The back-to-school season has arrived once again. No matter what academic adventure you may be undertaking this year, there are several tips for success that can be used to make this the best year yet!
To start with, set goals. While dreaming big is always admirable, I often encourage students to set SMART goals. SMART, in this case, stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. The goals should be specific, addressing questions such as who is involved, what is to be accomplished, where is the location (if a place-based goal), and why. The goals should be measurable, using set criteria to measure progress. They should be attainable, with clearly defined steps to achieve them. They should be realistic: are you able and willing to work towards a goal that is large enough to inspire and motivate? The goal should be timely— when do you hope to accomplish this by? Make sure you review your goals periodically—analyze what is working and adapt accordingly. By being specific in your goal setting, you set yourself up for success.
Think about how you like to learn. Now, think about ways to make learning more productive and fun. Knowing this can help you better adapt both inside and outside of the classroom. If you’re a visual learner, create charts and graphs that help illustrate the concepts you’re covering in your studies. If you’re an auditory learner, record lectures or use repetition, mnemonic devices, or discussion groups to help reinforce concepts. With hands-on learners, the use of manipulatives such as model kits can help make difficult concepts more tangible. For those who find they learn best through reading and writing, rewrite the concepts that were covered into your own words and review the notes you took. You will be amazed at how much better you remember all this stuff!
Another way to ensure academic success is to take advantage of proven study skills. When you use notetaking and textbook reading strategies, it keeps you engaged in the material you’re learning. Notetaking strategies that allow for self-quizzing, like the Cornell Method, are shown to help retention and comprehension. Using textbook reading strategies, such as SQ3R or OK5R, can help make reading and understanding textbooks easier. (SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. OK5R stands for Overview, Key ideas, Read, Record, Recite, Review, Reflect— these sounds boring, but they work really well!)
Time management is vital. Use a time budget spreadsheet to estimate the length of time various tasks may take can help you allot enough time to tasks such as homework and studying. Use of a planner or agenda to keep track of tasks and assignments is another way to make sure you’re prepared. Prioritize; do what is important and urgent first. Make use of “dead time” by using flashcards to help you review when you’re waiting for appointments or in lines.
Make sure to allow time for some fun! Taking time for relaxing distractions and breaks can help you manage stress. This will break your studies into manageable chunks. Big, long study times are counterproductive! Your mind will just shut down (yikes! Who wouldn’t?). Take a quick walk, gaze at the sky, and take some deep breaths. You will come back to your study subject refreshed and renewed. At the same time, you will need to block out social media and other distractions when you need to be working. It is a balancing act.
Take advantage of the workshops and technologies that are available. Cook County Higher Education regularly holds workshops on study skills or specific academic skills such as English or math. Ask for help from community members or classmates. Search for online videos and tutorials. Ask your instructors for help.
If the back to school season has you longing to learn, please call or visit Cook County Higher Education and we’ll do what we can to help you reach your dreams and goals!
Each month a representative of our educational facilities offers thoughts on Issues in Education. This month’s contributor is Sarah Stover, student services coordinator at Cook County Higher Education.
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