Build Background Knowledge Over the Summer

The past two blogs have dealt with ideas to keep your skills fresh over the summer.  Another thing you can consider doing is to gain or increase your background knowledge for your future courses.  We know that the more you know about a subject the easier it is to learn new knowledge.  Here are some things to consider:


Keep current in your major:

• Look for related news articles.
• Go to the library and borrow the current books in your field.
• Read books and articles to increase your knowledge of the important history in your field.
• Look for opportunities to talk to people employed in your field.  If appropriate, ask to visit them at work or shadow them.
• If possible, work or volunteer in an area related to your major.

Liberal Studies courses:

• Sometimes what makes these courses difficult is the lack of background knowledge in a field that is totally new to you.  Do some research in this area to increase your knowledge.

Build needed skills:

• If your major requires a high level of math, study that.  Even if you are not taking a formal course you can review and practice what you know.
• Read, read, read.
• Spend time doing whatever it is that is required of your major - math, drawing, reading - whatever you will need to be proficient at or know in the fall.
• If your major requires an entrance or proficiency exam, study ahead for that.

Once you are working in your career you will be expected to maintain your skills and continue to learn.  Develop these habits now while you are in college and it will be natural for you once you are employed.  Any extra activity you can add to your resume will also demonstrate you are a self-directed learner and make your more marketable.
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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.