The semester is over. Now what?

You have finished your finals and are now waiting for your grades.  Here are some things to consider:

 

If you are happy with your grades -

• Think about what you did that helped you be successful.  Consider time management, study locations, learning strategies, seeking help, etc.
• Look ahead to your next semester classes and think about what you can do again next semester to have the same positive results.
• What classes do you anticipate being especially challenging next semester?  What can you do for them from the very beginning to be successful?
• And finally...sit back and enjoy a job well done!

 

If you are NOT happy with your grades -

• What happened?  Where did you fall short?
• What learning strategies did you use that worked and what did not seem to work?
• Where and when did you study - or not study?
• Think about improvements you can make from the very first day next semester and resolve to do them!  Consider writing them down and saving them to read at the beginning of classes.  It is important to start productive study habits from the first day of the semester!

 

What if you think a grade is incorrect?

• Your first step is to contact the professor.  Remember that some will not respond to emails, so if you do not get a response, visit that professor as soon as classes begin in January.  Take any graded and returned work you have and be polite!
• If you still think there was an error, there is probably a procedure to follow where you will go up the chain of authority until the matter is  resolved.

 

No matter what, there is always room for improvement or refinement and every semester is different.  Go into the next one prepared and resolved to be successful from the start.

 

Here is some information you will find helpful, motivating, and easy to read:
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

In the Midst of Finals....

At my school we are just starting finals week.  This year my students seem to be particularly confused about the process.  Here is what you should know:

 

• Exactly when and where the final will be held - Don't trust that your professor will tell you.  Many just assume you will figure it out and many do not even know their own final schedule until that week!  Also, don't assume you will remember.  Write everything down and look at your schedule for the week as a whole.
• What will be on the final - Is it cumulative or just the last unit?  Be sure you have all of the notes, handouts, etc.  Get together with a classmate and compare and share.
• What will be the format of the final - essay, multiple choice, open book, open notes?

 

Then, look at your week as a whole and plan when you will review for each final.  (At this point your major studying should be done!)  If you have two or more back-to-back, make a quick review card to go over as you go from one to the next.

 

Make sure you get adequate sleep and nutrition.  It is a mistake to get overly tired and stressed at this point.

 

Next week the blog will address what to do after you get your grades and how to analyze your learning throughout the semester.

 

Good luck!!
*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Getting Ready for Finals - A Review of How Learning Happens

At my school we are soon returning from Thanksgiving Break and students will be preparing for final exams.  This is a good time to review exactly how learning happens and apply that to your final exam preparation.  Remember that learning involves three things:

• Repetition
• Using a variety of strategies
• Spacing your learning out over time

 

REPETITION: Go over and over the information - when you feel like you know it cold, go over it again.


VARIETY: As you are studying, do different things with the material such as

• Reread your lecture and textbook notes
• Put information on study cards
• Quiz yourself - practice remembering the information just as you will do on the exam
• Put information into your own words - the exam questions will not be word-for-word from the book and lecture notes
• Make study guides
• Meet with classmates and either explain the information to each other or test each other
• Go to any review sessions held by the professor or tutors
• Use any online quizzes and review help

SPACED OUT OVER TIME: And finally, obviously, start early - not the night before the exam.  Break the material into logical chunks and start at least one week before the exam.  Any extra difficult or critical information can be put on study cards and reviewed every day!

 

When talking about exam preparation in my Learning Strategies class I always ask, "When should you start to study for an exam?"  I tell my students it is a trick question because the answer is, "As soon as you get the information!"

 

Enjoy the end of the semester and good luck on your exams!

 

*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon,com and barnesandnoble.com.

Reflect on Your Success

 

As my students left class for Thanksgiving break I asked them to tell me one of the following things: “What is one thing you have learned, accomplished or are proud of this semester.”  It did not have to be academic, just something from their first 13 weeks as a college student.  Here are some of the answers:

• Passing biology
• Getting an 'A' in biology
• How to study
• How to talk to people they did not know
• Meeting people different from themselves
• How much they miss their family
• How much they miss their dogs
• How much they miss their couch/own bed
• How to do laundry
• How to clean a bathroom
• How to be independent

Particularly if you are a freshman, this is a good time to pause and think about everything you learned and have done and to feel good about what you have accomplished.   Happy Thanksgiving!


