ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 1996 TAG: 9608270138
SECTION: WELCOME STUDENTS PAGE: 12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
As a former college and graduate student and graduate teaching assistant who spent about 10 years in higher education, I've had lots of opportunities to think about how to do well in college. As I prepare to teach at Radford University this year, I have this advice for my students - and all university and college students.
10. Make sure you get enough rest: Having fun is fine. A big part of the college experience is socializing. But rest is important, and you don't need to stay up late every night, especially the night before a big test or exam. And getting enough sleep two nights before a big test or examination is a good idea, too.
9. Go to class: The relationship between consistent class attendance and good grades should be obvious to everyone, but there are students who think skipping class doesn't hurt all that much. Based on my experience as a student, I can tell you it does; and based on my experience as a teacher, I can tell you I notice who skips.
8. Pay attention and take notes: Diligent attendance isn't enough. Lots of what is said in class is important and will appear on quizzes and tests, and there is no way you will remember it all without writing it down.
7. Do the homework, including the reading: Homework is the best way to really assimilate what you are learning. Generally speaking, you should expect to do two hours of homework for every hour in class. That may sound like a lot, but it's the best way to see your college investment through to fruition.
6. Ask questions: Not only does asking questions show your professor that you are paying attention, it will provide you with the answers to things you have been wondering about. Remember, there are no stupid questions.
5. Participate in other ways: You are welcome not just to ask questions in class, but also to offer your comments. You were accepted into college because you have shown potential and you have something to offer, so don't keep your insights to yourself.
4. Visit your professor during his or her office hours: Professors have office hours when they are available to meet with you, and often they are happy to do so. Sometimes in class there just isn't enough time to talk about a topic in sufficient detail. A visit during office hours will give your professor more time to say what she wants to say, and of course, to talk about the things you want to talk about, too. Another good idea is to get your professor's e-mail address and communicate that way.
3. Use other resources: Advisers, tutors, the library, the Internet ... there are lots of resources for learning on college campuses these days. You'd be silly not to take advantage of them.
2. Be serious about tests, quizzes and exams: Tests will be the basis of your grades in most classes, so it makes sense to prepare for them diligently.
1. Be serious about writing: Writing is a great way to put together the things you have learned, to find out what you know - and what you don't know and might be wondering about. Writing can be useful, no matter what discipline you are in.
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Chart by staff: Tips for grads facing real life. KEYWORDS: MGRby CNB