Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Study habits to help you succeed
8 foolproof habits to assure quality grades

Students can help to improve their grades by abiding by 8 simple rules:

1.    Show up for class
Showing up for class is fundamental to your grade. First of all, attendance counts for a small percentage of your grade and is an easy way to score a few grade points. Since merely showing up can improve your grade, why wouldn’t you simply just show for class? It is also important to make sure you do not miss class because although all the assignments are posted on blackboard, the teacher may have something important information that is only distributed in class.


2. Turn in your assignments on time
Turning in your assignments is critical. Some teachers are flexible about due dates, but not always. If a teacher appoints a specific due date for an assignment, it is for a reason. In order to stay caught up with the class, complying with due dates is essential.

3. Take notes
Showing up for class is half the battle, but paying attention and taking notes is part of the other half. It will be hard to work on assignments and study for tests if you do not have the proper credentials. Yes, it is true that we live in a world where we have the advantage of all our assignments and lecture notes being posted online, but taking notes in class on what one observes and understands from the lecture can help to apply it later with assignments and tests.

4. Check your email
It has been notes that professors strongly advise that you check your email daily. If an assignment or test is moved to a different date, it is important to know so you are not thrown for a loop when the due date arrives! Checking your email is also important because sometimes teachers cancel class without much advanced notice, you do not want to show up for class if it is not necessary.

5. Time management
Managing your time well can be a huge practicality. Making sure you are caught up and keeping up with assignments is important so you are not working on everything at the last minute. Working on assignments at the last minute can be stressful and sometimes be a deterrent to putting your best work into the assignment.

6. Organization
Organization is key. Having all of your notes in one place and knowing where to find them will really help you achieve a good grade. It also helps to have a scheduler so you can keep track of when assignments are due and when you have a test coming up.

7. Revising assignments
Most students do not think about double-checking a completed assignment before they turn it in. Revising your assignments is a method that can make the difference between an A paper and a B paper. Teachers can tell if you put little effort into the assignment based on the number of mistakes.

8. Keep a positive attitude
A positive attitude is probably the most essential foolproof study technique. Having a negative attitude can eradicate all of the good study habits. Mind over matter is key; if you have confidence in your work then you are guaranteed to put together an impressive piece of work.