I did it! I completed my first week at school. It's been an interesting week and one of some self discovery. This time is so much different than when I was in my teens.
The biggest difference is my devotion and study habits - and the ease of the classes! Granted, I'm not taking extremely difficult classes this term; it's Algebra, Ethics and Nutrition. But, nonetheless, they are college courses and require some study.
1. Do Homework Promptly. Each night, immediately following class I began my homework. I worked on the homework until 1am, which served three purposes. The house is typically quiet when I get home and I can work without distraction. I can work on the assignments while the lecture is still fresh in my mind, only reinforcing what I've just learned and put it into action. And, it leaves my weekends open to be with my children.
2. Pre-Read! I'm also making it habit to read my chapters prior to the lecture, I do this on the weekend prior to the school week. If I read it first and not wait to read it after lecture, I have a basic understanding of what the professor will be teaching and I can more easily actively participate in the class.
3. Get Organized. I'm a freak when it comes to organization. I use Microsoft OneNote for my class notes which is a fantastic product. I take my 8.5 inch netbook to classes with me and I have sections created for each course. I then just type my notes directly into netbook on individual tabs for the night. It really is a fantastic system. I also have my classes with a formulated excel spreadsheet so I can track my points/grades as I'm going. I look at my excel spreadsheet as my "paycheck stub" from school.
4. Keep the Goal in Mind. My goal is not to just check off these classes as complete. These are required classes for the nursing degree and are required because the skills learned are required for the profession. Therefore, I need to learn the material so I may apply it when I'm working. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day "get it done" mentality and not stop and realize how much learning is taking place.
Ok, so it's not a huge laundry list of tips but this is what I'm doing right now. My goal is a 4.0 for this term. It's a pretty big goal considering I'm still working 40 hours per week at a professional job and trying to keep up with family obligations - but I'm not one that typically does half-assed work. My goal is 4.0 and I'm sticking to it!
Happy Saturday everyone!
The biggest difference is my devotion and study habits - and the ease of the classes! Granted, I'm not taking extremely difficult classes this term; it's Algebra, Ethics and Nutrition. But, nonetheless, they are college courses and require some study.
1. Do Homework Promptly. Each night, immediately following class I began my homework. I worked on the homework until 1am, which served three purposes. The house is typically quiet when I get home and I can work without distraction. I can work on the assignments while the lecture is still fresh in my mind, only reinforcing what I've just learned and put it into action. And, it leaves my weekends open to be with my children.
2. Pre-Read! I'm also making it habit to read my chapters prior to the lecture, I do this on the weekend prior to the school week. If I read it first and not wait to read it after lecture, I have a basic understanding of what the professor will be teaching and I can more easily actively participate in the class.
3. Get Organized. I'm a freak when it comes to organization. I use Microsoft OneNote for my class notes which is a fantastic product. I take my 8.5 inch netbook to classes with me and I have sections created for each course. I then just type my notes directly into netbook on individual tabs for the night. It really is a fantastic system. I also have my classes with a formulated excel spreadsheet so I can track my points/grades as I'm going. I look at my excel spreadsheet as my "paycheck stub" from school.
4. Keep the Goal in Mind. My goal is not to just check off these classes as complete. These are required classes for the nursing degree and are required because the skills learned are required for the profession. Therefore, I need to learn the material so I may apply it when I'm working. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day "get it done" mentality and not stop and realize how much learning is taking place.
Ok, so it's not a huge laundry list of tips but this is what I'm doing right now. My goal is a 4.0 for this term. It's a pretty big goal considering I'm still working 40 hours per week at a professional job and trying to keep up with family obligations - but I'm not one that typically does half-assed work. My goal is 4.0 and I'm sticking to it!
Happy Saturday everyone!
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It sounds like you have a great system and I KNOW you will achieve your 4.0 goal! I'm so proud of you for following your dream! :)
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