Approaching the End of the Semester

At my institution we only have three weeks of classes and one week of finals left in the semester.  Here are some ideas to succeed in this busy time:

• Map out the final weeks day by day.  Include what assignments are due, regular exam and final exam dates.
• Plan ahead when you will start to work on projects and papers.
• Plan when you will start to study for each exam.
• Check to be sure you have all material – class notes if you have been absent – and handouts.  Rewrite the missing class notes in your style and include in your notebook.
• Realistically look at your grades so far and set a goal for each class.  Set your goal a little high but make it something you can achieve.  Post your goal grades where you can see them each day.
• If you are close to a higher grade in a class, put in extra effort to achieve the higher grade.
• Plan some time to relax.
• Take care of your health – eat well, exercise, sleep!
• Plan a pleasant treat for yourself after the semester ends.
• Imagine how sweet it will be to check you grades for the semester and see your hard work pay off.

The next blog will discuss how to keep your learning fresh over Thanksgiving Break.
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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 amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.