| They
attend class. This might sound trite and obvious.
Some classes are boring. Some professors are unexciting, or
obnoxious. Some classes are at an inconvenient time. Research on
college students indicates that higher class attendance
correlates with higher grades, earlier completion of degrees and
simply staying at the university instead of dropping or flunking
out. And since they're there, successful students take notes and
participate.
They sit in front. It's
easier to hear, easier to pay attention and easier to "read" the
instructor's cues as to what information is important. Listening
is one of the most important, yet least recognized, skills
necessary for learning from lectures. Most students don't
naturally listen in the way that the lecture situation requires.
To listen effectively, you must "engage" the instructor - that
is, create an internal conversation between you and your
instructors as they are lecturing. This includes actively
anticipating and questioning what the lecturer says, and sorting
or categorizing the information being presented. Engaging the
instructor is easier if you sit where you can see and hear
clearly.
They attend office hours,
Most faculty members have a diversified background above and
beyond the course materials. They are a valuable resource to
stimulate new ideas. They also are excellent resources for
networking. The time spent in one-to-one conversation with a
faculty member can influence the choice of a major or a career.
They study on schedule.
Studies show that two hours of study for each hour of class time
is about right. Managing oneself properly by setting aside
blocks of time and a good spot with little or no distractions on
a weekly basis is ideal. It is much easier to remain current
with a class than to rush to catch up in the days before an
exam.
They choose courses wisely.
Picking a course in a subject you are interested in, or one
taught by an instructor you like adds additional motivation
which usually translates to better grades and enjoyment. College
life is hard enough without adding the additional stress of
classes and instructors you dislike.
They exercise. Good
cardiovascular fitness translates into alertness, good attention
span, better sleep and more energy.
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle you should be engaging
in 20 minutes of aerobic activity 3 times a week.
They are involved in campus life.
Your college or university is full of opportunities to broaden
your horizons. Join an organization. Every campus
has officially recognized groups where like minded people come
together to pursue similar interests. Make friends and have fun
at the same time.
They eat healthy. Our
bodies are complicated biological machines. They need proper
fuel to keep them running at peak efficiency. A
good diet is a balanced one — lots of different foods and not
too much of any one food. That way you get all the nutrients
that you need. Many countries have guidelines for healthy diets,
including in some cases recommended daily amounts of specific
nutrients. However, it is emphasized that these guidelines are
for healthy individuals. not for those with disease symptoms or
food allergies or intolerances. These people should consult a
dietitian or physician.
They drink moderately or not at all.
Overdoing it only leads to headaches, upset stomach, acting
foolishly and the chance of harming yourself or someone else, slowing
your brain activity, affecting your alertness, coordination and
reaction time. Until more is known
about how alcohol affects your health, your best bet — if you
choose to drink — is to drink in moderation. Generally,
moderation means no more than one drink a day for women and no
more than two drinks a day for men. Because of their body
chemistry and composition, women are more sensitive to alcohol
than men are.
They have fun. All work
and no play leads to stress which inhibits academic performance.
Reward yourself for your good study habits with a bit of fun. |
