A new semester approaches! It’s time to get things in shape for new classes - a little planning and organization! I find that organization is a huge part of success for students. When tutoring, it’s easy to see who is struggling due to poor organization, as it seems to be a symptom of a larger issue with focus and attention. At the bottom of this entry is a checklist, but keep reading to understand what those items mean. As mentioned in a a previous post, (How to Read Your Textbook) I use one spiral notebook for each class. It helps me keep all of my lecture notes, textbook annotations and study materials in one place. It’s magical if you like to be able to find things! The first couple of pages are reserved for my table of contents. Following that, pertinent information from the syllabus, and then numbered pages. On the cover I write the class name, Professor, room number and time of the class. Maybe you can memorize and keep it all straight, but I cannot. Too many other things to keep track of with my Full Plate. My next steps in getting ready seems silly, but, for me they matter! I like to sharpen all of my pencils, set up folders in Google Docs for each new class, and clean and sanitize my backpack. Everything gets a good wipe down before the bag gets re-packed. Finally, I add a "Go Bag" which holds some basics like hair ties, an emergency coffee stash, phone charging supplies, and tissues. The final thing that goes into my "Go Bag" are contact cards. They are simple. Just my name, phone number, email, and that I am a dietetics major. On Day 1 of classWhile I am still in the classroom, I try to hand out my contact cards and get at least 3 in return. Having contacts in each class is important when the flu hits and you need lecture notes! Once I get home, I put important dates (like tests, assignment due dates, etc.) into my planner and write important syllabus information in the first couple of pages of my class notebook. Now that I have my syllabus, I generally order my textbooks (depending on the class I'll either rent or purchase). Why do I wait until the first day? Because I cannot tell you how many times last minute changes have left me with the wrong book, and some are not returnable!! If I order them online, I also go to the school library or a program on campus that has books available to borrow so that I do not fall behind in my readings By the end of week 2If there is one thing that I stress to students that I tutor, it is that they need to visit each professor during office hours to introduce themselves. Each class for which I have done this has paid off in spades. During this meeting I ask questions. Lots of questions! From their tips for success in the class to how they would study for one of their exams, it always provides insights into that professor's expectations. This is also a great way to build rapport with professors, which will come in handy when you need a letter of recommendation! Next, I make sure to reach out to the classmates I have contact information for. Personally, I use Google Hangouts to communicate with classmates, and find that it works out well. I have also used apps like GroupMe, Skype and such. Use what works best for you! Finally, because I am a tutor on campus, I speak with my work supervisor to set realistic hours (because there are only 168 hours in a week) that allow for adequate study time and to be the best tutor I can be. I look at my planner and ask for days off around my midterms and other key event dates. I hope this helps! Please let me know in the comments if you have specific questions.
3 Comments
Salena Gibson (Partida)
1/30/2019 06:35:13 pm
Thank you for the helpful tips. I am planning on attending, however, I have to wait until my inlaws are back from vaca before I can get make a set schedule outside of class. I have a two year old and he has an attention span of a gnat! So i cannot bring him along (if allowed). Looking forward to more tips and help from you. Thank you for sparing time!
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Michelle
1/30/2019 07:11:25 pm
Glad you made it to the blog and found the tips helpful!
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Stephanie Cortez
2/15/2019 02:45:02 pm
All of these tips are great! I especially like the “go bag” that I created one of my own. I always have had similar items in my backpack, but now that I have a “go bag”, they are all in one convenient place!
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AuthorI'm Michelle, and I've got a full plate! As a full-time dietetics student, step-mom, wife, study coach, and tutor in my late 30's, some days I'm barely scraping by. But, no matter what is on my plate, it's always gluten free! Categories
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