GET TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Your instructors are a very valuable resource. Most instructors did not choose their profession for the money they can earn. They chose it because they enjoy seeing their students grow and learn. If they see you interested in learning, your instructors will go the extra mile to ensure your success. Here are some questions you can ask your instructors:
1. How do I really learn about this subject and not just memorize?
2. I'm having trouble understanding… could you please explain it to me?
3. I'd like to learn more about this subject . . . any suggestions?
4. What can I do for extra credit?
5. How do you suggest I study for this test?
6. I want to do well in your class. Please let me know the areas I need to work on to improve.
7. When would be the best time to meet with you outside of class?

TRIED AND TRUE STUDY TECHNIQUES

1. Study in the same place all the time. This gets your mind set for studying. Your body gets accustomed to certain things in certain places.
2. Avoid, or at least minimize, distractions. Never study with the TV on. Isolate yourself. Put the answering machine on; put a sign on your door. Your study time is just that, study time!
3. Have everything you need in your study area: paper, pencils, erasers, pens, notebooks, books, etc. Continually getting up to get things will break your concentration.
4. Get to work right away – just do it! Take a few minutes to plan your study time, review what you want to accomplish and get to it.
5. Don’t study longer than you can concentrate. Study 25-30 minutes than take a short 5 minute break. A short break does wonders for the concentration. Stand up, stretch, and get a glass of water.
6. Set definite goals and schedule enough study time to meet them. Write your study time into your daily/weekly schedule.
7. Be comfortable physically. Make sure the temperature in not too hot or too cold and that the lighting is right for you.
8. Study during a time that matches your biological clock. Some of us are morning people and others are evening people. Know your peak energy time (the time when you are at your best) and study during that time.
9. Try to study at school, between classes or before you go home. Choose places like the library, study lounge, or lab. Utilize tutoring services and study groups.
10. Spend 5 minutes every day to review class notes, do weekly reviews of each subject.
11. Repeat what you are learning at least 3 times in 3 different ways – read it, write it, say it out loud.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS

1. They attend class and they are on time. If they miss a session, they feel
obligated to let the instructor know and why.
2. They take advantaged of extra credit assignments or ask if they are offered.
They demonstrate care about their grades and are willing to work to improve
them.
3. They speak up in class; they ask questions and participate.
4. They turn in assignments that look neat and sharp.
5. They are attentive in class. They don’t chat, read, or stare out of windows.
6. They do all of their work and turn in all assignments.
7. They develop a positive working relationship with their teachers.
8. They develop a network of people at college – relationships with other
students, faculty, and staff.

SUCCESS THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES AND BEYOND!

1. Buy all your books early and get a head start on reading the material.
2. Read the class syllabus very carefully. Ask your instructor to clarify anything you do not understand.
3. Make a weekly class/study schedule and a quarterly calendar of academic due dates.
4. Find out how to contact your instructor, and where his/her office is located.
5. Look for places to study on campus that are convenient, quiet, and comfortable.
6. Locate the computer labs and tutoring labs on campus.
7. Familiarize yourself with campus services and policies – read the student handbook, the class schedule and other campus publications.
8. Find out deadlines and procedures for adding and dropping classes.
9. Get help before there is a problem -- talk with your instructor, use the campus labs and tutors. Always get help if there is a problem – never try to do everything by yourself.
10. Start a study group. Get to know other students in your classes.
11. Keep up with your studying and class assignments.
12. Meet with your academic advisor during the middle of the quarter to plan your next schedule and develop an educational plan.
13. Find out what your learning style is and adjust your studying to match your learning style.

Go to http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

24 TIPS on HOW TO STUDY SMART!

• Be good to yourself.
  • Keep physically fit and rested.
• Attitude is all-important.
  • Use positive affirmations: "I can pass American History."
  • Provide your own psychological edge, be it a positive attitude or a "lucky pen."
• Be a chronic enthusiast!
• Used textbooks may provide insights on a course.
• Sit in the front row;
  • if you must sit toward the back of the room, lean forward.
  • Attentiveness and concentration increase markedly.
• Don't miss the first and last minutes of class.
  • They are crucial — important announcements, questions on test, etc.
• Use a variety of study techniques.
  • a. Tape chapters (find out if your textbook has companion pod cast chapters). Listen on way to school, work.
  • b. Use index cards for quick review.
  • Keep them simple. Throw your highlighter away!
  • Remember: frequent review takes facts from short-term memory to long-term memory — learning as opposed to cramming.
• Study in short bursts.
  • (First and last facts are remembered best; therefore, it will accelerate learning.)
• Review notes immediately after class.
  • Even for five minutes.
  • Something magical happens!
• Review your notes out loud.
  • Read your chapters out loud.
• Appearance raises grades.
  • Neatness counts.
  • Word processors are a plus.
  • If a handwritte assignment is acceptable, use erasable pen.
• Don't waste time rereading.
  • Rely on "pen in hand" and SQ3R.
• Test professors before they test you.
  • Ask questions about what kind of test to expect,
  • what material will be covered.
• Become an expert test taker.
• Go with initial hunches.
• Stay with initial hunches.
• Study according to your biological clock.
  • Are you "normal," a night owl, or an early bird?
• Eliminate stress in your life.
• EXERCISE is the best antidote.
• Make extra credit mandatory.
• Never miss a class.
  • This is considered mandatory by "A" students.
• Be prepared to bail out.
  • Don't be afraid to drop a course that is not working for you., BUT be aware of all official dates to withdraw and any vital state legislative restrictions ( Texas has a limit on total number of W hours.)
• Volunteer to edit a friend's paper.
  • Use it as a learning experience.
• Study smart—not hard!
• Time management skills and discipline pay off.
• Stay mentally, physically and spiritually fit.

Adapted from the video "Where There is a Will, There is an A" by Professor Claude Olney

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR LEARNING ABILITY

"You cannot teach a man or woman anything; you can only help them to find it within themselves."
Galileo

"Just as eating against one's will is injurious to the health, so study without a liking for it spoils the memory, and it retains nothing it takes in."
Leonardo Da Vinci