Counseling Services

Educational Goals - Skills for College



Time Management

For those of you have a tendency to procrastinate, click here:

  1. Prepare a study schedule. As a rule, you should be studying 2 hours per week for each credit hour in which you are enrolled. For example, study 24 hours a week if you are enrolled in 12 credit hours.
  2. Plan at least 3 study sessions per week to maximize learning from practice.
  3. Keep study materials with you at all times so you optimally use waiting time.
  4. Identify your most productive times during the day (e.g., evening) to study.
  5. Accept failure as a normal part of life. Remember that successful people become that way because they have a high tolerance for failure. It usually takes a good deal of failure to become a success.

Taking Notes in Class

  1. Complete the reading assignments on the material to be covered in class BEFORE class.
  2. Arrive to class on time prepared with notebooks, textbooks and related materials.
  3. It's helpful to leave space on the left or right side of the page to note questions, definitions & key words.
  4. Listen for key points in the lecture, and write down the ideas in your own words.
  5. Write down examples as these can be very helpful in aiding recall when you study or take exams.
  6. Assert yourself, and participate in class. You will enjoy the class and learn a lot more.
  7. Assert yourself even more, and ask questions (even "stupid" ones) when you don't understand - your classmates will appreciate it.

Reading and Study Techniques

  1. Find a quiet place to study where distractions will be at a minimum.

  2. Use the SQ-4R method for reading your textbook.

    S     - Survey your textbook before reading.

    Q     - Prepare questions from chapter headings that you can answer while you read.

    R     - Read your textbook slowly and carefully.

    R     - Repeat the main points of each section to yourself (quietly or aloud).

    R     - Review each chapter immediately after reading and several times each term.

    R    - Relate textbook information to your personal experience or prior learning.
  3. Identify your preferred sensory mode (visual, auditory, experiential), and use these when studying.

    1. Visual - use diagrams, pictures, self-made flashcards, write notes very neatly

    2. Auditory - use tape recorders, verbally repetition, discuss topics with others

    3. Experiential - obtain hands-on experience or imagine application in real life

  4. Listen for key points in the lecture, and write down the ideas in your own words.
  5. Write down examples as these can be very helpful in aiding recall when you study or take exams.
  6. Assert yourself, and participate in class. You will enjoy the class and learn a lot more.
  7. Assert yourself even more, and ask questions (even "stupid" ones) when you don't understand - your classmates will appreciate it.

Minimizing Procrastination

  1. Break large tasks into smaller tasks that seem more appealing and manageable.
  2. Use the "five-minute rule". Affirm that you will study for five minutes, but stop if it is truly unbearable. Most of the time you will feel ready to continue after five minutes because getting started is the most difficult task.
  3. Start with the most appealing tasks first, then work into more challenging tasks.
  4. Remind yourself of your short-term and long-term educational goals on a regular basis. Place visual reminders (inspirational thoughts, pictures) near your study areas.

General Stuff

  1. Maintain good health habits (nutrition, exercise, adequate sleep, minimal alcohol, nicotine or caffeine consumption).
  2. Use resources such as tutoring, counseling, student life, library, computer lab.

Contact

Counseling Services can be reached at (815) 836-5455 during hours of operation.