Very important to me.
3. I would classify myself as someone who:
   1. Often gets things done ahead of time.
   2. Needs reminding to get things done on time.
   3. Puts things off until the last minute or doesn't complete them.
4. Classroom discussion is:
   1. Rarely helpful to me.
   2. Sometimes helpful to me.
   3. Almost always helpful to me.
5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:
   1. Figuring out the instructions myself.
   2. Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
   3. Having the instructions explained to me.
6. I need faculty comments on my assignments:
   1. Within a few weeks, so I can review what I did.
   2. Within a few days, or I forget what I did.
   3. Right away, or I get very frustrated.
7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance-learning course is:
   1. More than enough for an on-campus course.
   2. The same as for a class held on campus.
   3. Less than for a class held on campus.
8. Coming to campus on a regular schedule is:
   1. Extremely difficult for me ­ I have commitments (work, family or personal) during times when classes are offered.
   2. A little difficult, but I can rearrange my priorities to allow for regular attendance on campus.
   3. Easy for me.
9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:
   1. Good ­ I usually understand the text without help.
   2. Average ­ I sometimes need help to understand the text.
   3. Slower than average.
10. When I need help understanding the subject:
    1. I am comfortable approaching an instructor to ask for clarification.
    2. I am uncomfortable approaching an instructor, but do it anyway.
    3. I never approach an instructor to admit I don't understand something.

Scoring
For each "1" you select as an answer, add 3 points to your score. For each "2" you select as an answer, add 2 points to your score. For each "1" you select as an answer, add 1 point to your score. Add up your total points for a final score.

Remember, you can re-evaluate your readiness at any point in time when you feel your selections may change.

Suggestions:

1. If your score is a total of 10 points, distance learning may not be the best learning environment for you at this time.

2. If you score between 11 to 20 points, the closer you are to 20 points, the more distance learning may be an option for your courses. Please reconsider your schedule and study habits, though, and talk with an academic advisor before registering for a distance course.

3. If your total score is between 21 and 30 points, distance learning is a viable option for your courses. The closer you are to 30 points total, the more ready you are for a distance course.