Study Success

How to Brainstorm

May 18th, 2012

As a student, you’re told to brainstorm all the time. You are expected to brainstorm paper topics, ideas for creative projects and so many other things. But, how exactly do you brainstorm? We know that no idea is a bad idea when you’re brainstorming, but other than that, what do you do?

There are lots of brainstorming techniques out there, and the one you use will depend on your preferences, the project you are working on and whether you are brainstorming by yourself or with a group.

Spider Webs

One popular form of brainstorming is to put the main topic in the middle of a page, and then branch out from there. For example, you could list something like police officer career in the center, and then branch out with related topics. Each related topic will be a string out from the center and from there, you can brainstorm even more to create more subtopics.

Lists

Lots of people work well from lists. If this is your thing, incorporate it into your brainstorm. When you need to come up with some ideas, just start writing. Don’t worry about how thoughts or topics are related, if it comes to mind, add it to the list. One benefit of this method is it allows you to think more freely, and be less constrictive in your thoughts.

Opposites and Comparisons

Depending on your goal, you may want to make a list of opposites or comparable ideas. This kind of thinking can help you come up with brand new ideas and can stretch your topic into something new. For example, if you are brainstorming about nurses, some comparable topics might be midwives or medical assistants. Comparing and contrasting as well as relating new topics to known topics is a good way to stretch your brain.

The Medici Effect

Very similar to comparing ideas, the Medici Effect is when you take two topics that may not directly relate to each other, and search for parallels. For example, if you are brainstorming for a paper about inspiration behind oil painting, you could look at inspiration behind sculpting or sketching to get some new ideas. This technique is very helpful when brainstorming processes.

Challenge Yourself

Take a step back and rethink your entire goal. Of course, you may not choose to (or even be allowed to) change the topic you are working on, but this technique will really get you thinking. If you are brainstorming about accounting, ask yourself why the topic is accounting. Ask yourself things like does it have to be accounting? What does accounting have that other topics or careers don’t have? Asking questions of yourself, or group members, will get you thinking more broadly.

Cubing

Just like in the challenge yourself technique, with Cubing you answer questions about your topic. You: describe it, compare it, associate it, analyze it, apply it and argue for and against it. Having to apply these tasks to your topic will help you understand it better, find some good research questions and even find a new angle to take on the topic.

Brainstorming is fun because your imagination is the limit. There is no right or wrong way to do it, the whole point is to just get ideas flowing.

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Overcoming First Day Jitters

May 1st, 2012

As the first day of school approaches, it’s only natural that you’re a little nervous. New people, new schedules new requirements and maybe even a new place are all things that are combining to make this situation slightly unsettling. Of course, you know in the end that things will all work out, and in reality, it’s just another day of school. But how do you quell those first-day jitters?

Prepare Well

Prepare yourself ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with your new course schedule. Know which days you have your administrative assistant class and which days you have your chemistry class. You should bring your schedule with you so you’ll be prepared, but being familiar with what you have going on each day will help relieve some stress.

You can also prepare well by packing your school bag the night before. Fill it with everything you’ll need, from your laptop to your class schedule. Also be sure to bring a notebook and pen so you can jot down notes. Preparation goes a long way in relieving stress.

Know Your Limits

You can look at the first day of school as a chance to set yourself up for the rest of the semester. Look at your class syllabi and feel things out. Once you have attended each class once, you’ll have an idea of what will be required of you in the coming months. Look at how many papers you’ll have, how much reading a course requires and try to determine if you have a class schedule you can tackle. Most schools have a class-dropping deadline a few weeks into the semester, so you can try things out before you decide if you can handle a class. If you feel a little too stretched, now is the time to rearrange your schedule to make it more manageable.

Don’t Let Yourself Get Overwhelmed

It’s almost impossible to attend the first day of class without feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Whenever you are loaded up with a whole bunch of new responsibilities at once, feeling overwhelmed is to be expected. However, if you know that you will likely feel this way, you can cope with it better. Realize that as you get settled into your new schedule things will calm down, and you’ll likely be able to take on more than you realize you can.

The first day of class is notoriously nerve wracking. But, with some preparation, wise decisions and good coping skills, you’ll get through it just fine and be ready to take on yet another semester!

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4 Places Not to Study

April 20th, 2012

You’ve probably scouted out all the best places to study, and know what works best for you. Places like the library and your bedroom are all excellent places to focus, write a paper and study for your online degree.

