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-