PS – One student who just broke his foot said he learned to not do stupid things!  I changed that around and said he was learning how to overcome adversity as he navigated around campus on crutches!

 

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

 

A Word About Words

My students are working on a culminating project for my Critical Reading and Thinking course.  For the project they are to find two articles with different points of view on the same general topic.   One of the questions asks them to find at least five words they do not know in the article and define them.  Most of the articles come from popular newspapers and magazines or web sources.   One thing that I noticed is the difficult level of the words in the articles.   This was reinforced by a conversation with a History professor teaching a freshman level course.  He found that students had trouble with his exams, not because of their knowledge of the course material, but because they did not know many of the general words he used.  Aside from enrolling in a vocabulary course, what can you do to increase your vocabulary?

* READ!  READ!  READ!

* Pay attention to words you do not know.  After the second time you run into the word, write it down, look it up and write the definition.   Put these on your desk and review periodically.

* In a content course you will have to make a concerted effort to learn the content-specific words.  Pay attention to word parts that appear often.  These will help you unlock future words.

* Try playing freerice.com.  This is a nice website that quizzes you on words and donates grains of rice for every right answer.  Fun, learning and a good deed all wrapped in one!

Enjoy exploring and learning new words.  You reading comprehension will increase as well as your enjoyment of language!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Strategies for GREAT Essay Answers

I am spending the weekend grading my students’ essay exams.    I reminded them last week that their goal is to demonstrate how well they read and understood the assignment and that they should make my job easy.  Here are some ideas:

* Read the ENTIRE question.

* Pause and think about the answer.

* Mark up the questions.  Number the parts, underline important words.

* Consider making a brief outline before starting to write.

* If it is a multiple part question, answer each part in order.

* Restate the question in your first sentence to keep your answer directed and on topic.

* Use signal words to help the professor follow along.  If there are three parts, use words like “first, second, third.”   If they ask for examples to prove your point, start the sentence with “For example.”

* If you have time, reread your answer.  Be sure that it makes sense.  Put yourself in the place of the professor and see if it is clear.

* Keep in mind that you are the writer and your job is to be clear for the reader.   Don’t assume the reader/professor will “know what you mean” because they obviously know the material.  Your job is to clearly explain the information and to demonstrate how well you do know the material.

There is no substitute for knowing the correct answer, but you still have to communicate that answer to your professor so that they know that you know!!! 

 *****

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

Take Care of Your Health

At my institution we do not have any break until Thanksgiving and students are getting run down and sick.  How you feel physically has a big influence on your ability to learn. Plan to take care of yourself in these five ways:

* Sleep: The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to go to bed and get up at about the same time every day. Naps are fine, but a nap is about 20–30 minutes. If you get into your pajamas and under the covers, you have gone back to bed! Too much sleep during the day can disrupt your sleep at night and take away from valuable study time.

* Exercise: Exercise has multiple benefits—it helps your brain function well, gives you energy, helps keep your weight under control, and helps you fight off germs. Most schools have beautiful fitness centers and organized classes—take advantage of what they have to offer.

* Good nutrition: On many college dining plans you can eat whatever and whenever you want, but there is no one to remind you to plan or eat balanced meals. Remember to eat from a variety of groups and include fresh fruit and vegetables. Don’t go crazy with sugary desserts and fried food.

* If your parents agree, get a flu shot.  The flu can run rampant through the dorms and classrooms, so protect yourself.

* Wash your hands often.  This is your best defense against colds and flu!

The better you physically feel, the better you will be able to concentrate and learn.

*****

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

The Benefits of Looking Ahead

For most of us the semester is about half over.  The second half always seems to go faster than the first.  Now is a good time to look ahead and plan your work for the remainder of the semester.


If you have not done so already, write down all your major exams, papers and assignments.  You can probably get the final exam schedule, so put your exams on your calendar also.  If you know an exam is cumulative, note that as well.


Next, see if there is anything outside your classes that you need to take care of. This could be anything like going home for someone's birthday, attending a cultural or sporting event, scheduling future classes or talking with financial aid.  All of these things are important and cannot be put off.


Then see if there is anything you can do ahead of schedule - start the paper, plan the project or buy the birthday gift.


Finally, make a weekly to-do list at the beginning of each week.  You can also have a long-term list. It is very motivating to cross things off as they are accomplished!