But what about places you shouldn’t study? Have you found some of those too? There are definitely places where, well, it is less than ideal to study. Places that are noisy, have lots of distractions or don’t have enough space to spread out won’t help you get good grades.

The Mall

Ok, it might seem like a good idea to grab a snack, sit down at a table in the food court and open your laptop. But, despite your good intentions, you will probably end up being distracted by shoppers passing by with bags full of fun stuff, noisy kids and the temptation to go check out that shoe sale.

The Beach

Lounging on the beach with a good book is a great idea. But lounging on the beach with your online class reading materials is a terrible idea. The sun, waves, flying beach balls and even the sunshine will keep you from focusing like you need to. Sure, you might actually complete the reading, but will you remember anything you read about biochemistry?

Your Friend’s Apartment

Unless you are teaming up to tackle a school project, don’t even try to study at a friend’s house. When you’re with your friends, you’ll want to be social, talk, laugh and get out and do something. This is only natural, so prepare for it and don’t try to bring your books along next time you stop by to see a friend.

The Hallway Outside Your Classroom

The problem with trying to study hunched in a corner outside a classroom is that there are way too many distractions, and there really isn’t a space for you to spread out and study. You’ll end up trying to balance things on your lap and avoiding getting stepped on by passers-by and you probably won’t be able to understand those terms for your cardiac nurse test.

Next time you set out to do some hard-core studying, steer clear of these four places, and you’ll be surprised how much more you can get done!

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How to Be on Good Terms With Your TA

April 7th, 2012

Being on good terms with your teaching assistant means that you’ll always have someone to go to when you need help with your paper or when you don’t understand a math problem. Of course, it’s a teaching assistant’s job to be there to help, but when you do your part, and foster a good relationship with your TA, you are only increasing your chances of doing well in your class.

Don’t Be a Slacker

Teaching assistants aren’t there to do your homework for you. They are there to help you when you need it. Before you pay a visit to the TA office, make sure you do all you can. At least make an attempt to complete your biology assignment, and do all the reading out of your medical assistant book. This shows your teaching assistant that you are trying your best and will also help you understand the subject better as you get help.

Be Prepared

Make sure you show up to your teaching assistant appointment with everything you need. Bring your textbook, laptop, notes and anything else that can help you get the job done. Again, this shows your TA you are putting your all into the assignment. It will also help you do better as you hit the books.

Ask Questions

Be sure you ask all the questions you need to. Don’t be shy about asking for clarification. The more help you get while you are with the TA, the better off you’ll be when you attempt the assignment on your own. Another tip is to brainstorm some questions to ask before you get to the office. Mark the problems you need help with and write down any questions you have ahead of time. That way, you won’t miss anything and you’ll get the most out of your tutoring session.

Getting help from your TA is one of the best things you can do if you aren’t doing as well as you want to be. Do all you can before you go to your TA, bring all your notes and ask plenty of questions. Good luck on that homework!

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Top 3 Study Distractions and How to Beat Them

March 31st, 2012

Distractions while you are studying can kill your grades. Between the Internet, your roommates, your neighbor’s loud music and people passing by you in the library, it’s a wonder you are able to get any homework done at all. There are some easy ways you can deal with these distractions, so they are no longer taking your focus away from homework and making your grades suffer.

Facebook

I’ll just check my notifications really fast. I just want to post this one hilarious video. I just want to see the pictures from that party. Everyone makes these excuses, logs in to Facebook, and before they know it have lost an hour of study time. Don’t leave Facebook open in another window, don’t check it until your homework is done, and if you have to, use a site-blocking extension until your nursing paper is done.

Your Cell Phone

Out of site, out of mind might be the best mindset for this distraction. If your phone is constantly lighting up and vibrating with text messages, voice mails, emails and social media notifications, it’s nearly impossible to study. If your phone is next to you on the desk, it’s tempting to grab it and send a quick text, which turns into a drawn out conversation. My advice: leave your phone in your bag until you are done studying.

Roommates

The easy solution to this one is to study in the library, or some other quiet place. If you can’t get to the library or it is closed for the night, you’re going to have to take action. Tell your roommates you are studying and then shut your bedroom door. If you have respectful roommates, they will keep the noise level down and you can get that last paralegal training assignment done for the week.

