Successful Students

5-6

5. Don’t sit on the back of the room. Successful student minimize classroom distractions that interfere with learning.

Students want the best seat available for their entertainment dollars, but willingly want the best seat for their educational dollars. Students that sit in the back can’t possibly be there professor teammate. Why do they expose themselves to the temptations of inactive classroom experiences? And distractions of all people between them and their instructor? Of course, we know that they choose the back of the classroom because they seek invisibility and anonymity, both in which are antithetical to efficient and effective learning. If you are trying not to be part of the class, then why are you wasting your time?

6. … take good notes. Successful students take notes that are understandable and organized, and review them often.

Why put into your notes you don’t understand? Ask the questions now that are necessary to make your notes meaningful in some later time. A shot review of your notes while the material is still fresh in your mind helps you learn more. The more you learn then. The less you have to learn later and the less time it will take because you don’t have to include some deciphering time, also. The whole purpose of taking notes to use them, and use them often. The more you use them, the more they improve.

Choose the Right!!!!

Sarah’s Academic Success Story

Part 1

The management became a key factor in my study skills for collage. In high school, there were times I was able to study for an hour or two the night before a test and get away with it. This was not the case in collage. I made sure in collage I was prepared for each class. Sometimes that meant writing out the terms for the chapter we read (even if it wasn't required) to better understand them. That way when the midterm or test comes around I was able to understand what I was studying. I started taking excellent notes in class in college. I may have done this in high school, but in college I started typing up notes after class. This helped me remember what I just went over in class then when I had a test one week later I was more likely to remember then as well.

My overall study method: Structured. One thing I learned was I had to adapt or change my study method according to the class. I couldn't study for a Religion Class the same way I studied for a Finance class. But making sure I had enough time to study for each class – even if it meant carrying a planner with me at all times was a big part of my success.

Choose the Right!!

Effective Study Methods

Part 2

My time management secret: My secret is to use time wisely. I know that on certain days I do not have time to run errands or hang out with friends even. Each minute of each day is used for something. One thing that works really well for me is to write everything down. I mean everything. I write down if I am going to email people, write letters, or study. It works for me to have a planner that goes by the day and shows me what I am going to be doing every day. Knowing what I have to do every day helps me plan out my week and my days. If I know that I don’t have time on Tuesday, I will try to get more things done on Monday or Sunday. I plan ahead, especially if I am going to be on the road for volleyball. When I am on the road, I bring my books and read on the bus/plane/hotel room. Missing class is a killer to make up from but if you are upfront with your professors, they are usually nice about having to turn things in late or not being in classes.

Choose the Right!!!