College 101 - Post 1 of 8 - Getting Started

Most colleges and universities have started classes by now.  This series of will cover eight strategies and advice for freshmen or returning students to follow in order to have a successful semester.

First, resolve to go to every class.  It is a mindset – the question is NOT, "Will I go to class today?"  It is a given that you will go!  And:

·       Be rested and fed.

·       Take water is desired and permitted.

·       Sit as close to the front as possible.  (It is true that the ’A’ students sit in the front!)

·       Be prepared!  This means paper and writing utensils.  Don’t be the person whispering to those around you to borrow what you didn’t bring!

·       Be active – listen and take notes.

During the first week:

·       Review all syllabi.

·       Record all exams and project due dates on your calendar.

·       Preview the textbooks and start to read.  (If there is a financial problem that prohibits you from purchasing a book, talk to the professor or see if you can get one from the Library.)

·       Start to review and learn any notes you take this week.

The next post will look at how to manage your time.  This is crucial to any success and often a problem for students.

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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.

Summer of Reading #7 – Higher Level Thinking

A final benefit of reading is that it helps us develop a higher level of thinking so that we can evaluate the validity of what we are reading and hearing, understand ideas and opinions different from our own, develop empathy for others (see post #1), and increase our knowledge in general.

I feel it is important to read articles and editorials that have a different point of view than our own.   Instead of thinking about why they are wrong and you are right, try to understand their position.  You may find some good writing and solid thinking that will help you expand your thinking and understand other’s.  I particularly enjoy reading Tony Norman in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette even though I do not always agree with him!

Three books I have read lately that helped me understand people and see things from a far richer viewpoint are:

• When the Killing’s Done, by T. C. Boyle, about species extinction and animal preservation.  While this was not a popular book in my one book group, I had an increased understanding of the issues when I read an article in the paper a few weeks later about efforts to save species that are becoming extinct.
• The Far Away Brothers: Two Young Migrants and the Making of an American Life, by Lauren Markham, about immigration.  This was a particularly interesting and well-written book as it alternated between chapters telling the personal story of two young boys and chapters that gave nation-wide statistics and general information.
• Tomorrow Will be Different, by Sarah McBride, about being transgender.   Like Far Away Brothers, I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.   It is a book I would not have chosen on my own, but I was very glad I read it and came away with a much deeper understanding.

(Discussion Guides for all three of the books plus my reviews for the last two are available at www.ReadtoEnrich.blogspot.com.)

The benefits and joys of reading are endless!  Hopefully this series has given you some insight and motivated you to KEEP READING!!

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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, barnesandnoble.com and wordassociation.com.   Click on the upper right link.