If you still can’t get any peace and quiet, try pairing up with a friend or classmate who is also trying to study, and see if their apartment is quieter.

The list of study distractions goes on and on, and everyone is distracted by different things. But, these tactics can apply to most distractions and environments. Turn off that phone and hit the books!

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No Such Thing As A Stupid Question…Except

March 14th, 2012

You’ve heard the phrase “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.” We beg to differ. Well, OK, maybe not stupid, but there are ways you can ask more constructive and effective questions. When you ask the right questions, you’ll do better in class, help your classmates out and learn to think more critically.

Think Before You Speak

Before you raise your hand, make sure you don’t already know the answer, or how to find the answer you need. Sometimes in the heat of the moment during a class discussion, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with new information. Before you waste everyone’s time, see if you already have an answer.

Wait For It

Let the professor come to a stopping point before you shoot your hand up into the air. This is definitely more polite, but also lets the teacher finish his thought, and he might answer your question while doing so. Sometimes you’re just a step ahead of the speaker, and they will get to your question if you just wait for it.

Get to The Point

When you ramble on and on, the person you are asking a question of loses focus, and you often leave your classmates in the dust. Be succinct, provide only necessary background, and then get straight to the point.

Show Respect

When you ask a question, do so respectfully. When you come off arrogant or argumentative, you not only hurt your reputation, but your chances of getting the answer you need. Being polite, and having a humble attitude, will get you much further than being disrespectful will.

Clue Them In

Use keywords like “what,” “why,” and “how” to make your question crystal clear. When the object of your question is very clear, it makes it easy for everyone around you to understand the question and provide helpful answers.

These question-asking techniques can be employed in your on-campus class or your online course. Whether you are speaking or typing your question, make sure you do it well!

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Time on Social Media Equals Time Lost on Studies and Lower Grades

March 2nd, 2012

College students are spending more and more time on Facebook. Checking status updates, browsing through pictures and writing on friends’ walls has become almost as much a daily routine as brushing your teeth in the morning. But, have you ever stopped to think about how much time you are spending on social media sites?

Numerous surveys and studies show that today’s students are spending hours upon hours online. Of course, some of this time is spent doing research for class and completing homework assignments, but students report they are also spending lots of time on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

A recent study showed there may be a link between the amount of time a student spends on Facebook and the grades he or she earns. In the study, the students who were not Facebook users earned higher GPAs, and managed to spend three times more time studying during the week than Facebook users.

So, how can you make sure Facebook isn’t interfering with your schoolwork and lowering your grades? Here are three tips that might help.

Tip #1: Set a Schedule

The first, and maybe most obvious, step you can take is to use a schedule to reduce the amount of time you spend on Facebook. We know, easier said than done. However, when you’re exploring Facebook profiles, it’s too easy to lose track of time. To prevent yourself from wasting too much time online, set a schedule. Tell yourself you’ll study for two hours, then take a 2o minute Facebook break.

Tip #2: Use Software

If you need a reminder of when it’s time to log off of Facebook, and get back to work, try using some software tools. A timer, like Menubar Countdown, lets you set a timer for any amount of time. When time is up, you’ll get a visual and audio reminder to get back to work. Or, if you need even more restrictions, try a browser plugin like StayFocused, that will only allow you to access a website for a limited amount of time each day. Once that time is up, the site is blocked for the rest of the day.

Tip #3: Just Close the Window

Lots of times, we don’t even realize we are straying over to Facebook when we should be doing something else. When you’re working at your computer, never stay logged into Facebook. Kick the habit of keeping Facebook open in one tab while doing homework in another. First, it’s just too tempting to switch tabs and distract yourself. Second, notification sounds and popups will tear you away from what you are trying to accomplish.

You can do it. With some determination and self-control, you can wean yourself off of spending hours on Facebook, spend more time on your studies and in the end, be a better student.

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How to Get Scholarship-Worthy Grades

February 22nd, 2012

Lots of scholarships for college students require that you get good grades. Some applications require you to have grades for your last semester and some even require you to hold a certain GPA throughout the school year.

Getting good grades is tough enough, let alone with the added pressure of possibly losing your scholarship. It’s definitely possible to get scholarship-worthy grades and even hold on to them so you can get your tuition paid. Here are three tips to help you get there.

