Msg: 2043 *Conference*
03-20-92 23:05:38
From: RICHARD HANSON
To : STEPHEN MELCHER
Subj: REPLY TO MSG #2022 (BBS TRICKS)
Okay... here we go. Much of your success at a college or university has more to do with how you approach your studies then what you study. I'll give you some examples that work. Example 1: A good friend of mine used to sign up for twice the number of classes he could possibly take, then determine, according to the nature of the work necessary for each class, which ones he would keep and which he would dump. Once pared down, he was still taking more then most. Then, he spent the first few weeks doing a cram session on each classes requirements until he had about 70% to 80% of the base work completed, i.e., papers written, questions studied, text notes developed, etc. In short, with in the first few weeks, he completed all the work for each class that he could, even if was just outlines for term papers, etc. For the rest of the semester, he simply filled in the gaps from lectures, etc., and always handed in things on time and in great depth. At the same time, he made a point of testing the water of each professor, i.e., attending office hours, asking questions, getting special help, etc. He'd get the "edge" necessary to ace every course. He had a 4.0 average. His stratigy was to cram while others were just getting going, then have the time, without pressure, to complete each class easily, filling in the detials, while most were just starting to cram--usually around the next to the last week. Another trick he used was to start tutoring fellow classmates as soon as possible. Everyone knows that the teacher learns the subject better than the student. In this way, he learned the lessons better then all the rest, was always ahead of the game, had less stress in his life and gained the political support from the professors. Example #2: On any campus you will see a group of folks taking classes as a team. They take classes together, study together, and even do each other's research, and tutor each other. This is called the team approach, and wow is it powerful. This method is usually used in graduate schools, and with in houses, and is sometimes called study groups. However, individuals can develop the team approach without belonging to a house, or being in grad school. It does take some fast talking and solid coordination to pull it off, and is best done between folks who know and trust each other. There's a ton of give and take to this approach but it really pays off in the amount of stuff that can get done, and at a higher comprehension level, then one person can do alone. Those are the two best ideas for getting the most out of education. If you take the best of both you can't miss. And, best of all, you control the process and basically end-run the whims of the professors, the administrators, and just about anyone who wants you to "suffer" through the pain of individual learning. One more thing: You've hired the school's service. They did not hire you. In college and university you are the consumer. You do not have to take "the way it is" as the way it is; nor, do you have to put up with their bunk. Take charge of your learning. Become responsible. Take control, but be polite. Approach your education as if it were your business. Hope this helps... -Rick-