| Mandy Moore |
Student Success Coordinator |
Nov. 05, 2010
"If you knew how much work went into it, you wouldn't call it genius."
—Michelangelo
Even geniuses earn their accomplishments.
Often times we think that the “good students” or the “great artists” don’t have to work hard to succeed. However, research shows that even the best students work—and work hard—for their grades. The difference is that the best students simply know where and when to focus their attention.
This month is a great example of the challenges student face when it comes to time management and knowing how to best focus their attention. Thanksgiving break is coming, and we only have a few weeks left in the semester. Everyone is tired and looking forward to some rest. However, the smartest students know that the last few weeks of class are often the most important, and will make necessary lifestyle changes—like putting down the PlayStation controller—until finals week is over.
This is the last chance for all of us to stop, evaluate our progress, and make effective changes. And yes, you CAN make progress in the next few weeks, if you focus.
The following questions can help you to pinpoint areas for improvement. If you can honestly answer “yes” to all of them, than you are not only insanely impressive, but you’re on a great path. If (like us non-perfectionists) you answer “no” to any of these questions, you have identified an area for improvement.
Remember: “smart” students are not the ones that are born with the highest IQs. Smart students are the ones that use their time wisely for studying, getting enough sleep, and finishing assignments.
Ask Yourself:
- Is there a class I have been skipping? Do I show up late or leave early?
- Do I text, doodle or look at the internet during class instead of taking notes?
- Do I know what material will be on the next test?
- Do I know what assignments are due this month?
- Have I made a plan for when I will complete these assignments?
- Have I met with my professor outside of class?
- Am I proofreading my papers before turning them in?
- Have I met with my academic advisor?
- Do I study a little each night, or try to cram it in last minute?
- Have I skimmed or read the assigned materials?
- Do I understand my notes?
- Do I make flashcards for important vocabulary?
- Have I seen a counselor to get help with test anxiety?
- Would I give myself a passing grade for my effort in this class?
- What are 2 distractions that I can pass on until Winter Break?
[Comment]
Sept. 24, 2010
Between convocation, matriculation and Labor Day, it feels like we’ve barely gotten back into our school routine. It surprised me to find that we are approaching week 5, and midterms are around the corner!
Time to stop procrastinating and finish your reading so you don’t get behind. Learn how to read a textbook efficiently, and it will save you a lot of time in the long run. (You’ll do better on the test, too, and you won’t have to cram).
Here’s a research-based strategy to help you remember and understand more of what you’re reading:
Clear your mind before you begin
Turn off your TV, shut down your laptop, and take a minute to focus on the work you want to get done. Let go of thoughts about your relationships and other projects you have due. Visualize yourself completing this assignment without frustration or interruption.
Set a timer
Read in 20-minute increments. When your timer goes off, take a five-minute break. Get a drink of water, stretch, and return to work. Re-set your timer. Commit to this routine until you finish your work.
Preview the Chapter
Before reading, skim the chapter. Note the bold headings and important concepts, and read the chapter summaries to get a sense for the important concepts you need to focus on.
Read at Your Own Pace
Long boxes of texts are intimidating and bring on stress and boredom. As you start reading the chapter, use a piece of paper to cover text you haven’t yet read, or move your finger across the page. Use a highlighter to note the most important concept in each paragraph.
Take Notes
Taking notes forces you to focus and put information in your own words.
Use the chapter headings to organize your notes into sections. Underneath these sections, write one main point and an example of that point from each textbook paragraph. Using examples that relate to your life make remembering information easier. At the end of each chapter, check to see if your notes make sense to you.
Review
Each night, review your semester notes for 15 minutes before you sleep. It improves your brain’s “consolidation” of information, and allows you to recall information better on tests.
Switch it Up
Studying in a new place once and a while can actually improve your memory. And some people retain more information at night, or with music playing in the background. So try reading in different places, at different times of day, and stick with the setting that works best for you.
[Comment]
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Sept. 3, 2010
Did you know we have a turtle garden on campus?
Me either. It’s behind Mead Hall. And that giant rock between Miege and Berchmans? Delivery guys will sometimes bring your food there, wondering where you are. (I was sitting in my office).
What I’m trying to say is that--like many of you--I’m new on campus. It’s going to take me some time to adjust, and to get to know the quirks that make Saint Mary special. Every school has them, and that’s what makes your college experience unique.
I’ve attended four colleges and worked at three, but I still have to ask questions like “Why are there no trays in the cafeteria?” or “Where does Xavier Hall end and Saint Mary Hall begin?” Getting used to college isn’t just about academics—it’s a whole new world to dive into.
Like many of you, I’ve had days where I’ve felt overwhelmed by all the people I don’t know and deadlines I have ahead of me, and I’ve been tempted to just go to my office and shut the door. But if we close our doors every time that challenge arises, we will miss out on the best parts of college (and life): the chance to meet new people, consider new ideas, and become the people we’ve always wanted to be.
So lean on your family for support, and take some time relax in your room. But always remember that how this year goes is up to you. You have to step out of your comfort zone, learn new things, and maybe ask for help along the way. If each of us can commit to that simple fact, then this year really will be great.
[Comment]
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Mandy Moore heads up USM's student success office.
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