Tip #1 – Don’t Get Behind

As soon as you get your syllabus for the semester, look over the course schedule and see if its something you can do. Make sure you have the time that will be needed to get a good grade in the class. Once you start the class, keep up with deadlines, and don’t get behind. A few days behind will turn into a few weeks, and before you know it, it will be impossible to catch up. Missed deadlines are a grade killer.

Tip #2 – Ask for Help as Soon as You Need It

The first time you have problems on a homework assignment, or the first time you don’t understand a concept in your textbook, get help. Often times, course concepts build on each other, and if you don’t understand the first few ideas, you’ll be lost when the teacher introduces more concepts. Getting help from the beginning will help you keep your grades up, and help you prevent bad grades down the road.

Tip #3 – Make Friends

One of the best ways to succeed in a class is to make friends. I don’t mean the kinds of friends you hang out with on the weekend; I mean the kind that can help you with homework. Don’t be shy; get to know some classmates, teacher’s assistants and the professor himself. That way, you won’t be intimidated to ask for help and you’ll have a built-in support system. Classmates are the perfect study buddies and teacher’s assistance are there to answer your questions. The more you befriend them, the more help you are likely to get because the relationship will already be there.

Scholarships have high requirements, but they are not unattainable. With these three tips and some dedication, you’ll be able to get scholarship-worthy grades, and maybe even your tuition paid.

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3 Ways to Remember Anything

February 17th, 2012

Remembering facts, statistics and how to solve problems is what college is all about. Throughout your classes, you are given information that you learn, and then have to remember for your final exams. Sometimes, the hardest part of a class is trying to remember everything that was packed into a unit.

Mnemonic techniques are memory tricks you can use to remember things. They help your brain make associations, which makes recalling information easier. Here are three ways you can remember any bit of information college throws at you.

1. Acronyms

Acronyms are probably the most common mnemonic technique. An acronym is a group of letters that stands for something else. One well-known acronym is SCUBA, which stands for self-contained underwater breaking apparatus. One common memory acronym for students is MIMAL, which can help you remember the names of states from north to south, starting with Minnesota then moving to Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. As you study, look for ways to make up your own acronyms to help you remember bits of information.

2. Songs and Rhymes

The mind is able to remember songs and rhyming words very well. When you set things to a tune, you can more easily remember them. Things like elements from the periodic table of elements and foreign language conjugations can be set to well-known tunes like Row, Row, Row Your Boat or Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

3. Sentences

This technique is similar to using acronyms. To use sentences, use the first letter of each word to form a sentence, instead of a word. Phrases are often easier to remember than a group of words. Our minds remember information that is more easily grouped together in a logical way, so sentences often make more sense than a group of words. One common sentence memory trick is “My Dear Aunt Sally” which stands for the mathematical order of operations: multiply, divide, add and subtract. You can apply this method to almost any type of information.

As you study reading material and take notes during class, look for ways to apply these mnemonic devices and you’ll find yourself being able to recall information much more easily when you sit down to take your final.

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10 Smart Ways to Study

February 8th, 2012

A recent study revealed that one of the most important parts of studying is having “smart” study habits. Even if you get your assignment done, or finish that paper, you won’t be getting much out of your study time if you don’t study in ways that will help you learn more and retain knowledge.

According to John M. Grohol, doctor of psychology, there are ten things a student should do to make their time more effective as they study.

1. Think Positive

Thinking positive does a lot for your attitude. Instead of thinking that you will fail that biology test, think that you will pass it. Instead of thinking, “If I don’t finish this paper I am doomed,” think, “I’ll get a rough draft done today then edit tomorrow.”

2. Study in a Quiet Place

Choose a study place with few distractions. Anything that will keep you from focusing on your online accounting courses is something you can do without while you work on your assignment.

3. Leave Things at Home

When you set out to study, bring materials you’ll need, like textbooks, your laptop and a notebook. Leave everything else that you don’t need at home. When your novel or Game Boy aren’t there to distract you, they won’t!

4. Outline Your Notes

Research shows that when you take notes, from lectures or assigned readings, in your own words and format, you remember the information much better. Everyone’s brain thinks differently, and they way you connect information together will help you remember details when you take an exam.

5. Use Memory Tricks

When you have to memorize facts, statistics or the order of things, try coming up with a memory game that will help you remember then. For example, put the first letter of every word together to form a phrase you’ll remember. Or relate numbers to other things you’ll remember when you sit down in front of your next geography test.

