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Preparing for Final Exams: Lesson 6

With final exams just around the corner, nothing is more stressful than a week full of tests and like most college students you might be wondering how on Earth are you going to get all that studying done?  PANIC!

Gotcha!

Now that I have your attention let’s get down to business.  In all honesty, nothing is worse than the vast array of final exams, especially for college freshman, or any student for that matter.  What is worse is actually understanding the final exam schedule and how to study. So, I’ve come up with a few simple steps as a suggestion to get you going.

Step 1.  Look at final exam schedule posted on the campus website or your Blackboard account and find the times your classes meet.  Cross-reference that information with your syllabus. Now block those times out on your calendar writing in the class name and FINAL EXAM, in red preferably, or your exam color.

Step 2.  Find out what kind of exam you will be taking.  In many cases your exams will be traditional tests covering the entire semester, or covering the material from the mid-term to the end of the semester and is either written, multiple choice, or a combination of both and taken in the classroom.  In other cases you may have a take-home final, a presentation, or a paper to turn in either physically or online, or, if you’re lucky, no an exam at all.

Write on your calendar the specific type of exams and what they will cover.  Mark your calendar for the take-home exam with the exact day and time it is due and when presentations and papers are due.  Add in reminders. Add in reminders. Add in reminders. (That is not a typo. Add in reminders from your midterm day forward.)  If the professor gives an option of keeping the grade you already earned with no final required, ponder the option and do what you think is best for you.  Personally, I took the grade and RAN, especially if it was a B or an A and the test could potentially bring the grade down. But, that option is entirely up to you.

Step 3. Figure out which assignment is going to take longer to prepare.  Keep in mind take home-tests are not necessarily easier.  Professors expect that the information is spot on and answers is written thoughtfully and grammatically correct. Take-home exams are normally given at the last class meeting of the semester and are due at the time the professor states, or during the scheduled final exam time by either placing the test in the professor’s box or turning it in at her office or submitting it online. Read the instructions on the exam.

If you’re not new to the college scene, or you had a rough first few semesters, or quarters, don’t bundle your nerves. Simply reorganize for next semester/quarter and start fresh.  Being a college student is like a diet, it’s a work in progress that keeps changing with new information.

Stay focused and organized, because in all honesty there is no real need to PANIC!

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Lesson 5: Keep Your Cool! It’s Only a Discussion

Many college courses, whether in a physical or virtual classroom setting, have lectures and discussions, which is unfamiliar territory for many incoming freshmen. Therefore, when defending or opposing a comment it is important to remember to always keep your cool!

In a time when emotions and immediate instinct fuel anger, keeping calm and thinking about your response before exploding in class will always keep the conversation constructive.  A differing view is important, and adamantly disagreeing is equally important, however, launching anger and exploding into a discussion, changing the tone from friendly to hostile, is never a good idea.

Instead, gently bring in your view while keeping in mind your opposition feels just as passionately about her position. Angry isn’t going to solve anything.  Remaining calm and waiting to voice an opinion with composure is like receiving an infuriating email. The longer you wait to respond, the softer your tone becomes and your answer more gratifying.

Let’s face it. In your classes people will voice ideas you’re not going to like. Anger isn’t going to change anyone’s mind, but rational conversation might persuade someone to consider a different view.

Here’s a solid rule of thumb in my classes. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.  You may not agree, nor like what is said, and you may not even respect the opinion because it goes against your every ounce of existence, but at the same time there is no need to be disrespectful. After all, it’s a class discussion.

Keep it professional. Project the respect. Interject your opinion. Add facts or references to support your view.  Remember, tone is everything.

I’m reminded of a discussion that took place in one of my undergraduate history classes, the topic was the Holocaust.  At some point in the discussion a guy from the back of the room stated, “I don’t believe the Holocaust ever happened.”  Before the professor could react an even toned female voice interjected, “I’ll mention that to my neighbor while her grandson reads the numbers tattooed on her forearm. Maybe the guy back there can tell her it never happened.”

The woman’s calm demeanor commanded the room. The air shifted allowing someone else to interject and flip the conversation; and I have a memory to share with my reader.  Had the conversation gotten angry, the memory would have been quite different.

The moral of the story is to keep calm, stay professional, and know your facts, especially when disagreeing with others.  By doing so, you will not only gain respect of your peers, but also control of the discussion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lesson 4:  “It’s in the Syllabus!”

