2010 New Year Academic Resolutions
Happy new year!
Many of us will be starting 2010 with resolutions – it may be to laugh more, join a club, exercise, or try a new adventure. If old habits didn’t work for your student’s first semester, perhaps it’s time for something new in their academic world, too.
Here are a few suggestions for your student as he/she prepares for spring semester:
- One of your student’s best resources is right before his/her eyes – the professors! Your student’s professors are available in and out of the classroom for help with coursework, test preparation, and suggestions for how to best learn the subject. Encourage your student to visit his/her professors during office hours (usually stated on the course syllabus, which students will receive the first week of class), before or after class, or send an e-mail. Professors want to interact with students and are here to help – all students have to do is ask!
- Suggest that your student explore new study habits, test-taking strategies, and review methods and tools. Some suggestions:
- Review course material more often. Take five to ten minutes before AND after class to review lecture notes.
- Avoid marathon reviews or back-to-back reviewing; try to schedule short breaks between reviews and don’t switch subjects too quickly.
- Don’t save the worst for last–try saving favorite subjects for the end as a reward for studying the hard stuff first.
- Studying in groups can be a great way to share ideas and review areas that may not have been considered. If study groups are appealing, do so with people who want to do well in the class.
- When preparing for tests and quizzes, try different study methods: mind-maps, flash cards and study checklists are several ideas.
- Use a time management table to help organize time between studying, breaks, meals and extra-curricular activities.
There are many tools, tips and tricks out there. Send your student to our website for more study strategies and suggestions. Also consider an Academic Success Coach. Academic Coaches work with students on:
- Time Management
- Study Strategies
- Organizational skills
- Building relationships
- Getting connected to campus activities and resources
- Procrastination challenges
- Academic success skills
The following are links to documents you may find helpful as your student heads into the spring semester.
Looking ahead to February:
In February, we’ll provide you with a few ideas to share with your student to “shake off winter!” We’ll also provide tips for undeclared students and tell you how your student can find tutoring. If you have questions before then, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.