You want to enjoy your time in college while you are learning.  Planning ahead will help avoid stress and give you time to relax and enjoy the moment!


*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

The Difference Between LEARN and REVIEW

One major study strategy is to review your notes as soon as possible after each lecture class.  However, when I say this to my students, I really mean two things - REVIEW and then LEARN.   These are two different things and both are necessary.


When you REVIEW your notes you should read them and do the following:
* Make spelling corrections.
* Add words as needed to make clearer.
* Identify any questions you have.
* Identify areas where you might need more background knowledge to completely understand.
* Identify vocabulary words you need to know.
* Consider highlighting the main topics so you can clearly see the organization.
* Remember that you will possibly be using these notes several weeks from now to study for a mid-term or final exam, so be sure they are clear enough that you will understand what you mean at a much later date.
* If your notes are not well organized or clear, consider rewriting.


When you LEARN the information you can do the following:
* Use recitation - read a section of notes, restate in your own words from memory and then check yourself.  If you are successful move on, if not, repeat.
* Put your notes into a study guide format (chart, concept map, study cards, time line, etc.).
* Make a practice test and take the next day.
* Predict exam questions and answer - in writing if it will be an essay exam.
* Form a study group and teach or quiz each other.
* Combine your lecture notes with information from the textbook if applicable.


Both steps and necessary for long-term retention.  Remember that learning takes time and effort, so keep current.


*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Multiple Exams in One Week

My students are in the midst of midterms and most have several exams scheduled in the same week.  This is quite manageable as long as you plan ahead and then stick to the plan. 


Make sure:
*You have recorded all major exams, papers and projects on your monthly calendar.  Some professors will not announce an exam until the previous class, and
*You have all the materials you need for the exam.


Then:
*Start a week before each exam.
*Make a list of all topics that will be covered, possible in the form of a review chart with space to add information.
*Start with the topic you learned first and relearn that day one.
*Day two, relearn the next oldest topic and review the first.
*Day three, relearn the next topic and review one and two.
*Continue until you have learned all topics.
*Continue to review all until the day of the exam.


One problem many students have is multiple exams in one day, sometimes back-to-back.  Make a one page review chart for the second class and review that as you travel from the first exam to the second.  That way you brain will transition from the first topic to the second.


Of course it goes without saying that you should get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast before the exams!


Next week - the difference between "learning" and "reviewing" and some strategies for each.


*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

How I Survived Statistics

When I was taking courses for my doctorate, the hardest classes for me were Probability and Statistics I and II.  Both classes were required, so I had no choice but to take them and pass!  Here is what I did:

• I pretended it was a war - Statistics vs. me - and I was going to be the winner!  I was determined!
• I outlined the textbook chapters in addition to my lecture notes.
• I made study cards for everything in the course.
• I went to the graduate assistant for help - A LOT!
• I did extra practice problems.
• I used Distributed Practice.  Besides all of the above, I studied my note cards about 20 - 30 minutes almost EVERY day of the week.  Either I got up early or found some time during the day, but I hardly missed a day during the entire semester.
• I even took my work with me and studied on vacation.

One problem I had was that, due to the times the classes were offered, I had to change professors for the second class and the new professor was foreign with a heavy accent.  It took me awhile to get used to what he was saying, but reading the textbook BEFORE class helped me know what words to look for.


So - my message is that if I can pass these two courses (with an A minus and a B plus!), you can do anything you want to do!  If you are determined and use all of the learning strategies you can, you will be successful!  Go for it - and good luck!

 

First Semester Success: Study Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

 

Successful and Unsuccessful Study Strategies

This semester two sections of my Critical Reading/Thinking class are paired with a History course studying the Holocaust.  After their first History exam I asked my students to evaluate their preparation.  Here are the results from 47 students:

 

NOTE: The number beside each strategy is the number of students who gave that response.

Learning Strategies That Worked

Exam Preparation That Did NOT Work

Reviewed notes often - 7 Rewrote notes - 6 Formed a study group - 4 Read textbook chapter - 3 Made note cards - 3 Followed professor's study guide - 3 Started early - 2 Emailed professor with a question - 2 Reread primary sources - 1 Highlighted textbook - 1 Quiet time in Library - 1 Paid attention in class - 1 Read material out loud - 1 Took good lecture notes - 1 Paid attention to vocabulary - 1

Procrastinated - 10 Didn't pay attention in class - 5 Didn't read textbook thoroughly - 4 Did not read primary sources - 3 Tried to memorize everything - 2 Didn't even open textbook - 2 Didn't review professor's guiding questions - 1 Did not ask professor questions when confused - 1 Poor note-taking skills - 1 Didn't spend enough time studying - 1

 

My challenge to the students was this:

• If you earned an A on the exam, do the same things.
• If you earned a B, do one or two more strategies and aim for an A.
• If you earned a C, D or F, do A LOT more to improve your grade. 

