After Thanksgiving Break

As you return from Thanksgiving Break and look forward to the end of the semester there are several things to consider:

* Is all of your work complete?  Have you missed any quizzes, exams or projects?  Check your syllabus to be sure.

* What is due between now and final exams?

* When are your final exams?  If you are several on one day, can you make any changes?  Is there a system in place at your school to address this?

* What will the exams cover?  Are they cumulative or on the final unit of the semester?

* What social events are happening?  Which are important and which should you skip in favor of studying?

The semester went by quickly and these final weeks will move even quicker.  Be sure to look at the big picture and manage your time so that you can enjoy the time as well as be successful.

Don’t take too much of a BREAK over Thanksgiving Break

Many of us have one entire week off for Thanksgiving Break.  This is a wonderful time to relax and visit with family and friends.  BUT – it can be harmful for learning.  If you have any work to complete over break, if you have an exam shortly after returning from break, or if you have a difficult class, taking one week off from studying can be disastrous!  Forgetting happens very rapidly, so it is important to spend some time studying over break.  Here are some suggestions:

Plan before you go home when you will study and do any work.   Don’t just think that you will do it when you “have the time.”    Set specific times now.

Write down your plans and tell someone.  That will help keep you accountable.

Consider going to your local library or coffee shop.  Somewhere away from the distractions or home, the TV and you bed.

Review every day.  To prepare for an exam shortly after you return to school, make a study guide or study cards and review for 20 minutes or so every day.   You will be amazed what a difference that makes. 

The above suggestions works for any class that you hope to earn an ‘A’ in.  If you do not review over break you will have to start learning from the beginning when you return to classes.

Keep in mind that there are just a few weeks of classes after break, and then you go into finals!  Be sure you are caught up with your work and studying so that you have plenty of time to prepare for final exams.

Be thankful that you have the opportunity to further your education! 

Happy Thanksgiving!