Managing Your Studying Over Thanksgiving Break

One of my pet peeves when our daughters were in college was that professors would give an assignment on the last day of class before break or schedule a test the first day of class after the break.  It is really hard to work over break but, even if you do not have any exams or assignments, it is important to keep up with your studying.

At my institution our Thanksgiving break is one week and then we come back for two weeks of classes and one week of finals.  It is too long to not even think about your studies for nine days (Saturday – following Sunday).

Here are some ideas to hopefully ensure you either get the work done or do not lose ground in your studying:

• Plan ahead for two or three times when you will study or work on projects.  If you have some specific times set aside you will enjoy relaxing even more.
• Tell someone else your plans so that you are more committed.
• Write the times in your planner or, even better, on the family calendar.
• Go to someplace more “academic” – your local library or Starbucks, coffee shop
• If you are going to work at home, pick an environment where you will be more focused – maybe the dining room table if you do not have a desk in your room. 
• Make sure you have some specific ideas about what you will do – make review chart, read textbook, test yourself.

AND – remember to pack carefully when you return to school and don’t leave anything important behind!  (This happens all the time!!)

Enjoy your break!

*****

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.

Students' Nonacademic Concerns

This semester my students seem to be having more problems than in the past.  These problems include sickness, more serious medical issues, family emergencies, funerals and emotional problems.   Unfortunately, these problems often occur without warning and not at the most convenient times.  One thing that is vitally important is that the student keeps their professors informed.   Personal details do not need to be shared, but it is important that the professor knows the general reason behind the absence.  An offer to bring in a medical excuse or obituary is a good idea. 

While there is no preparation for these disruptions, here are some strategies:

• Do not get behind in your work.
• Do not miss any classes if you do not have to.
• When you return, contact each professor and determine what you have to make up.  Write this down!
• Make specific plans with the professor to make up what you missed.  Write this down also and be sure to keep the appointment or deadline!
• Ask for help from classmates to get missed lecture notes or to go over what happened in class.

There issues are upsetting and disrupting to your academics.  Don’t let upsetting or negative feeling go on too long.   It is important to remember that there is help available on every campus. Visit the Counseling Center or Health Center.  Just taking to someone is effective and important.  Remember that everyone on campus wants you to succeed and is willing to help.

Fall break is coming!  Next blog will look at how to manage your time so you spend some time with your studies over break (trust me – this is not easy to do!!).

*****
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, barnesandnoble.com and wordassociation.com.  Click on the upper right link.

How to spread your learning out over time

In the last blog I discussed how your learning has to spaced out over time. Well how do you do that?  Here are some ideas:

·       Review your notes after every class and start to learn them with various strategies, especially self-testing.

·       Go to any out-of-class help available such as tutoring, Supplemental Instruction or professor-led sessions.

·       Make study cards and carry them with you.  If you have a few extra minutes, go through several cards.

·       If there is a subject you are really struggling with, take about 15 extra minutes every day (above and beyond your regular studying) and work with study cards.

·       Start to prepare for an exam about one week before the date.  Gather all of your material, divide into sections and study one section in-depth every day.  Also review the previous sections you studied the previous days.

·       Go to every class – that goes without saying but it has to be mentioned!!

Next week I will tell you about some of my students’ struggles and suggestions.   Keep working!

*****
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.