How to Be a Successful Student

COME TO EVERY CLASS!

Be Prepared:

• Organize a 3-ring binder with separate sections for each class. Insert the class syllabus and handouts for each class. Have a folder to keep graded assignment.

• Bring all textbooks, your class binder, loose-leaf paper, a dictionary, highlighter / marker, stapler, and pens.

• Do all the assigned homework before class so that you can learn the most from the class lectures. Write out the assigned homework on a separate sheet of paper. Be sure your paper follows the format on easy format

• Be sure to get the phone numbers of at least 2 students in each class. Call someone if you miss class to find out what you missed an the homework for the next class. Come to the next class prepared with both homework assignments. If you are absent on the day of a test, come to the next class prepared to make up the test if the instructor allows make-up tests.

• For every hour that you spend in class, be prepared to spend about 2 hours studying outside of class.


Participate in class activities and discussions:

• Pay attention to what the teacher says during class. Follow along in the text as the teacher refers to it. Do not do homework during class or talk with other students while the teacher is lecturing.

• Take notes as the instructor talks. Write down everything that the teacher writes on the board. It wouldn't be there if it wasn't important. Do not think you will remember important information without taking notes - you won't.

• Volunteer to answer the teacher's questions. Don't worry about making a mistake or not pronouncing all the words correctly if English is not your first language. Classes are places to make mistakes. That's how we learn. Teachers welcome questions and other students in the class will have the same questions and be glad asked.

• Expect to work in groups. This is a very common classroom activity especially in American schools. Cooperate with the people in your group. Share your ideas even if you aren't 100% sure. Again, this is a place to help each other understand and learn the material for the class.

• Sometimes you will be able to choose your own groups, and other times the instructor will assign you. Try to work with different people instead of always staying with your friends. This is a way to meet new people and to gain new perspectives on the material you are studying.

Study Skills Tips

How is Your Concentration?

A major problem for students is the inability to concentrate and retain information in memory. Below are some ways to combat this problem.

1. Find a good place to study. This doesn't have to be the library. Find a place that suits your needs.

2. Set up a time limit in order to help you define your studying. Studying without a limit may become overwhelming.

3. Read with a pencil in hand. This is not only for note-taking, but also for marking the margin whenever your mind wanders. This makes you more aware of when your mind is wandering, and this, gives you more control.

4. Give yourself little rewards, like a five-minute break, to help get you through tough studying periods.

5. Use numbers to organize and remember important information.

6. Find ways to help relieve tension and fatigue. Doing some physical "study exercises" like touching your toes, can help keep you awake and alert.

Study Strategies

Link what you are learning in class to your long-range goals:
Try to apply what you are learning in class to practical situations or your daily life.

Make learning to write your most important goal as a college student:
Good writing skills are the basis of success in many college courses and will prove extremely useful in a career.

Identify your learning style:
Try to identify your learning style. If you don't know how you learn the best, you can benefit some online surveys to help you discover your learning skills. Once you know it, use it as much as possible in your studying process.

Use many study methods:
We learn through repetition, but that doesn't mean that the information has to be repeated in the same way. Use a variety of strategies like reviewing notes, making flashcards, outlining chapters or studying in groups.

Budget Your Time:
Set aside specific hours each day for concentrated study. Stick to it closely. Use personalized rewards to help you establish this study habit.

Eliminate Distraction:
You will learn more when there is little or nothing to divert your attention. Get rid of all visual and auditory distractions such as the TV or radio.

Be an active learner:
This requires you to actually process what you are hearing or reading. Put things in your own words. Ask questions.

Develop a reading strategy:
PQ4R is practical. It stands for: Preview, Question, Read, Write, Recall and Review.

Strategies for improving test performance:
1. Take good notes
2. Review notes after each class
3. Begin reviewing at least a week before you take your test
4. Take control of your time
5. Test yourself

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