Thursday, August 27, 2009
Helpful Tips and Techniques from Successful Tutors
Follow the comments below from Successful Tutors who have managed their way through difficult course work. Read them all, take a few suggestions, and learn from peers who know about where you are and what you may be going through. If you like what you read and would like more information, follow the blog and see what other helpful tips they have to get you through university life! Good luck!
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Mastering Study Skills
Use these Tips to help you Study Smarter
Hi there tutors and tutees,
ReplyDeleteJust a few quick things that you've probably heard before, but they've been the main reasons I've made it through college.
(1) TIME MANAGEMENT. If you are too involved, it's time to re-prioritize. Your schoolwork should not suffer in quality because you have too many extra-curricular activities on your plate.
(2) Take notes when reading textbook chapters. I know it's not fun, but it's totally worth it in the end. When exam time comes, you already have a study guide in your own words.
(3) Do not spend your life worried about GPA. Try your best and get help when needed. The goal of college is to learn and gain a well-rounded understanding of the world around you, not to graduate with a 4.0.
Hey Guys,
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that committing your studies and every endeavour you have to God is the first and most important key to being succesful in school and in life. So before every study session make sure you commit the session to God; say a little prayer for guidance and understanding.
Try to avoid making comments like "I hate this subject," "I'm not a math person," etc. I believe such comments affect your personal confidence and self esteem and contribute to your difficulty in grasping the class material. Always stay optimistic and confident and you should see some positive changes!!
I am going to agree with Ford here and emphasize how important confidence is in all of this. If you are busy focusing on the negative aspects of the subject and your inability to succeed then you probably won't succeed whereas if you just come in and are confident in your ability to learn the material then you will get a lot more out of tutoring and your class. I'm not saying confidence alone will save you in a class but that combined with getting some tutoring ca go a long way.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everyone here. Not only do you have to manage your time and frustration with a class, you also have to manage your stress and anxiety. If all you can focus on is how the test date is coming closer and closer, and yet you don't understand anything, it only makes the situation worse. You need to put the anxiety aside, clear your mind, and start from the beginning. So, find a way to alleviate the stress!
ReplyDeleteFor instance, whenever I feel overwhelmed, I listen to music, walk around the campus, or even talk to someone who I know can distract me with jokes and laughs until I am focused away from the stress and can get back to my studies.
Managing stress is definitely one of the keys to succeeding in class. I took a Stress Management course this past semester, and I would highly recommend it. It provides useful and practical methods to help deal with stress in every area of one's life. There is much more to succeeding academically than what goes on in the classroom. Managing time and stress are obvious steps toward doing well in schoolwork. But, I believe there are other factors that will benefit you academically as well as in other arenas of life: building relationships with students who have done well before you, investing time in something you are passionate about, learning how to use your personal strengths in the most constructive way, developing an optimistic attitude toward life, etc. Doing these types of things has helped me stay focused and encouraged, and to work hard in my studies.
ReplyDeleteCollege can be crazy, but even the heaviest work load or the busiest schedule can be managed. Here are just a few tips to help get you through the day:
ReplyDelete1. Use a planner, a notebook, or even a white board to keep track of what is due when so you can prioritize your work. In other words, study for tomorrow's Calc test before working on your English paper due in two weeks.
2. Set mini-goals. If you want to do something fun later, choose a substantial but not overwhelming amount of work to do, then make a deal with yourself to get it all done before you can go. Be sure to uphold this promise!
3. Change the topic. Studying Chem for hours on end will make you lose concentration, but if you study for thirty minutes then work on a different class for thirty minutes, your brain will be able to absorb more. If you get frustrated or stuck on something, take a 10 minute break and relax or snack.
4. Lastly: Call home. Many students are living away from home for the first time and may be very far from their families. A 15 minute conversation with a loved one can help relax you and keep you in touch with the world outside of Baylor.
I also agree! I'm a pretty positive person in general, but I definitely find that a "can-do" attitude helps. Being proactive and getting myself to be "on a mission" definitely helps me focus on my goal. However, that may only work if you know what to do to get down to business. I you haven't figured out how you are best able to learn the material, this may not work. Some things that I do when I study are:
ReplyDelete1. Use earplugs to put myself in my own little world.
2. Use a whiteboard. Whether testing your knowledge of Spanish verb tenses, the life cycle of a plant, or taking the derivative in a calculus problem, whiteboards are great tools for making sure you actually know that information that seems to be in your head.
3. Saying it out loud. Sometimes it is just really hard to remember information, especially when it is in the form of a long list. Making up silly sentences and saying them out loud can help trigger your memory come test day. Here's an example:
Silly Species
Girls Genus
Fight Family
Over Order
Chocolate Class
Punching Phylum
Kangaroos Kingdom
Down Domain
Hey guys!