You can apply this information to your own academic success in any course.  Work hard and you will be pleased with your results! 

 

First Semester Success:  Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester)of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

 

College is Hard Work!

"Of course it is hard.  It is supposed to be hard.  If it was easy, everyone would do it.  Hard is what makes it great!"

 

This is one of my favorite quotes.  It is from the 1992 movie, A League of Their Own, about a female baseball league during WW II.  It is true for any accomplishment including earning a college degree.  You want your degree to be well respected when you graduate, so you want everyone, including yourself, to have to work hard to earn it!

 

So, what are some of the "hard" choices you may have to make in order to be successful at college?  Here are some decisions or choices you can make to be successful:

• Go to EVERY class.
• Study after class instead of taking a nap.
• Review your class notes after each class.
• Use multiple learning strategies.
• Get a good night's sleep before a big exam.  (Really every night!)
• Start working an a paper early - the longer the paper the earlier you should start.
• Take advantage of any extra help and support available.
• Surround yourself with friends who will help you be successful.
• Do not party or socialize at the expense of your studies.
• Read your textbooks, make study guides and be active in your studying.

 It is the day-to-day choices you make that will determine your success.  Always keep your goal in mind and make choices that will lead you to success.

*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

Back to the Basics - How to Study

It is the beginning of the semester, so let's review the basics about how to study.  There are three aspects that are important:


VARIETY
You need to use many different study strategies when learning material - don't just do the same thing over and over.  Some strategies are:
*Rewrite your notes
*Outline the textbook chapter
*Consolidate the lecture notes and textbook information into one outline
*Put the information onto study cards
*Reorganize the information into concept maps or review charts
*Use recitation - after reading or writing the information, cover it and try to restate it in your own words from memory.
*Quiz yourself.
*Form a study group and explain the information to each other and/or quiz each other
*Make use of any on-line study help or practice quizzes available


REPETITION
It is important to work with the material repeatedly, not just once and not just the night before the exam.  It is the multiple exposures to the material that get it firmly into your long-term memory.


SPACED OUT OVER TIME
This is similar to repetition.  It takes time for the information to become consolidated in your memory, so there needs to be some time after each study session for this to happen.
Than - work with the material again and in a different way!


As you can see, learning takes time and effort.  But the results are worth it!
*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

Positive Habits for the New Semester

It is the start of a new semester and the perfect time to establish habits that will lead you to success.  Here are some:

Take care of you body and brain

*Get enough sleep

*Make healthy food choices


*Exercise

Develop good learning habits

*Attend all classes!

*Review your notes after each class, and then start to learn them

*Use a variety of learning strategies

*Read your textbook – give yourself plenty of time to complete the reading before class

*Attend any extra help sessions such as Supplemental Instruction

Develop good social habits

*Put your studies first but also make time to relax

*Look for friends who will help you be successful

*Do not fall into the party crowd

*Join an organization on campus that you are interested in – this is a good place to make friends with values similar to yours

*Remember to keep in touch with family at home who are interested in your success

 

The semester moves very quickly after the first week or so.  This is the perfect time to be sure you are spending you time wisely so that you enjoy your college experience AND are successful!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) or College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

Motivational Goal-setting Part 2

Having goals and working toward them can be very motivational.  You can set goals of different lengths to help motivate yourself.   Here are some examples:

Long-term goals can be any length that is not immediate - end of the semester, four years from now, whatever suits your purposes.  Here are some examples from my students:

*At the end of the semester I will be off of probation.

*At the end of this semester I will be on the Deans’ List (3.25 semester GPA or higher at my university).

*This semester I will earn nothing lower than a B.

*I will earn an A in Organic Chemistry.

*I will review my notes as soon as possible after each class.

A short-term goal can be anything with a week or two time period, such as:

*I will earn a B on my History exam.

