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.