Recently, I received a text message from a new high school graduate saying: “I’m at my college freshman orientation and thought of you!” Up popped a cartoon the presenter showed explaining the importance of the college syllabus and where students can find all the answers to basic course questions.

He thought of me because in my high school senior classroom I not only explain the importance of the college syllabus, but I also teach how to read it and where to find course information.  I even use my previous article, “Lesson Two: 3 Things to Know about the Syllabus,” to stress the importance of exploring and familiarizing yourself with the syllabus.

What I didn’t realize, however, was the importance of my lesson.

Referencing a college syllabus is an important skill that must be emphasized and mastered.  When I was a young undergraduate a professor said, “Master the syllabus, master the class.” Honestly, I don’t know if it’s true, but it made my college and graduate years a lot less stressful.

Therefore, I’m going to provide you with a new mantra when looking for information, because chances are it’s in the syllabus! It’s in the syllabus! It’s in the syllabus!

Here are 5 basic questions that could pop-up and I provide some scenarios.

  1. How do you get ahold of your professor? It’s in the syllabus! On the top of the first page you’ll see the professor’s name, office location, telephone number and extension, email address and website, if applicable. I like to put a red star near this section. It also might not be a bad idea to put the information in your cellphone contacts.
  1. What happens if you miss class and how will you know the assignment and get the lecture notes? It’s in the syllabus! You might ask a classmate for the notes. Keep in mind, this entire question is on you, so ask yourself why you missed class and try not to unless you are very ill, it’s an absolute emergency or it’s work related.  As a professor, I had this situation when I had emergency service personnel in my classes. In this instance these students talked to me at the beginning of the semester and we came up with a plan. Communicate with your professor immediately, especially if you have an absolute emergency! Life happens.
  1. When are exams and are they take home, multiple choice or written? It’s in the syllabus!  Note: most exams, especially take home, are written.
  1. When are papers due? It’s in the syllabus. Normally papers are due at the very beginning of class, not when you arrive 20 minutes later. (Last year, another former student emailed me stating that while in her college class a student walked in 12 minutes late and turned in a paper, the professor tossed it in the trash. The student stormed out.) Moral of the story, the beginning of class means the beginning of class, not at the beginning of when you arrive. I would also keep in mind, while some professors like papers given to them in class, others opt to have them placed in their mailbox by a certain date and time, turned in electronically using a server that locks you out at specified time, or emailed as a PDF file, again by a specific time. The date and time is important, be aware of it.  All this information is usually in the syllabus!
  1. What is the professor’s documentation requirement, MLA, APA, or Chicago? It’s in the syllabus! Every professor and discipline is different when it comes to documentation requirements. Read the syllabus.  If the answer is not there, check the actual assignment or professor’s website, or simply ask the professor. For a link to these resources, click my Resources tab.

In short, keep in mind the information you seek is usually IN THE SYLLABUS! IT’S IN THE SYLLABUS! IT’S IN THE SYLLABUS!

 

 

 

 

 

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Lesson 3

Two Easy Ideas for Organization

Now that you’ve read, know, and color coded the syllabi according to readings, papers, projects, presentations and exam dates, it’s time to get more organized, but chances are you have no idea where to begin and the semester, or quarter, is in full-speed.

Just take a deep breath and let’s get organized, and the sooner the better.  It might take an hour or so to do this, but in the long run, it’ll be time well spent and you’ll be less overwhelmed.

Organization equals three simple items—a three inch binder, dividers and a calendar.

This lesson follows a conversation I had with a young college co-ed about when my husband returned to school after a twenty-five year hiatus. After coming home from class he started organizing his various pocket folders. As I watched his organization turn into an unorganized disaster while he lost himself in that great web of syllabi and overwhelming expectations, I left the house and returned with a three inch binder, dividers and a calendar. Minutes later he was organized and his calendar was marked according to the syllabi.

The Binder and Dividers

All you need, in my experience, is one three inch binder with inside pockets and dividers that are labeled with the name of your classes in the order you attend them within the week.

For example, divider one might be your Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:00 a.m. Psychology 101 and your next divider might be your Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11:30 a.m. English 105, the third divider would be the next class of the week, maybe it’s your Tuesday/Thursday 2:00 p.m. Art History 1B while the fourth divider is Wednesday’s 7:00 p.m. Public Speaking class.