*I will study two hours a day in the Library at least four days this week.

*I will complete all of my English reading before the weekend.

A third length is a daily goal - like a “To-do list.”  For example:

*I will finish studying in time to watch my favorite TV show at 9:00 PM.

*Today I will do my laundry and go to the gym.

*Today I will write out a study plan for the week.

*I will go to the tutoring center for help with math.

(You will note that all of these goals fulfill the three necessary characteristics of an effective goal – they have a time limit, are measurable and achievable.)

An important step is to do more than just think about your goal. Write it down; post it where you will see it, tell someone else.  You have to remind yourself daily about what you want to achieve.  This makes it more concrete and meaningful.

Take a minute right now and set a goal for the next week and a few for today.  Then – go out and achieve them!!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

Motivational Goal Setting Part 1

One way you can keep on track in your studies is to set goals and then strive to reach them.  An effective goal has three characteristics:

* It has a time limit

* It is measurable

* It is achievable

Compare these two goals:

I will study harder this semester.

I will earn a B or higher on my History exam next Friday.

The first goal really is meaningless.  What does it mean to “study harder?”  How can you measure it and when will you know that you have achieved it?   By contrast, the second goal gives you something to work toward and helps direct your activities toward achieving that goal.  Now that you know where you want to be, your next job is to arrange your time and activities so that you achieve it.

Then, when you achieve your goal the feeling of accomplishment will spur you on to continue to work toward your next goal.

One last thing – it is helpful to post your goal where you will see if often in order to keep reminding yourself what you are working for.  In class I have students write their weekly goal at the top of the weekly page in their planner.  You can also tape it to the side of your computer screen, on the door frame or on your bathroom mirror so that you see it each day.

Because there are so many distractions, particularly for college students, it is necessary to constantly remind yourself about why you are in college and where you want to be.   Effective goals will help keep you motivated, make good choices and choose activities that will help you achieve your goals.

Next week – goals for different lengths of time.

Work hard and enjoy your accomplishments!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

 

 

Focus on Your Goals

“Keep your mind on the great and splendid things you would like to do, and then, as the days go gliding by, you will find yourself unconsciously seizing upon the opportunities that are required for the fulfillment of your desire.”

I have had this quote from Elbert Hubbard on the bulletin board above my desk ever since I went back to school to earn my doctorate in the early 1990’s.  It doesn’t mean that what you desire will just come to you without effort.   It means that if you focus on your goals, you will make decisions and look for opportunities that will help you achieve them. 

One problem many college students encounter is that there are so many distractions and other things to do that their goal (good semester grades, graduation, fulfilling career) gets lost and forgotten.   Even though it may be a very long-term goal, you have to do things every day to achieve it.  But it is hard to pass up an immediate pleasure to work toward something that you will not enjoy for months or even years.  

One thing you can do is what I did – post motivational sayings where you will see them every day.  You could write your goal on an index card and tape it to your mirror so you will see it every morning. The more you make working toward your goal a priority, the more you will want to plan your day around achieving that goal and will want to do the things that will get you there.

Next week look for information about the characteristics of an effective goal and the power of setting and achieving goals.   Have a successful week!

First Semester Success, Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

 

The Learning Process - Part 5 of 5

This is the final part to the learning process – putting it all together.  How do you combine variety and repetition with spacing your learning out over time?  Here are some ideas (don’t be surprised if you have read a lot of this before!):

* Of course you are reviewing each day’s notes after each class.  Then, at least one a week, review all of the notes that will be on the next exam.


* As you are learning each day’s notes, make study cards, mini concept maps for a specific topic or concept, write out some questions and answers, and – of course – use recitation.  After you have read a section, close your notebook, restate the information from memory, and then check yourself.


* Annotate (take brief margin notes) as you read your textbook.


* Read and outline your textbook.  OR – turn each heading into a question, read to answer the question and write out the answer.


* If you have made study cards, review them a few minutes every day.  This is above and beyond reading the textbook and learning your notes.


* Go to any additional study sessions (tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, professor-led reviews).  You are getting an additional exposure to the information in a different format and possibly from a different person.


* Form a study group.  Assign tasks such as re-teaching different sections of the notes, making practice tests or quizzing each other.


* Take advantage of any computer-based study aids that go along with the course or textbook.


* As an exam approaches, make large-concept study guides, review charts, concept maps, etc.


