Keys to Student Success

students

Tips for Success in the Classroom

  • Always sit in front of the classroom- Sitting in front of the room helps you to focus on what is being said by the professor.
  • Attend class and be punctual- Class attendance is the simplest way to succeed academically. Show up to class and you will always do better than if you were to skip. Don't be late, it reflects poorly on you as a student and you will miss information.
  • Be an active listener- Ask questions, take good notes, and contribute to discussions where you can.
  • Always take effective notes- Combining notes from class and book study onto one course outline will help you understand how the reading and class discussions intertwine. Writing notes in your own words ensures you understand what your learning.
  • Ask Questions- If you don't understand something make sure you ask about it! If you don't ask you may never understand the subject.
  • Turn in Papers and assignments on time- While this may seem obvious if you set up a calendar with due dates of major assignments and check it every night while studying you will always get your projects in on time.

 Tips to study more effectively

  • Review what you learned in class immediately after- Try to recall what was taught in class, and then compare this with your notes from the class.
  • Study for short periods of time then take a small break- studying for 30 minutes with a three minute break to do something else, followed by a two minute review of what you were studying will lead to better overall knowledge than hours of strait studying.
  • Reward yourself- After you finish studying or in-between study sessions, take a break to watch TV, work out, or get a snack. Just do anything that will get your mind off studying.
  • Create a regular study space- It should be quiet, comfortable and have everything you need to study. It may turn out your loud dorm room isn't the ideal study area.
  • Study Groups- Study groups are great tools to expanding knowledge as long as your group stays on task, mutual procrastination is still procrastination.
  • Study throughout the ENTIRE semester- Cramming doesn't work as well as continued study, so take the time to study a little every night. This way you won't be as stressed toward the end of semesters.

Tips for success outside the classroom

  • Go see your professors during their office hours- They are there, so if you're struggling in a class, go seek help! If your doing well in a class go and talk about course subjects with the professor, showing an interest will show the professor you are trying and want to do better
  • Study, Study, STUDY!!!- You would be surprised how many students do poorly simply because they don't study. In college you must study to be successful. If you are studying and are still struggling be sure to use the resources on campus to help you.
  • Know Carl B. like the back of your hand- Knowing how to use the library efficiently and effectively is an incredible asset to have on your side. Learn how to use the library before your first paper is due, and it will be easier to complete when it is.
  • Get Involved- Do something on campus. Whether it's a sport, club or job, doing something on campus will help you form the connections and gain the drive that will help you succeed in college.
  • Tutoring is a positive thing- Get help before academic damage is irreversible. The Academic Enhancement Center, your professor, and advisor can all help you connect with a tutor that can help with your studies.
  • Find a person you consider a mentor (either officially or unofficially)- A mentor can provide you with the immediate attention necessary to help you persist in accomplishing your educational, social, personal, and career goals. Mentors can also offer opportunities for networking, advice, guidance, and encouragement.
  • Learn to manage your time- Prioritize and use your time wisely.
    • Learn to say no- Procrastinating is a killer. Learn to say no to partying, movies, pizza, whatever gets in the way of studying.
    • Plan a reward- "If I read Weber for one hour I can play X-Box for 15 minutes"
    • Schedule time for studying- Write studying into your schedule, nothing can interfere with this time.
  • Learn how to take tests!
    • Learn what is going to be asked, and the format- If you know what to expect there will be less surprises on the tests.
    • Read the test carefully- Be cautious and concise on your tests.
    • Eliminate the obvious incorrect answers- This will help you choose the correct answer.
    • If you are unsure about a question on an exam, read ahead- Often, the answer to a question is given in a later question.
  • Get plenty of sleep- If you have class at 8:00 AM your not doing yourself a favor going to bed at 3:00 AM. Make sure you get at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

If you have any questions about any of these tips please contact us.

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