The Big Picture

When you are learning new material, it is a lot easier if you understand The Big Picture.  You will be able to see how all of the information fits together and it will be easier to remember the small details.  The Big Picture is important at all stages of learning; from the first exposure to the material through reviewing for an exam.   Here are some strategies that are helpful:

* Before starting to read a textbook chapter, preview it by looking at the learning objectives or chapter outline, the headings, any bold print, etc.

* When you are reading anything, in the back of your mind be thinking of the overall article as well as the details.

* Look for the organization of the information.  Are there two opposing viewpoints in the article?  Is it in chronological order?  Is it compare and contrast?  You have to know this before you can understand!

* When taking lecture notes, think about how this individual lecture fits into the current major topic or the entire semester of material.

* When you are reviewing for an exam, go through your notes to see the major topics.  Make a large review chart with all of the topics listed.  Look for common themes and fill in the sub-points.

* Pause every so often and consciously think about The Big Picture and how everything relates and fits together.

What are you reading or studying right now?  The next time you read or study, start by reviewing the material and think about The Big Picture.  Then fit the new information you are gaining into that organization.

Condensed Summer Classes

Many students take one or more classes at a campus near their home or back at their own school during the summer.  These classes are usually condensed into a short period of time (maybe 5 weeks) and the class meets for a longer period each day for 4 – 5 days a week.   There are positives and negatives to this arrangement plus some specific strategies for success:

Positives:

• You can concentrate on one or two subjects; your attention is not spread out over several subjects.
• If it is a topic you do not like, you can be finished with it sooner.
• If it is a subject you are struggling with, you can focus just on that for the period of time.

Negatives:

• You cannot slack off even one or two days because everything moves so quickly and so much material is covered in each class meeting.
• If it is a subject you are not thrilled about, you will have to deal with it every day.

Strategies for Success:

• Study the subject every day!
• Remember to use a variety of study strategies.
• Dedicate yourself to the course for the duration – make it your primary focus.
• Set aside specific time every day (including weekends!) when you will study and prepare.
• Focus on the positive fact that you are completing one more course toward your goal of graduation.

Summer classes are a great way to get ahead, be sure you graduate in 4 years, or make a future semester a little lighter.  Just be sure you are mentally prepared for the amount of work and are dedicated to your success.

Student Scenario #3 - Final Grades

At the end of the semester a student asked what he needed to earn on the final  exam in order to earn a ‘B’ in the course.  Unfortunately this student missed the main essay questions on the exam and ended up with a ‘C.’   The student only missed the final grade of ‘B’ by a few points that he could have earned anytime during the semester on other exams or projects.  What he does not understand is that your final grade is a reflection of all of the learning and work done throughout the semester, not just on one exam. 

Even in a course that only has a mid-term and a final, your grade will reflect how hard you worked and how much you learned throughout the entire semester.  You cannot just study the day or two before an exam and expect to be able to learn and understand everything. 

As you are reflecting on your final grades for the spring semester, looking ahead to fall or as you begin summer classes, keep in mind it is the day-to-day work and learning that is important.