Knuckling down... a story from a friend

 I have a friend who posted about having a grade that she thought was too low, so she was going to knuckle down and start studying harder.

This meant cutting down on her social life, though. She told her friends about her decision, and plans to stick to it. That takes real courage! To me, it would sure be tempting to go ahead and rationalize about the effort she might need.

It would be easy to say, "Oh well... I can go out tonight and nothing will happen to my grade." Or "Well, it's not going to change anything to take a few days off and go somewhere with my friends..."

I have to admit... I have used these kinds of excuses to do things I want to do at the time. Of course, the real payment usually came later, when  I had to stay up late, or even miss class from sleeping in.

As a nontraditional student, I found it easier to stick with my assignments and studying. But a lot of people don't have the option of having a lot of study time to begin with.

So today I salute that student for doing what she had to do, and thinking about the rewards she would get later for studying harder and bringing up her grade.

Great job!

And kudos for all you nontraditional students out there who are trying their best, and giving up family time, friendship time, vacation time, and sleep time in order to do that.

-Betsyanne

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The possible study group drawing above is from one of my very favorite (and free!) clip art sites, Clkr.com.

YOUR best study tips...

Study Tips for Nontraditional Students - what are YOUR tips?

 I can list some of MY best study tips. And I will today. But I also would like to know yours. What helps you from day to day? What things have you learned since you started back to school?

I know that organization was key when I went back to school. Keeping everything in its place saved countless hours for me, especially when it was time to study for a quiz or test.

I no longer put every subject in the same folder. I used to think this would save time for me, because I would just grab one folder and always had paper in it no matter what.

But what would happen is that the notes from the different classes would get mixed up. And I would have to spend time moving them around too much.

Some other things that helped me as a nontraditional student were forming study groups, keeping a calendar that I carried with me all the time, sitting in the front of the class where I could hear the teacher better, getting phone numbers and names from other class members just in case, and using a highlighter on my notes.

I also used a new note-taking method, where I left a space at the left of my notes (and drew a vertical line down each page) so that I could jot down notes, add arrows, and note what the instructor said would possibly be on tests.

I also made sure I had extra pencils and pens, plus extra paper so I didn't run out. Some other students knew this and would borrow from me. I didn't mind that. I think it made me more popular!

What are some of YOUR tips and hints for studying better and smarter?
I would love to know them.

Thanks ahead of time!


-Betsyanne

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Ack - what to do when you are sick...AND a nontraditional student.

The cold and flu season is upon us. And I personally am sick today. It packed a double whammy, I guess because I was thinking I would not get a cold this year.

Which got me to thinking. What can a nontraditional student do when he or she gets sick? This is equally bad to happen for everyone, but for the student, what can be done? If people don't show up for class, they don't get the information they need.

I would quick be in touch with the instructor and tell them if I were sick, and arrange to get the information from another student, who I had arranged ahead of time to take notes for me if I was ever not there. This is SO helpful. Especially because if you do not arrange ahead of time, many students will not have any notes to share with you. Because some students in classes today simply do NOT take notes. I know, it's surprising, but I found it to be true.

Then, get back as soon as you can to class or online to class. You don't want to infect everyone at school, but sometimes it's possible to take some strong medicine and keep away from others and still get your work done.

What do YOU do when you are sick? I now when I was student teaching I went anyway, because it was simply easier. Then I realized I should have just stayed home. So maybe the overachievers out there need to realize that too. Because if you don't stay home and get well, your illness could get worse.

A great thing on some campuses, if you are in a face to face class, or have use of the facilities, is that there can be good health services there, who can help with medicine, a nurse visit, etc. which will help you get well faster.

Here is to your health!

 -Betsyanne 

This cute sick bird drawing is from the ever-free and public domain art site Clkr.com.


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Ten advantages of face-to-face classes

Why do I like face to face classes best?

I guess it's because I learn better hearing the instructor talking and also learning with groups. It just helps somehow. I also like being able to study with study groups.

But there are some other reasons I prefer face-to-face classes over online classes.

#1.  In a face to face class, the material is covered more slowly. You have the chance to take notes and ask more questions. To me, getting a good grade is easier in a face-to-face class.

#2. If you are on campus anyhow, you can check out the library, get books, or study in a quiet area. You can also use the school computers.

#3. If you want, you can also use the school's gym facilities, if it has them. At WKU, they had a great area for running, swimming, and classes. I didn't take advantage of it like I should have, but it is a great plus for students.

#4. They have choices of food places there, and you can eat close to your class OR eat your lunch there. Sometimes it is fun to eat out, or eat elsewhere.

#5. You can make friends there. There is something about being actually in physical proximity that helps you get to know somebody.