You get the idea.  Use as many different strategies as possible and start to study NOW for the next exam.  Then - enjoy your success!
*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

The Learning Process - Part 4 of 5

We have been thinking about learning requiring three things: variety, repetition and being spaced out over time.  This post will give you some ideas about how to space your studying over time.  You probably have figured that out from the previous posts, but here goes….

* Keep studying all of the information that will be on the next exam at least once a week in addition to studying notes from each individual class immediately after that class.

* For very difficult information, study a little several days every week in addition to your daily and weekly reviews.

* When preparing for an exam, start studying about a week in advance.  Study one main topic each day and review all the topics every day.

* Keep a semester calendar so that you can prepare in advance when you have multiple exams within a few days time.

* For a difficult subject, try to register for (and attend!) a section that meets as many times a week as possible as opposed to just once a week for a longer period of time.

* If you do have a night class that meets just once a week, studying several times each week is very important to make up for only meeting with the professor once each week.

Next week we will look at how to put it all together.  Until then, keep studying!

*****

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

The Learning Process –Part 3 of 5

Effective learning needs three things: variety, repetition and spacing out over time.

The last post looked at variety – what different types of study activities can you do with the material you need to know.  This week we will look at repetition.  This is easy to understand – you have to go over and over and over the material (in many different ways) in order to get it into your long-term memory.

Think of your memory as compartments.  Your sensory memory is where you decide what to pay attention to – what you are reading, for example, or the TV playing in the background.  Your short-term (or working) memory is what you are using when you are paying attention, reading, thinking, etc.  This is the part you are using when you study. You have to keep thinking about the material in order to keep it active your short-term memory.  You goal is to get the information into your long-term memory so you can access it when you need it – during a test for example!  BUT information does not just move to and stay in your long-term memory after one study event.  It takes repetition - going over and over the material multiple times.  So how do you do that?  Here are some ideas:

*Review your lecture notes after every class and at least once a week review ALL the notes that will be on the next exam.

*Be sure to go to every class – that way you are working with the information at least several times a week.

*Make study cards.  Set aside 15 – 20 minutes per day to study the cards.  This is especially effective in a class that has a lot of material and/or is very difficult.

*Don’t let too many days go by without any interaction with the material.  If it is a class that meets just once a week, be sure to work with the material several times between class sessions.

*If the class is online, don’t be tempted to put off the work.  Set up a schedule for yourself where you plan to study the material several times each week, just as if you were physically going to the class.

*Schedule weekly study dates with friends. This will force you to have more interactions with the material.

*Take advantage of Supplemental Instruction sessions, professor-led review sessions, what every your institution offers.

There is one last part – spacing your learning over time.  Watch for the post next week! In the meantime, look at your weekly schedule and plan ahead when you will study so you are interacting with the material as many times as possible throughout the week.

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

The Learning Process - Part 2 of 5

One important part of learning is to use a variety of strategies and work with the material you want to learn in a variety of ways.  If you only do one thing, read and reread for example, you will only know the information in that format and in that order.  To completely understand and know the material you need to do several different types of things with the material. 

The basics are reading the textbook, listening to the professor, writing notes, and reviewing the notes as soon as possible after class.  But this is not enough!  Some further ideas are:

* Quiz yourself – after reviewing your notes, close your notebook and restate what you just went over.  If you can, move forward.  If you cannot, read the notes again and restate again.

* Say the information out loud, either to yourself or explain it to others in a study group.

* Rewrite your notes to make them more clear and organized.  Consider adding information from the textbook.

* Outline the textbook.

* Put important information on study cards and review them several times a week.  (Remember to again quiz yourself – look at the front, think about the answer, then look at the back to check yourself.)

* To change things up, consider making the cards on a study app on your computer or device. 

* Make a review chart, concept map or timeline of the material.

* If you like visuals draw pictures or add color to your notes and study guides.

* Make use of practice quizzes available online with the textbook.

* Go to any study group led by the professor or Peer Educators/Supplemental Instruction leaders.

As you can see there are many study strategies or techniques you can use.  Next week we will look at repetition – it was implied by several of the above ideas, but we will specifically see why it is necessary.

