Dr. Stephen Jones
Too many college freshmen see the first semester as an
experiment. They treat it like high
school with greater freedom. During high
school managing time was not important and it was easy to earn good grades. In
fact some high school students regularly studied for and examination for the
first time while on their way to school.
College has been a rude awakening in terms of the amount of time that a
student must devote to studying. The
best thing that a second semester college freshman can do is develop a success
plan and follow it. A parent can sit down and ask what the students biggest
frustrations where during the first semester.
Often the student will say that they had no one to be accountable to and
the freedom through them off track. Listen first then work on a list of changes
together. Recognize that your freshman may be frustrated and feel boxed in.
Some freshmen don’t know what to do when they run into a
difficult class and they do not like an instructor. All of their high school
instructors supported them because they were one of the brightest students. A freshman must adjust to the unique teaching
styles of their instructor and ignore their personal emotions. Talk with your freshman about their
experiences and how they differed from high school. It will help them to identify the habits that
they must change. Procrastination does
not work in college because there is too much information. Here are ten tips to turn around a freshman’s
second semester:
1. Get a time
management daily planner and increase your studying time in your daily
schedule.
2. Don’t
procrastinate and study for examinations at the last minute. (Study 5 days
before each examination)
3. Purchase books for
all classes and begin reading right away. Follow your syllabus and stay ahead.
4. Meet every
professor in their office throughout the semester. Go to their office with prepared questions.
5. Get tutoring where
appropriate
6. Get involved in
study groups where students are earning A+ grades.
7. Focus on maintain
a positive attitude by reading motivational books or listening to recordings.
8. Organize and
review your notes daily.
9. Ask your
instructor questions right after class.
10. Go to the library
to study and avoid friends who area distraction.
The first year in college is difficult for many
freshmen. They are making a lot of
adjustments on their own for the first time in their lives there are breaks in
between classes. You can help your student by letting them know that you are
listening versus lecturing. Some
freshmen are still maturing into the person that they will become as a young
adult. Get your student to follow the
tips in this article watch your freshmen’s grades improve. College will be the stepping stone to your
child’s future.
Dr. Stephen Jones is a college coaching and study skills
expert. You can get a copy of his book the Seven Secrets of How to study at http://studyskills2u.com or to obtain
college coaching for your son or daughter call 610-842-3843.
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