In the front of each class section place the syllabus (in a plastic sleeve) for quick reference, protection and so you ALWAYS know where you placed it.  Now comes all the handouts, notes, and extra readings. Your notes and handouts go behind the appropriate dividers by date, most recent first. In the front pocket of the binder place assignments to be turned in, while the back pocket is where returned assignments go.  When you get home, or back to your dorm, put returned items into a corresponding manila folder on your desk for quick reference.

Having one binder solves two issues, the first is always having the correct folder and never worrying about grabbing the wrong one as you dash out the door.  The second issue is that you will always have your notes and assignments with you for studying. (If you use an electronic notebook, make sure it’s synced with your cell phone and tablet for anytime studying. You never know when you’ll have to wait for someone, regardless of situation.)

The Calendar

It doesn’t matter if you prefer an electronic or a paper calendar, what matters is that you use it to your advantage.  Chose a color to block out class times. Some people, like me, use a school color.  For example, if your school colors are blue and yellow, you might want to choose yellow to indicate class and blue for school functions.  (For paper calendars, use highlighters).

Now it’s time to write in tests, readings, papers, projects and presentations. (Try to use the same colors you used to mark your syllabus.) For now let’s use red for tests.  On your electronic calendar enter when tests are due. It will overlap on the yellow which is fine, it’s corresponding with the proper class.  Set your reminders one month prior, 3 weeks prior, 2 weeks prior then countdown each day.  The same rules apply for readings, papers, projects and presentations. You may want to use orange for essays, for instance, while you use green for presentations. Then set your reminders accordingly. Of course, for paper calendars, you’ll use color pens to mark the due dates and work backwards writing in the reminders. (Stickers work well too!)

Chose different colors for studying, work, fitness and family and then stick to your calendar.

Simply put, get into the habit of checking the syllabi and saying to people, “Let me check my calendar.”  You’ll be in control, organized and less stressed.

A few minutes of organization will save hours of time.

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Lesson 2: 3 Things to Know about the Syllabus

  • Read It!
  • Know It!
  • Own It!

 Congratulations! It’s your first day of college. You’re excited, scared, and defiantly nervous as you walk into your first class, settling in just moments before the professor enters with a stack of papers known as the COURSE SYLLABUS.

Like a high school syllabus, a college syllabus is similar in terms of course description, materials required, types of assignments and how the grade is formulated. However, unlike high school, the college syllabus cannot be placed into your binder, the great abyss, to never be seen again or only on a rare occasion. It must be color coded, referenced often, and copied onto some form of a schedule calendar.

The college syllabus must be Read, Known, and Owned by the student!

 READ the syllabus for:

  • The office hours, location, telephone number and email address. This is how you find and get a hold of your professor.
  • The materials needed for the class. Textbooks are listed with mandatory readings as well as suggested reading. Keep in mind the readings are suggested for a reason.  If there is a section somewhere on the syllabus where your professor has put readings on RESERVE, then readings are in the library at the reserve desk where you may check it out for a specific period of time, normally two hours, but check with the reserve desk.
  • Know the requirements for the class and how many tests, papers and presentations make up the grade.

KNOW the listed assignments on the syllabus and the requirements such as:

  • The dates of expected readings, when papers are due, when presentations are given and dates of exams. (FYI: If the syllabus says 9/22 pages 99-151, have those pages read by September 22.)
  • Exam requirements regarding scan-tron and bluebook size, or take home exams.
  • Requirements for presentations.
  • When and how papers are turned in. Are they due at the beginning of class, in the professor’s mailbox by a specific time stamped (a time stamp machine is in the box area), is it preferred papers are slipped under the office door, or emailed?
  • Documentation preferences. Does the professor require MLA, Chicago, or APA documentation? It makes a big difference and each academic discipline and professor requires something different. (See Resources).

OWN the syllabus by:               

  • Protecting it. You only get one. (Plastic sleeve covers are a great idea and place the pages back-to-back in the front of each course section.)
  • Use different color highlighters. For example, use orange for exam days, blue for essays, yellow for readings, purple for presentations.
  • Make notes on it so you remember certain items announced in class.
  • Cross off dates and assignments that have passed.

Keep in mind, the syllabus is the course agenda for organization, expectation, and assignments so always remember to: Read It!  Know It!  Own It!