Study well and often!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

The Learning Process - Part 1 of 5

Over the summer, let’s spend some time reviewing exactly how learning happens AND what you can concretely do while you are “studying” to make it happen.    To successfully learn and understand information the following three criteria are necessary:

A variety of strategies

Repetition

Spaced out over time

Briefly, here is an overview of each:

Variety – the learner (you!) needs to do several different things with the information in order to truly “know” it.  This goes well beyond reading the textbook and “reviewing” or “rereading” your lecture notes.  Some basic ideas are to test yourself, outline, make study cards, etc.

Repetition – To get information firmly into your long-term memory you need to go over it and over it.  Each time you recall or think about the information it gets more firmly cemented until eventually you can recall it without any hints or clues.

Over time – This repetition needs to be spread out over time.  The time in between each study session is important because this gives the information some time to “set.”  You definitely will not get the same results if you review the information over and over just on the night before an exam.

Next week we will look at VARIETY in more detail.

Until then – keep learning!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is now available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Financial Literacy

One topic rarely addressed is financial literacy. College is generally a time when you will not have a lot of money. If you want or need to work, consider getting a job on campus. There are several advantages: you will be close to your job, your employers will be willing to work around your class schedule and will understand when you have exams, and sometimes it is possible to get in some study time during work hours. If you do a good job, it is very possible you can keep the job through your college career, possibly even in the summer. There should be a student employment office on campus to help with your search.

Here are some other things to consider:

* Do NOT sign up for a credit card as a fund raiser for campus organizations. Even if you do not ever use the card, it will appear on your credit history. You are starting to build your own credit rating now, and promotional credit cards will hurt your record.

* Think about buying used textbooks, renting books, or sharing books. Textbooks are a necessity but a huge expense.

If you have loans or financial aid, be sure that you understand the terms, conditions, and payment plan. It is important to know how many years or semesters the loan covers and if summers count as a semester. Also, is there a certain grade point average you must maintain or a certain number of credits you must successfully complete each academic year?

* Do it right the first time. Avoid failing or withdrawing from classes if at all possible so that you do not have to take (and pay for!) the class a second time.

* Be thoughtful and careful in your selection of a major. After the first year or so, changing your major could add a semester or more onto the semesters you need to graduate. Most colleges offer career exploration classes and have a career center that will work with you to select a major.

* You do NOT need a $5 cup of “designer” coffee or smoothie every day. Save that for a treat on Friday or after a major exam. Regular coffee or juice (or even water) is just as good and a lot cheaper.

Your education is a very expensive investment in your future.  Be smart and make the most of your time and money!

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Summertime and the Learning Continues

Even if you are not taking classes this summer, there is a lot you can do to keep up your skills and get a head start on the fall.  Here are some ideas:

*Read!

*Look for news articles that relate to the classes you will be taking and/or your major and read them.

*Consider taking a summer course at a community college to prepare for your fall classes.   For example, a basic math course will prepare you for a higher-level math course or a short, introductory foreign language course will prepare you for that.   These credits will not transfer, but your grades will be better as a result.

*Get self-learning books and practice your math or writing skills.

*Periodically review any foreign language you started in the spring so you do not forget too much by fall.

*Borrow nonfiction books from your local library on the topics of your fall classes.

*Go to Kahn Academy on the internet and listen to some lectures to gain background knowledge.

*Research the topics of your courses on the internet.  Just be sure the websites you look at are legitimate and correct.

Think of yourself as a life-long learner and continue to increase your skills and knowledge throughout the “vacation” months.  Enjoy!

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First Semester Success: Study Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is now available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

The Extra Mile

“Go the extra mile, it’s not crowded.” 

This is from an ad for a fitness club, but it also applies to academics.  Most people do “just enough” to get by.  Successful people do a little bit more – they go the extra mile.  This applies to your studying in a variety of ways:

* Start early to prepare for an exam.

* Ask questions if you do not understand something.

* Review your notes after every class.

* Use a variety of active learning strategies – do more than just “reread” and “review.”

* Read AND outline the textbook chapter, then coordinate with lecture notes.

* Take advantage of tutoring, review sessions, workshops about studying, etc.

* Talk to your professors outside of class if possible.

* Sit in the front of the lecture hall and away from distractions such as friends and windows.

* If the professor gives a study guide for an exam, do the whole thing yourself – don’t divide it up and share with friends.  AND write the answers out, don’t just think about them.  Perhaps put them on study cards and then quiz yourself.