6. Buddy Up

Studying with friends and putting your heads together can be incredibly beneficial. You’ll solve hard problems together, come up with new ideas about theories and be able to quiz each other before you take your history quiz.

7. Use a Schedule

Create a study schedule then stick to it. If you form a habit of studying at a certain time each day, you are much more likely to do it and use your study time wisely.

8. Give Yourself a Break

When you sit down to study for a long period of time, take scheduled breaks. Tell yourself that in one hour you will take a quick break to stretch your legs. Or, reward yourself by telling yourself that when you finish the next five pages of reading material, you’ll grab a snack.

9. Stay Healthy

Staying healthy will help you focus better and help you retain what you learn. Eat a balanced diet, dont’t skip breakfast and get plenty of sleep.

10. Learn Expectations

When you start a class, make sure you know what is expected of you. Are you graded on attendance? How many papers are due during the semester? Is there lots of reading? Knowing what you are getting yourself into will help you have a positive attitude and will help you know what you need to do to be successful in the class.

As you work hard in your classes, try putting some of these smart study habits into play. You’ll do much better on your assignments, remember what you learn and ace those exams!

 

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Get The Most Out of The Library

February 1st, 2012

 

The library is a great place to study. It’s quiet, it’s full of resources, you can focus on your work, there are lots of desks and computers. However, if you don’t take full advantage of the library, you are really missing out. Students that study in the library benefit from more focused work, and therefore higher grades.

Location, Location, Location

Next time you hit the library, choose a quiet location. Don’t sit near the circulation desk or front doors. These areas can be noisy and sitting in a noisy spot in the library isn’t really the point. You’re probably at the library to get away from distractions like roommates, TV and music. Do yourself a favor and sit in a quiet spot in the library.

S.O.S.

Librarians are there to help you. And I don’t mean there to help you find a book or log in to a computer. While librarians can certainly give you a hand with those things, they can do much more. Reference librarians can tell you where to find a certain kind of information, or which types of resources would be best for your thesis topic. Subject librarians are amazing experts in certain areas. In fact, they are in charge of what resources get ordered for the library for their specific area of expertise. If you are wondering where to start looking for information on ancient Rome or on the latest medical technology, a subject librarian can point you in the right direction.

Do it Today

When you’re at the library, it’s much easier to set and make study goals. For example, you can tell yourself that you aren’t going to leave the library until a certain time. Or, that you can leave when you complete an assignment. In the quiet library, you’ll be able to buckle down and reach those goals, whereas you would likely be distracted if you were trying to reach those goals in your apartment.

Positive Influence

When you study at the library, you are surrounded by other students studying. While this might not exactly influence you to study, it won’t distract you either. At the dorm, your friends are everywhere, and doing fun things like watching movies, listening to music and playing games. At the library, you don’t have the temptation to join in the fun, so you’ll get your homework done a lot faster.

Studying at the library is a great habit to be in. Next time you are there, try some of these tips to make the most of your library time and you’ll find yourself to be a more effective student than you may have thought you were.

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The Right Planner for You

January 25th, 2012

As a student you have lots of deadlines you can’t miss. With papers, tests, study groups, reading assignments and not to mention, a work schedule, you are always on your toes. Whether you are enrolled in on-campus classes at Yale or enrolled in Kaplan online, you need to stay organized. There are lots of ways to stay organized, with one of the most common being a day planner.

There are so many different kinds of planners out there and with all the options, one of them is bound to be perfect for your schedule.

Monthly Layout

If you are a big picture kind of person, a monthly planner would be a great choice for you. These planners lay out the entire month in one view, so you can see everything that is going on that month. You will be able to plan weeks ahead, and then see your plans at a glance. The only down side to this layout is that it doesn’t leave much room for writing on dates. If you need lots of writing room, you may consider getting a planner that has both a weekly and monthly view.

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Layout

Planners with a weekly layout open up to show you a whole week when it is laid flat. You can see Monday through Sunday in one view, and therefore easily plan your week. These planners also usually include time slots throughout the day, so you can schedule appointments and clearly see what time you have to be there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Layout

People that like to take things one day at a time generally prefer the daily layout. With this planner, each page is a day, so you have lots of room to write. It also lets you jot down more notes like contact information or ideas that occur to you throughout the day. The only bad thing about this view is that it is sometimes more difficult to quickly assess an entire week.

