The semester is over...now what?

There are a few things to think about now that the semester is over and you have received your grades:

First, check your grades:

* If you are not sure why you received a certain grade, contact the professor and politely ask for an explanation.  Keep in mind that some professors will not answer emails in which case you will have to see them in person at the beginning of the next semester.

* If you think there is a mistake and the professor will not help, there is probably a procedure to follow at your school to clear things up.
* Be sure to keep any evidence you have to support a higher grade (homework, exams, emails, grading policy in syllabus, etc.)

If you are disappointed with one or more grades:

* Examine your efforts – class attendance, study habits, attendance at tutoring, etc.

* What could you have done differently?
* Should you consider repeating the course for a better grade?
* If you do this, what will you do differently the second time?

If you are pleased with your grades:

 

* What did you do to earn those grades?
* How can you replicate these strategies in other courses the following semester?

Enjoy your time off!  Rest up and get ready for the 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.

Final Exam Week Survival Kit

Finals week is always stressful.  Here are some things you need to be successful:

Sleep – Remember, it is hard to learn, recall and produce if you are tired and sleepy.

Exercise – This will help you feel physically good which will help you feel mentally good.

A Healthy Diet – This is not the time to eat a lot of junk food.  Concentrate on fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein. 

A Plan – Make sure you know when and where your finals are and what will be covered.  Start to study now (actually you should have started weeks ago!) and map out when you are going to study and review for each exam.

Study Strategies – Remember that learning takes varied and repeated exposure to the material spread out over time.  Start now and use several strategies with each subject.  Study for several days leading up to each exam – not just the night before.   Choose strategies in which you are actively involved with the material (making review charts, study cards, using recitation, outlining the material, etc.).

With planning and strategies you will have a successful week and then a well-deserved rest!

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

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 and amazon.com.

 

Concentrating in a Time of Constant Distractions

Many students report having a hard time studying and staying focused on the information they are trying to learn.  One problem is that we are constantly distracted by text messages, instant grams, emails, friends, worries, Facebook….the list is endless!  Here are some ways to improve your concentration and thus improve your study time:

#1. The first is obvious (but perhaps the hardest to do!) – turn off all electronics!

After doing the first suggestion:

2. Set a timer for a brief period and practice concentrating on one thing for that time period.  Gradually increase the length of time.

3. Pick a time to study when you are most alert.  Are you a morning or evening person?  When are you most effective?

4. Put yourself in an appropriate place that is conducive to learning – not in front of the TV or in a busy place where many people pass through.

5. Give yourself cues to signal concentration – go to the same location, use a special pen or pencil, take a few minutes to organize your materials – any or all of these can signal you that you are now going to concentrate and study.

6. Be sure you are telling yourself positive self-talk – you are going to study and learn and be successful, not that you are doing something negative that will end a soon as possible.

If you are focused and concentrating, your study time will be more effective and you will be a more successful learner.  AND you will survive (and maybe even thrive) away from all of the normal daily distractions!

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