#6. You an start or attend a nontraditional student group on campus. Maybe you have a class anyway that day. Or not. But if you are at school or can get there, many schools let groups have a room there at the school to meet.

#7. You can get to know your instructors personally, by going to their on-campus office and/or scheduling an appointment. Seeing your instructor in person can make you feel more connected.

#8. If you have classes far apart, you can choose to do a lot of walking, which is good exercise.

#9. You get away from home, which helps break up the day. I know if I had signed up for all online classes, just being at home all the time would not have been as interesting.

#10. You can become familiar with the campus, and attend student events, plays, and lectures there. This can add a new facet to your learning.

I don't have anything against online classes. I even have taken some. I just personally prefer face to face ones. I enjoyed the ones I took, and made some friends too.

Just saying. You may not have a choice. Your class may be offered ONLY online, or you may be attending an online school.

BUT if you have the chance, I'd say to take ALL face-to-face classes or take a combination.

What kind of classes do YOU prefer? Take the poll and find out.

I look forward to finding out what others say. Later!

 -Nontraditional students are going for their dreams.

-Betsyanne 

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Related postings you may like:
Online vs. Face-to-Face classes: which are better?
Nontrad Students in College - 11 More Tips for Success
The Nightline Investigation - are For-Profit Schools Telling Students the Truth?
 

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Midterms and grades - how to improve them...

This image is from the Clkr site at http://www.clkr.com.

Midterm Testing...

How did you do?

I have been hearing some stories about midterm testing from some nontraditional students. These tests are often bigger and more important than other tests. At least they used to be. Some instructors like to attach a huge bunch of points to their midterms.
Many people have already taken all of these tests and have done well. Some may not have done as well.
This has happened to me before. I have gotten a lower grade than I expected on some midterm exams. Sometimes, though, I came back and got a better grade on the next big test, or all the quizzes. Sometimes a report helped my grade too, because I got a good grade on that. If you are concerned, you may want to go to talk with the instructor. It is possible that you may be able to do some extra credit to up your grade.
You may also want to form a study group (how to do that) and make sure your next test is passed with flying colors.
Good luck on midterms, and if you are in school right now, I hope things are going very well with all your classes.
Here are some more postings that may be helpful to you:
Get to know your college professorsClobber your test anxiety 
More about study groups
10 study tips for nontraditional students
-Betsyanne
Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog Join Nontrads on Facebook Nontrads on Yahoo Nontrads on Twitter 
And here is a funny note:

This image is from the Wikipedia Commons site and was taken by Paul Randall.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Emergency_Twitter_Was_Down.jpg

Relaxing on the weekend? You can take a little time... 7 tips

How to take a break during a busy weekend

for nontraditional students

I know, many nontraditional students are totally busy this weekend. And pretty much every weekend. Maybe classes are not in session this weekend, but there are many things to do, like catch up on housework, do projects, assignments, cook something, and use that Round Tuit.

But it is very healthy to also take some time for yourself. It can be very hard to do this. If you do not do that at all, you can try incorporating "You Time" into your weekend slowly.

Everyone has their own personal tips that work for them. I have seven here that have worked for me. Here they are:

#1. Start exercising once a day or every other day for at least 15 minutes. Try out those exercise routines you used to do. Take it easy on yourself, because you might not be in shape yet. If you are older or think you may have a medical condition, consult your doctor first for their pointers and advice.

After you have done this for a week or two, you may be able to move up to more time. It is a very personal thing, and either you and/or your doctor can also tell you how to ramp up exercising. Easy does it.




#2. Meditate - have you tried meditation or meditation using yoga?

This can be very relaxing. Take a class to find out more if you are not already familiar with medication or yoga.

#3. Write in a journal or diary. You can do this every night before you go to bed. You can write as much or as little as you want. You may find this practice relaxing AND revealing, as you sort through your day and activities. It will also provide you with quiet time as you do it!

 #4. Window-shop. Have you ever looked around a store and just loved the newness of it? You don't have to spend money to relax this way. Of course, generally women love this more, but some men also find this activity very relaxing.

#5. Pamper yourself. When is the last time you enjoyed a wonderful bath or pamper treatment?

Use those face masks, bath oils, good-for-you lotions and take the time to feel really good. While you are at it, put your feet up!



#6. Read a good book. Are you the short story type? Scheduling some reading time that is NOT part of your assignments can be very relaxing. I try to read every day before bed. It is fun, relaxing, and educational too.

 #7. Encounter nature. Take a walk or just go outside and sit to watch animals or hear the birds (if posssible) in your neighborhood. If you do not have much nature in your neighborhood, go to the nearest park for a little while. Being around nature is very healthy and revitalizing.

I hope you have a great weekend. 



Let's add to this list! Tell me your ideas for relaxing on the weekend too. Thanks!

-Betsyanne


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