ReplyDeleteI would recommend finding someone in your classes that you wouldn't mind meeting with outside of class to review material. It's always helpful in case you miss class (which I wouldn't recommend, but it's inevitable) or need to go over things. However, I think it's important also to always study alone before meeting up with a study group. Then show up with specific things you don't understand so that you know where you need other people to help you! Otherwise your study session will turn into chaos and a giant waste of time studying-wise (getting the newest gossip on who's dating whom isn't exactly what you need to be learning the night before a huge test!). And in the study group, don't be afraid to try and teach someone a concept they don't understand. Teaching someone helps you understand it even better and they'll benefit too!
Good luck in classes!
I want to expatiate on the aspect of time management because it is a very important factor in your overall success in college and life in general. Something I do that helps me manage my time very well is making a list of what I have to accomplish. You can start by making a list of the big things you need to accomplish this semester. This might be academic and/or extracurricular. Post them somewhere in your room where you can see them everyday and always be reminded of your goals. Everyday, make a list of the homework, reading assignments, chores and activities you need to do before the next day. Allot time to each of these activities and tick them off as you complete them. Apart from gradually helping you achieve your ultimate semester goals, this also helps give you that daily sense of accomplishment that would keep you motivated all semester long.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
A great deal of the success that I have experienced in college has been due to ORGANIZATION, PRIORITIES, and my FAITH. It is helpful to carefully examine your syllabi at the beginning of each semester to take notice of important due dates and course expectations. Transfer these dates to your planner or date calendar so you are always keenly aware of what you have coming up. Next, make sure you have school high on your priorty list. It should be taken as serious as a job and given a proper time committment. However, this is college so don't live in the library. There must be a delicate balance between study and extra-curriculars. Most importantly, you're in school because the Lord as opened up the doors for you to be there and called you take part in what He is doing in and around you. Sumbit each day to the Lord Jesus and seek his will for your life. Let me know how I can help!
ReplyDeleteAs tutors have said, manage your time and get organized! Time management is a skill most adults haven't learned to master, so take advantage of your resources here and get ahead start on something that will be vital for future success, even after Baylor. Also, I know you've heard it from your teachers, but read ahead! You'll learn fast that just reading a text once isn't enough in college, you need the exposure to the material to really understand it. Going to class having at least skimmed over what you will cover will not only keep you from getting lost during the lecture, but will help you tremendously when it comes time to study for the test! Lastly, as I've mentioned, use your resources. Baylor has amazing resources to help you all succeed academically, so don't be afraid to use them.
ReplyDeleteHave a great second week!
Hey you guys! I think everyone here has made some outstanding points about succeeding in college. Managing your time well and studying effectively are all very important qualities to survive college. But, what's just as important is having faith in yourself! Remember that in life, you are prone to fail and make some mistakes. The best attitude to have, though, is not just to give up, but to learn from them and grow. This kind of attitude should apply to your studies as well. I'm sure all the tutors have one time or another failed to meet their expectations on a test or assignment. But, a lot of them would not be where they are today if they didn't try harder to succeed in a course. So, believe in yourself, tutors and tutees!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with everything said here so far. Organization and list making especially are key elements to success.
ReplyDeleteI would like to share something I learned from my parents when I was in elementary school. They always encouraged me to remember the question, "what does your teacher want from you?" This sounds really simple, but if you learn to approach your class from the perspective of your professor, and make an effort to understand what he or she wants you to know, it will be easier to know what and how to study. Usually, the more time a professor spends explaining or repeating a concept in class, the more important it is that you learn that concept.
Another tip I learned from Great Texts classes is something I now always do even when it's not assigned: always read the prologue, introduction, preface, etc. of a book or textbook. This gives you a head start to understand what you are reading, because these early pages are a foundation and maybe explanation meant to put the book into perspective.
Finally, take advantage of all the resources available to you. For example, many students are unaware that most textbooks now have free, supplemental websites (provided by the author) with flash cards, practice essays and quizzes. You can usually find the address in the preliminary or informational pages of a textbook.
Remember, your friendly tutors are here Monday through Thursday, and would love to help you!
The biggest problem I encounter is people not being honest with themselves. If you hate Biology and Chemistry, maybe you need to rethink being Pre-Med. There's nothing wrong with admitting that while an end goal seems like a good career opportunity, if you aren't passionate about the subjects required to reach that goal, CHANGE your major while you can. It's hard to succeed at something if you dislike the subject. Not impossible, just much more difficult.
ReplyDeleteThe second is time management. A lot of students come to college just for the experience, not the education. If you come in with that attitude, you set yourself up for failure. While it's important to be involved and make friends, ultimately, you are here for a degree. If you can't be involved and do well in school (which is the case for a lot of people), then you don't need to be involved.
