The Second Half of the Semester

My students are just returning from spring break and will soon be receiving their mid-term grades.  We have exactly one half of the semester left plus finals.  Here are some things I want them to consider:

• What has been going well?  What habits have they developed that they need to continue?
• What learning strategies have been working?  Are they using these in all of there classes?
• What needs to be improved?  What SHOULD they be doing that they are not doing?
• Where are they with their grades?  Are there any classes where a little more effort and time can move them up a letter grade?  Are there any classes where they are too far behind and need to consider withdrawing?

It is probably too late for any major life-saving strategies to save a course from a failing grade.  If they are in danger of failing, I suggest meeting with the professor and getting the correct information. From there, with the help of their advisor, they can decide on the best course of action.

Next week: Memory strategies to improve your retention of the class material.
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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.  Click on the upper right link.