There are many more, but you get the idea.  Go above and beyond doing just enough to get by! 

*****

First Semester Success: Study Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is now available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Dealing With Academic Probation

The last post dealt with reacting to your grades, both positive and negative outcomes.  What if the worst case scenario happens and you find yourself on probation.  Now what?

First:

*Find out the procedures at your institution.  At mine you generally have one semester to recover and get back into academic good-standing (at IUP that is a 2.0 cumulative grade point average [GPA] or a C average for all classes combined).  Also, at IUP classes taken at other institutions transfer credits, but not the grade.  (This is important to know.)

Second:

*Look at your fall schedule.   Are your scheduled for any classes that have a prerequisite that you took this semester and failed?  If so, you will need to change your fall schedule.  

*Are there any classes you can repeat next semester?  The fastest way to get back in academic good standing is to replace a low grade with a higher grade.  (There is probably paperwork to file for this.)

Third:

*Reconsider you major.  Are you in an area that interests you and motivates you to study?  Are the courses you are required to take in an area where you skills and knowledge are deficient? (If this is the case, move to #4.)

Fourth:

*Can you take summer classes at home or online classes in an area where your knowledge is deficient?  Or is there some way you can increase your skills in these areas with independent study?  (In this case you are not worried about transferring credits or grades.)

Fifth:

*Can you take summer classes at your institution that will help increase your cumulative GPA?

Finally:

*Reflect back on the previous semester.  What did you do well?  What worked?  AND what did not work?  What changes can you make next semester?

*Think ahead and plan specifically when and how you will study next semester.  Consider writing this down and putting it somewhere so you will find and read it in the future.

***The important thing is to do things DIFFERENTLY and BETTER.  Changes are necessary.  Over the summer look for motivation and resolve to do what needs to be done to be successful.  You can do it!

First Semester Success: Study Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is now available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

The Semester Is Over…Now What?

By now the spring semester is over and you have received your grades.  So now what?  Here are two scenarios – one for grades you are happy with and the other for disappointing grades:

If you are happy with your grades –

*Take a few moments to feel good and proud of yourself.  You deserve it!  Succeeding at college-level work requires hard work and dedication.

*Think about what you did to set yourself up for success.   Where and when did you study?  How did you handle distractions?  What study and learning strategies did you use? 

*Look ahead to the next time you will be taking classes and think about how your successful strategies from this semester will transfer to the future.

If you are disappointed with your grades –

*Be realistic and examine your study habits from the last semester.  Did you put in enough time?  Did you use a variety of strategies?  Did you seek help when needed?

*What did you do that worked?  Think about a time when you were successful.  What did you do?  What strategies did you use?

*Think about a student you know who is successful.  What do they do that you do not?

*Think about what you did well, what you could have done differently, and resolve to change your habits in the fall.  (Consider writing this down and packing it away with your things so you will read it in the fall!)

*The important thing now is to look ahead.  The next time you are taking classes, what can you do differently?  You might consider taking a learning strategies class over the summer or buying a book about learning and college success (I know a good one listed at the bottom of this post!!). 

 The next post will deal with probation – how to get back in academic good standing as quickly as possible.

Wherever you are – think about what worked, how you can improve, and resolve to move forward!

Enjoy the summer!

First Semester Success: Study Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is now available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Six Strategies for Success

I am going to a book signing this afternoon and have been asked to briefly (5 minutes!) share success strategies for college students.  It is hard to narrow it down, but here are my top “Six Strategies for Success” for college students:

Go to class.  College is very different from high school!    You are on your own with no one else to tell you what to do.  Be sure to go to class every day.  It is very easy to miss one day, and then the next, and the next…..

Review and learn your notes after every class using active learning strategies such as rewriting; reorganizing into study guides, study cards, questions and answers; or saying the information out loud.

Read the textbook with intention to remember and active reading strategies such as margin notes, separate notes, or underlining.

Practice recitation (restating in your own words from memory); restate what you have read or studied in your notes in your own words before moving on to the next section.  If you cannot do this, reread the textbook or lecture notes section!

Remember that, unlike high school, most of the learning happens outside of class and that you are the person responsible for making it happen.

Habit – get into positive academic habits at the very beginning of the semester.

The spring semester is either over or almost over.  Take a minute to reflect back – which of these strategies did you use?  Which ones could you add during your next semester?

First Semester Success: Study Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is now available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.