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College Preparation

Lesson 1: Adjust

How exciting! You’ve graduated from high school and now you’re off to college. Whether still living at home, or dorming it, the adventure is about to begin and you have no idea what to expect. The anxiety mounts with each passing day as you wonder if you’ll make new friends and if you’re ready to start life as an independent adult.  There is no turning back. Your tuition is paid and you’ve registered for classes, but you’re really not sure what to expect.

Simply put, expect to adjust.

Remember your grammar, middle and high school years?  With each grade level promotion your teachers warned about the next level and what to expect. Throughout your senior year your teachers may have explained college life in terms of exams, papers, organizing, and documenting, and they may have shared fun stories about their college days. However, I was recently reminded that many teachers forget to mention the constant learning curve of adjusting.

For some people change is easy.  For others change shocks the system.  Because change is different for everyone, I came up with a short list of adjustments to help you prepare.

Adjustment 1: The Syllabus

  • Read It!
  • Know It!
  • Own It!

Adjustment 2: Your Roommate is not your sibling. (Not applicable unless you are in a dorm or apartment.)

  • Figure out the living arrangements, together.
  • What are the rules for overnight guests?
  • Ignore A LOT.

Adjustment 3: You’re on your own.

  • Take care of your financial situation.
  • Take care of yourself by making sure you eat right and exercise.
  • Know your schedule.

Adjustment 4: Make New Friends

  • My friend met his wife at their freshman orientation at UC Santa Barbara, that was over thirty years ago… (Lesson: You never know who you’re going to meet.)
  • You will make tons of friends, some may become life-long!
  • Some of your classmates will be your parents’ age, or your grandparents’ age, learn from them.

Adjustment 5: Get a Calendar (paper, computer, or phone) and Schedule Everything

Block out

  • Class Meetings and mark readings, papers, and tests on the schedule in different colors
  • Studying, researching and writing.
  • Meals and Social events
  • Housekeeping/Laundry
  • Workout
  • Employment (if applicable)

This is such an exciting time for you!

I remember it so well. Excited, nervous, unsure and alone I went to my first class, sitting next to young woman my age. We began talking and quickly became friends. Together we learned to adjust to our environment.

You’ll learn to adjust accordingly. Just keep in mind, school is a learning environment and adjusting is a learned skill.

By the way, if you’re wondering what happened to that young woman I met so long ago, we’re still friends. In fact, I know she’s reading this post!

(It is my hope that a dialogue is started. Please feel free to leave only positive comments.  I know there are a lot of other adjustments one must figure out and your suggestions are welcome! They may even become a blog topic. Oh, wouldn’t that be neat?!)

Please stay tuned for future topic: Reading the Syllabus, Your Schedule, Organization, Assignments and Documentation (See resources). Continue reading →

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Plan It!

Eventually my goal is to separate creative writing posts from college preparation posts. However, from time to time I’ll combine entries as they relate to one another, and I get comfortable with the entire blog idea.

That’s right; I said I need to get comfortable with the blog idea. My old school ways simply weren’t working any longer and like any true professional I evolved.

As I started to change an epiphany hit me over the head and then came back kicking my butt! Developing and writing a blog, essay, story, novel, or even a business plan requires planning, brainstorming, researching and trial and error before publishing.

Wait a minute! Stop everything! I just explained the writing process.

Yup!

As I created my website I discovered everything from thought to creation required the exact same premise as the writing process.  Simply put, one needs a plan.

It’s like going to the grocery store. First comes the list of needed items from the top of my head and then I look through the cabinets and refrigerator– the brainstorm. Sometimes I go even further and lump items together according to isles—the outline. Then it’s time to look through the ads, checking for the best prices—the research. Without a plan I waste time and money—the disaster.

Start early and plan it. Whether you’re writing creative for creative audience, or an expository audience, give yourself a deadline for a final copy and plan accordingly. Remember to sketch out your ideas—the brainstorm. Lump them together and know where you want to go—the outline. Don’t forget to research, research, research and document, document, document accordingly. (I will address that at a later time). Start drafting. I mean that word as a gerund; a verb and a plural noun, there should be more than one draft. Remember what happens without a good plan—disaster.

The bottom line is that everything must start with a process and a plan before trial and error, which is your drafting. Write a first draft. Get those thoughts on paper. Let it get cold. Wait a few days. Then, look at it. Yes, you wrote that, so now fix it! It wouldn’t hurt to let it get cold again and then fix it, again.

Keep in mind; everything starts with a plan.  Just plan it!