I completely agree with all that has been said about time management. Many of my good friends have graduated from Baylor and have gone on to professional schools (medical, law, etc.) and the first thing they say when I ask about them about success is that you have to know how to manage your time well. This means having enough time to sleep so you actually retain the information you learn as well as not stressing out so much that when flu-season rolls around, you become especially susceptible to getting sick. I have found that one of the best ways to do this is to keep a journal/planner or even a calendar and just simply write down the dates of major deadlines (papers, tests, midterms, etc.) so they don't spring up on you unexpectedly. College isn't like high school--you can't wait until the night before a test to make time to study. If you break up the material over the course of a week or even 2-3 days, it makes the work more manageable and less stressful on your brain and your body.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's comments are really useful for study tips!
ReplyDeleteAt times I have been intimidated by my assignments: sometimes they're so important that the idea of doing them, and doing them badly is terrifying; occasionally I procrastinate and the list of things to do seems too daunting; and sometimes lack of confidence keeps me from starting a project. The key to feeling confident and ready to attack that essay or pile of homework is to merely tell yourself that you can do it - and actually do it! It's important to avoid telling yourself you can't do something well or fast enough; instead, you need to be your own friend and encourage yourself to get things done, then follow-through!
When it comes to memorization, never underestimate the power of notecards! They are very useful, even if they seem tedious.
Sometimes when typing that first sentence of an essay seems impossible, I write very rough drafts on paper. When I'm not sitting at a keyboard, it feels less like an assignment that I have to do perfectly from the get-go. Writing a rough draft by hand beforehand helps me relax and get my thought process going.
Scheduling is a very powerful tool for staying on top of your classes. One thing I would like to stress though is getting enough sleep. Without sufficient sleep, it can be very difficult to focus and retain information in class. Furthermore, it is very helpful in keeping you from getting sick, as your immune system is weakened from a lack of sleep. Plus, getting a full night of sleep just feels great!
ReplyDeleteHey Everyone,
ReplyDeleteTime management will greatly help. But I believe keeping track of grades through an excel spreadsheet or something is also beneficial. Keeping track of grades will help you know what class to focus on. With this knowledge time management will become easier (i.e. the class that you are borderline in needs more attention than the class where you have a solid B).
Online Homework, papers, quizzes!here are a few pointers for anyone out there who feels overwhelmed with school work.
ReplyDelete- Dont get behind: Yes easy to say.it's hard not to but it can be done. That 1-hr break before your next class? dont laze around. use it! You'd be amazed how much you can get done in a few minutes.
- Use the available resources: dont wait till you're practically failing a class to get help. Some schools have free tutoring services to help you. if its a concept you don't understand,or a whole chapter that bugging you down, get help. I've found that understanding the little stuff usually makes it easier to understand the more complex topics.
-If you don't get it, say so! : Don't be that person that just nods their head when the professor asks if they understand.if you are struggling with a concept while it is being taught, don't be afraid to interrupt the lecture and ask a question. It doesn't make you dumb, it just makes you proactive. Plus, you just might help half the people in class understnad the concept as well.
What everyone else has said is great. One thing that has always been helpful to me is studying my notes on a regular basis. If you look over your notes for 5 or 10 minutes two times a week, you are less likely to get behind. Also, it keeps the class material more fresh in your mind. Studying my notes little by little along the way really pays off during finals.
ReplyDeleteSome techniques I find useful for excelling in your classes are being organized, going to class prepared, and starting your homework as soon as possible. What really helps me stay organized is a planner. I write down every homework assignment and even things I need to do outside of school work so that when I accomplish a task I can check it off. I don't feel as overwhelmed when I can see what I have already accomplished. Being prepared for class is also very important. Doing a little work for each class every day keeps you from having to cram and stress about tests when they come around because you have been learning all along. Finally, I like to do my homework right when I get out of class. The topics discussed in class are still fresh on my mind so homework does not take as long as it would if I did it a day or two after the class. Also, getting homework done early allows more time to relax and have fun later.
ReplyDeleteI know dealing with school and everything that goes with it can be challenging, but the key is to find out what works for you. For me, I've found that the most important thing to do to keep up with your classes is read, read, read. Going to class and listening to lectures is important, but you're only getting part of the information. In the reading, you will find more details and explanations for the information your professor might go over in class. Adding to this, make the most of the time you spend reading. We all know that it is easy to let your mind wander, but if you make yourself take notes, you will force yourself to pay attention and absorb the information better.
ReplyDeleteI know some people have mentioned this already, but I also think that a really good way to keep yourself motivated is to make "To Do" lists. If you have a lot to juggle, they can help you to focus in and give you a manageable idea of what you need to get done. Plus, there is nothing more satisfying than crossing things off one at a time and watching your goals get accomplished.
Lastly, don't forget to take breaks. Sometimes, you just need to step back and breathe and let your mind loose for a while.
I hope you found some useful insight! Happy studying!
When studying, try to limit the distractions around you. If you have a problem with facebook, maybe you should stay away from you computer when you study. If it is your TV, maybe go to another location such as the library. I have found that by doing this I can finish my work so much faster. But again, just like Caroline said, don't forget to take breaks.
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome list.I wasn't aware of this feature of this article.Private tutor in Florida thanks!
ReplyDelete