No matter your style of organization or how busy your schedule is, experiment with different kinds of planners and find one that helps you be more efficient.

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Top 5 Place To Study

January 17th, 2012

Of course, where you choose to study is mostly a matter of opinion. However, choosing the right spot can help you focus, give you easy access to helpful resources and even help you do better on your assignments.

Here are the top five place to study, on and off campus:

1. The Library

There’s no doubt about it. One of the best place sto study is your campus library. There are desks and comfortable chairs, computers and laptop plug ins, and easy access to resources you may need for assignments. You will also have research librarians on hand that can help you with your research paper.

2. A Park Bench

If you are the type that can take a break, then quickly get back on task, the park or a nice outdoors spot on campus is a great study spot. When the weather is nice you can soak up the sunshine while your mind soaks up the information in your reading material.

3. The Food Court

Students that like a little background noise can set up shop at a table in the campus food court. Bring your laptop, books and notes. Snacks are provided.

4. Campus Corner

A quiet corner in your favorite campus building is a great place to study. Most buildings have lobbies and student lounges. These are normally quiet spots with very few distractions, so it’s a great place to focus on a tough math problem.

5. The Cafe

Much like a food court, a cafe is a great place to do homework. At a table in the corner, you’ll have a little background noise and all the snacks you could need to get you through that last book report of the semester.

No matter where you decide to study, make sure it is a place where you can focus on homework and succeed in your program.

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Whats On Your Desk?

January 12th, 2012

Creating the perfect study environment can help you focus, which will help you do better on your homework and tests. Where you study actually plays a big roll in how effective your study time is. If you’re lucky enough to have your own desk to study at, or even if you camp out in the library to study, there are some essential study supplies you’ll want on your desk, and some distractors you should keep zipped in your bag.

Leave on the Desk

Laptop

Of course, this is a given. However, make sure your laptop is a study tool, not a distraction. Have enough self discipline to stay away from Facebook and blogs and stick to the sites you need for your research paper.

Ear Buds

Some people need complete silence to study, while others like some music in the background. Either way, headphones can be a plus because they can help drown out other students in the library and things that can distract you from the task at hand.

Water Bottle and Snacks

Before you sit down for a big study session, stock up on some snacks and a water bottle. That way, if you get the munchies in the middle of a chapter, you won’t have to waste time by getting up and hunting down a snack. Food and water can also help keep you awake and alert.

Notebooks

Even if you are doing most of your work online, having a notebook and pen handy will make it easy to jot things down if you need to. Then, you won’t have to interrupt your studying to find a piece of paper.

Leave in Your Bag

Cell Phone

You probably don’t go anywhere without your cell phone. However, sometimes this can be a huge distraction when you need to focus on studying. Turn your ringer off and leave your phone in your backpack. Then you won’t be tempted to text a friend or answer calls.

Magazines, Newspapers and Books

Leave extracurricular things like magazines, the school paper and the latest novel you are hooked on in your backpack. The less distractions you have in front of you, the less likely you are to get side tracked while studying.

Video Games

Leave your hand-held gaming devices in your bag. When you’re trying to prepare for your final, Mario can’t help; even if it is software development courses you are studying for.

Next time you set up camp at your desk to do some studying, try to use some of these study aides and leave the distractors in your bag. You’ll be surprised how effective your studying will be.

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Start a Study Habit

January 3rd, 2012

With the new year here, why not start a new study habit? You may be starting a new semester or enrolling in new classes, so this is the perfect time to start some good studying habits that will pay off all semester.

Here are three things you can do to start a good study habit this semester:

Set a Schedule

It takes dedication to study on a regular basis. One thing that will help you get into the groove is setting a schedule. After you have registered for classes and set up your work schedule, figure out when you will study. Block off some specific times and don’t let anything interfere. For example, you might schedule in three hours of study time on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Now, if something comes up during that time, you know that you already have plans…with your books.

Study with Friends

Studying with friends can help you stay motivated. You can depend on each other to keep yourselves on track. Reaching goals can be much easier with a buddy who is also working for the same thing. Also, studying with a friend can help you do better in classes and even get higher grades. Choose a partner that is in your class or one that has already taken the class you are in, that way you can help each other through homework problems and prepare for tests together. Two heads are better than one.

