Academic Habits

This semester I have eight sections of Learning Strategies, a class designed for students on academic probation.  Of course we will look at how learning happens, but I plan to start the class with the idea of habit.  Some of the habits my students may need to develop are:

·         Going to class – this is not an option, you always go to class.

·         Studying – Where?  When?  It is easiest if it happens on a regular schedule, not randomly.

·         Sleep – your body gets the best rest if you go to bed and get up at about the same times every day.

·         Maintaining a healthy social life – This is important, but is should not be the first priority.

·         Nutritious Eating – the food choices you make determine how well you feel – you cannot feel good if you are fueling your body with junk.

·         Exercise – this needs no explanation!

To a college student this may sound boring, but it certainly makes life – and success – easier.  The truth is that much of life is routine, but there is pleasure in doing a job well or earning a good grade on an exam.  You cannot have “fun” all the time and still expect to do great things.  The trick is to find pleasure and fulfillment in doing what needs to be done. 

When I ask my students what their plan is to earn higher grades this semester, they often say they will study “more” or “harder” but generally do not know how to do that.  The next blog will start to examine what to actually do when studying.   But the first step is to start the semester with the positive academic habits suggested above.

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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.

Start the semester off right!

One of the exciting things about academics is that there is a beginning and an end.  At the end of a semester you can reflect back on what happened – what worked, what didn’t, what you want to repeat and what you want to change.  Then there is a new beginning and you have a brand new opportunity!

At the start of this semester take some time to think about what you are going to do to ensure your success:

·       For class attendance, there is no “IF.”   You will attend every class; do NOT think about whether you will go, you just go, no option!

·       When will you study?  Set a schedule and get into the habit of studying at the same time.   For example, if you have some time between classes go directly to the Library. 

·       Where will you study?   Plan a place that does not have a lot of distractions such as away from televisions, friends, etc.

·       What exactly will you do when you study?  What strategies will you use?

·       Be sure you are reviewing and starting to learn your lecture notes after every class.

·       Read the textbook before a lecture and review it after the lecture.

Future blogs will address all of these issues: time management, motivation, study strategies, etc.  Stay tuned!

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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.