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Academic Survival
Developing Effective Study Habits
The path to success is clearly mapped. It is rarely a question of fundamental ability or motivation. More often, it is a question of a student being aware of effective strategies and finding the ones that work. Below are some of the common signs of academic trouble and some strategies which may help a student to succeed in school.
Signs of Academic Trouble
I. Scholastic
- Are you having difficulty understanding the academic concepts discussed in class?
- Are you too hesitant to ask questions?
- Do you have difficulty concentrating while you are studying?
- Are you puzzled about how to prepare for an examination? Do you know what to study?
- Are you unclear about what is expected in an assignment or a test?
II. Attendance
- Are you beginning to skip some classes?
- Are you skipping classes to avoid an assignment or presentation deadline?
- Are you embarrassed to return to class?
- Are you consistently late to classes?
III. Attitudinal/Motivation
- Have you lost the motivation to study?
- Have you convinced yourself that you do not need to attend classes just because the material is covered in your textbook?
- Are you telling yourself, "I only need a D to pass."?
- Do you expect the chance to improve your grade with extra credit?
IV. Behavioral/Physical
- Are you getting enough sleep?
- Are you getting a properly balanced diet?
- Do you expect others to do most of the work when in group projects?
- Are you ignoring class reading assignments? Do you even have a textbook?
- Are you letting too much time slip by?
- Do you wait until the last day to begin a class assignment?
- Do you turn in assignments late?
- Do you neglect taking notes in class?
- Are you over drinking or using drugs? Are you partying too much?
- Are you sleeping in class?
Ten Ways to Avoid Academic Trouble
- Recognize that success in college is more often related to effort and hard work rather than innate ability.
- "Active" class attendance often correlates with performance.
- Recognize that "doing" can fuel motivation.
- Manage time effectively. Don’t cram! Prepare for a test over at least two days. Get a good night’s sleep before an exam.
- Construct your class schedule carefully each semester. Don’t take too many/few hours or too many difficult subjects.
- Divide major projects into manageable subtasks.
- If you think you may have to drop a course, always consult with your instructor. Don’t view your professor as your enemy.
- Seek tutoring at the first sign of trouble.
- Recognize that procrastination can block success.
- Seek responsible friends for a study group.