Stay Consistent

The toughest part of any routine is learning to stay consistent. It takes about two months to form a solid habit. This means you’ll have to stay vigilant during the first little while after starting your new routine, but it will get easier to stick to the longer you do it. It also means that you should start good study habits now in order to carry them with you throughout your college experience.

Being self-disciplined enough to study on a regular basis can be hard. But, by setting a schedule, working with a partner and staying consistent you’ll form a valuable study habit and be more successful in school.

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Avoiding Facebook Distraction

December 27th, 2011

We all do it. We sit down at the computer with the best intentions of doing homework, writing a paper or studying for an exam. But, we can’t help it and eventually wander over to Facebook or another website and before we know it we’ve lost an hour of study time.

Sometimes you do need a quick break from studying, and Facebook is a great way to do it. The problem is, if you aren’t careful, those quick breaks can easily turn into more time than you meant to spend browsing the Internet.

So how do you combat it? How do you stay focussed while you’re trying to study? Here are a few ways, some for the self-disciplined, and some for those who need a little nudge in the right direction.

Self Timing

If you’re self disciplined enough, you can set a timer while you study. First, set it for a certain amount of time you plan to study, Facebook free, then, when you reach that point, reward yourself with a few minutes of Internet browsing. Timed, of course. Then, get back to your next period of studying.

Task Timer

Task Timer is a free Google Chrome add on that helps you keep track of how much time you spend doing certain tasks. It also lets you set time goals for each task. With this method you can set a study goal and then give yourself a reward for making that goal. For example, maybe after you reach two hours of studying you can get a candy bar out of the vending machine.

StayFocused

Another free Google Chrome add on, StayFocused is a very sophisticated way of limiting the amount of time you can spend on time-wasting websites. You can set a specific amount of time for a site that you are prone to be distracted on, say Facebook, and once you have spent that amount of time on the site, your browser won’t let you access it for the rest of the day. You can also completely block certain sites for the entire day.

Whether you just need a little help staying focused or need to block some sites all together, one of these time-wasting solutions is sure to work for you. Now get back to studying for those software engineering courses!

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How to Start a Study Group

December 21st, 2011

Are you getting behind in your toughest class? Is your grade slowly dipping while you struggle through each homework assignment? If so, it might help to start a study group.

Whether you are studying to be a teacher, medical assistant, journalist, computer programmer or an accountant, a study group can help you do better in your classes and, therefore, even help you earn your degree faster.

Study groups are a great way to team up with fellow class members so you can all help each other understand the class’ concepts, complete the homework and prepare for tests. The great thing about study groups is that since everyone learns differently and will be at a different levels of understanding in the course, there will almost always be a group member who can answer your question. If someone else is struggling with a homework problem, you may be able to help them through it.

Starting your own study group is easy. By doing just a few things, you’ll be studying with a group of new friends, and be doing better in class.

Step 1: Talk to some classmates.

Start by talking to other students in your class. Ask around and find a few students who are either also struggling in the class or who are just interested in studying with classmates. Be sure to include students who are doing well in the class, not just those that are struggling. Having a good mix of students will make your study sessions more beneficial.

Step 2: Set a meeting time.

After you have a group of five to six students who will be in your group, coordinate your schedules and set a meeting time. Find a time that will work on a regular basis for each group member. Try to meet at least once a week if possible. After you have found a time that works for everyone, decide on a convenient meeting place. You may want to consider scheduling a study room at your campus library.

Step 3: Collaborate.

At your first meeting, trade contact information with each other. Pass around phone numbers and email addresses so each member can contact the rest of the group. Also, decide how your group will be run. Maybe each person will be responsible for reading a different section of the chapter and can then tell the rest of the group what was in the text. Or, maybe you will each work through the assignments on your own, then come to group meetings with questions. No matter your method, decide how you will spend your time together. This will ensure that the study group is helpful for everyone, and not just a waste of time.

Step 4: Be persistent.

As the semester continues, keep meeting with your group. Even if you aren’t struggling in the course, attending the group will still benefit you. Studies show that people learn information best when they teach it. Teaching a struggling group member will help you learn and remember class information.

Step 5: Be supportive.

Stress often increases when finals loom. Your study group can help relieve this stress by helping each other prepare for the final. Go through review materials together, quiz each other and re-read tough chapters in the book. Just having a friend going through the same final’s week stress as you can help you be more confident and do better on your exams.

So what are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor and start a study group. Both you and your grades will benefit.

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