"Where There is a Will, There is an A"

• Be good to yourself.
  • Keep physically fit and rested.
• Attitude is all-important.
  • Use positive affirmations: "I can pass History."
  • Provide your own psychological edge, be it a positive attitude or a "lucky pen."
• Be a chronic enthusiast!
• Used textbooks may provide insights on a course.
• Sit in the front row;
  • if you must sit toward the back of the room, lean forward.
  • Attentiveness and concentration increase markedly.
• Don't miss the first and last minutes of class.
  • They are crucial — important announcements, questions on test, etc.
• Use a variety of study techniques.
  • a. Tape chapters (find out if your textbook has companion pod cast chapters). Listen on way to school, work.
  • b. Use index cards for quick review.
  • Keep them simple. Throw your highlighter away!
  • Remember: frequent review takes facts from short-term memory to long-term memory — learning as opposed to cramming.
• Study in short bursts.
  • (First and last facts are remembered best; therefore, it will accelerate learning.)
• Review notes immediately after class.
  • Even for five minutes.
  • Something magical happens!
• Review your notes out loud.
  • Read your chapters out loud.
• Appearance raises grades.
  • Neatness counts.
  • Word processors are a plus.
  • If a handwritte assignment is acceptable, use erasable pen.
• Don't waste time rereading.
  • Rely on "pen in hand" and SQ3R.
• Test professors before they test you.
  • Ask questions about what kind of test to expect.
  • what material will be covered.
• Become an expert test taker.
• Go with initial hunches.
• Stay with initial hunches.
• Study according to your biological clock.
  • Are you "normal," a night owl, or an early bird?
• Eliminate stress in your life.
• EXERCISE is the best antidote.
• Make extra credit mandatory.
• Never miss a class.
  • This is considered mandatory by "A" students.
• Be prepared to bail out.
  • Don't be afraid to drop a course that is not working for you., BUT be aware of all official dates to withdraw and any vital state legislative restrictions ( Texas has a limit on total number of W hours.)
• Volunteer to edit a friend's paper.
  • Use it as a learning experience.
• Study smart—not hard!
• Time management skills and discipline pay off.
• Stay mentally, physically and spiritually fit.
  

Adapted from the video

"Where There is a Will, There is an A"

by Professor Claude Olney