February 2nd, 2010
Back from Break: Tips for the Spring Semester
It was a wild break. Almost everyone I know is still rubbing their holiday guts and mumbling about getting back in shape. Your body isn’t the only part of you that slowed down a little over winter break, though. Your brain needs a kick start to get back into the school swing of things. Check out these back-to-school tips for on-campus and online students alike.
Tips for Getting Back into the Higher Education Swing of Things
- Make Yourself Known. If you walk into class on day one and make for the back, you’re asking for a chance to screw around. The first thing that’s wrong with your seating choice is that your professor doesn’t know you’re a go-getter. I’m not suggesting that you sit front row, center, but give the second row a shot. There’s nothing quite like eye contact to suggest that you’re paying full attention. Online students can give the appearance of being completely focused by posting a big hello on the class discussion board. Starting off with a great first impression gives you a leg up in the professor’s mind, whether or not you actually earn it.
- Participate. If you never raise your hand, contribute, or post, you’re just another face in the class–and professor’s might forget about you. If you aren’t noticed, why are you showing up at all? I once saw a professor call out a student who’d only missed a few classes during a final exam. Interrupting the rest of us taking the test, the professor asked, loudly, “And where have you been?” It was embarrassing and easily avoidable. Show up. Participate. If the professor has an idea of who you are, you’re far more likely to get an extension on a paper or an extra credit opportunity down the line–and you can avoid being embarrassed in front of your classmates.
- Fake It ‘Til You Make It. This tip is more to augment all of the other tips, preceding and following. Ever tried smiling when you’re in a bad mood? You’d be surprised how this kind of talking of the talk can turn your mood around. Likewise, you might not be thrilled to be back in class, but if you make it seem like you are, you’ll be walking the walk before you know it.
- Save Your Procrastination for Later. Develop a name for yourself as someone who always gets work in on time–at least starting off. If you’re taking more than one class, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll have some homework/studying conflicts down the line. Take advantage of the early weeks in a class to stay on top of things. When things are too chaotic further down the line, you’re more likely to get a little leeway on due dates. Don’t pull any stunts around finals, though. Generally, I used to start off strong through ’til the midterm, ease off and relax for a bit, and then hit the books hard for finals–frankly, an A is an A even if it isn’t a 100-percent.
- Put Your Lame Excuses Out to Pasture. Stop killing off your grandma! Every year, when midterms and finals roll around, students’ older relatives start dropping like flies–at least, that’s what they tell their professors, who aren’t stupid, by the way. The next time life gets too hectic to study or finish that paper, tell your professor just that: things are hectic. People don’t like being lied to and, in general, want to be nice. Also, professors were once students, and they know that things get crazy. If you’re preemptive about asking for an extension, the professor knows you (at least a little), and you don’t pile on the BS, you’re likely to get the same leeway (if not more) as someone who kills a octogenarian twice a year–and your professor will still respect you.
- Goof Off Productively. You aren’t going to be working 24/7, but you can be getting your brain in shape for those academic pursuits. It’s as easy as switching from video games to chess or from sit-coms to documentaries. You just need to get those synapses firing.
- Make a List. Things slip my mind all the time, which is way you’ll always find a to-do list or two on my desk. Not only does this help me keep track of everything that needs to get done, it also helps me prioritize. There’s almost always something easy, even fun, on the list, and I try to save those until I can’t take the grueling tasks anymore. Break projects down into their component parts when you make your list, too. This way, you can cross things off more quickly (a great feeling), and you won’t be overwhelmed by a huge project, just ten little ones.
- Buddy Up. Whether you’re starting an online class or wandering around a campus, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with someone in the class. You’ll have a chatting buddy, for one. You’ll also have a partner when group projects rear their ugly heads (and someone you know is less likely to stick you with all the work). You’ll also have a study partner, a place to get notes when you miss class, and someone to help keep you motivated (note: go for someone who looks smart and ambitious, if only a little).
- Drop the Dead Weight. If you’ve got a class that you don’t need to be taking and your schedule looks daunting, drop it–now. You need to get your money back for the class and hock those books ASAP. Of course, take the time to weigh the merits of the class. If it’s interesting and it doesn’t look too hard, stay on for the ride. If you don’t like going after only three sessions, run for your life (or your GPA and cash reserves).
- Get Out. I always had a problem studying at home. There were too many distractions, roomies doing things, and places to fall asleep. Between 24-hour coffee shops, the library on campus, and the occasional bar, I had plenty of places I could go and actually get work done. The trick was getting myself out the door. Find a good spot or three where you actually study, and make yourself get off the couch and out the door. Make sure that at least one place is completely free–you aren’t made of money.
These ten tips just scratch the surface of what it takes to keep yourself motivated in school, but follow them, and you’ve got a great start.
