- Attend Every Class
- Be organized
- Use an assignment notebook or planner
- Use a notebook that you can store the syllabus, handouts, etc. in
- Save all computer files on a laptop or a USB drive
- Keep returned papers, quizzes, and tests
- Record phone numbers/emails of at least one person in your class, so you can find out about any missed information
- Maintain a neat and organized study space
- Manage your time well
- Do not overextend yourself – don’t do more than you can handle!
- Plan ahead
- Be organized
- Make efficient use of your time
- Be successful in the classroom
- Learn how to adapt to different instructors
- Be prepared before each class. Have all of your assignments completed before your class, particularly your reading assignments.
- Sit in front of the class whenever possible.
- Communicate with your instructors.
- Be on time for each class.
- Participate in class.
- Be a good group member.
- Tape record your classes, if you need to.
- Take Good Notes
- Be an active listener
- Take notes to help you pay attention
- Recognize important information
- Take notes that are easy to read
- Go over your notes as soon as possible
- Get lecture notes if you are absent
- Know how to read a textbook
- Be aware that the chapters are normally set up like an outline, with the bold headings giving you the main topics
- Look for keywords that you need to understand the meaning of in bold type
- Use the glossary and/or dictionary
- Use a highlighter when reading to mark things you think you may need to refer to because they seem extra important or extra difficult to understand
- Study Smart
- Find a good place to study
- Get started. Begin with something simple or a subject you like and just get started.
- Know your learning style. Some people learn by seeing the material, some learn best from hearing the material, and some learn best by doing.
- Organize your study time
- Always allow more time than you think you will need
- If you have something that seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller parts
- Know when and how to take breaks. Research has shown that students learn the most during the first and last 10 minutes of any study session. Try studying for 20 minutes, then taking a short break (get a drink, get up and stretch, etc.)
- Know how to study for tests
- Know how to memorize and remember information
- Know how to use technology
- Know how to write a paper
- Use tricks when making a presentation or speech
- Use test-taking strategies
- Get off to a good start. Get to the test early
- Develop a plan
- Mark questions that you want to return to
- Increase your odds on multiple-choice questions
- Know how to approach essay questions
- Look for keywords in True/False questions
- Be prepared for open-book tests
- Improve your math test scores
- Check your answers
- Go over all returned tests
Source: Outline taken from the booklet: How to Get Good Grades in College by Linda O’Brien; Woodburn Press, 2001