A Student's Orientation Toward Success

Students often ask, often too late, what they need to do to get a certain grade or just pass a course. The questions need to be asked at the beginning of each class, not after significant problems develop. By the end of the second week of class, students should know exactly what they need to do to be successful. If they do not, they need to ask and be satisfied that they understand all the expectations and feel reasonably secure that, barring unforeseen circumstances, they will be able to devote the time and energy necessary to be successful.

Students be advised:

1. Attend class regularly and on time. Being on time means being ready to learn, not entering the door.

2. Have pencil, paper, and whatever else the class requires ready. Turn off all external communication and entertainment devices.

3. Pay attention. Do not allow anyone or anything to divert your attention from the task-at-hand.

4. Complete the work, readings, assignments to submit at the beginning of class, not during class.  Do not do work for another class during this one.

5. Organize non-classroom learning time for effectiveness and efficiency. Do not wait until the last minute to study or complete work.

6. Partner up. Everyone can use others as referents—e.g., do they understand it the way you do; are there discrepancies in understanding? If you have a partner, you will find it easier to format questions that can get you answers.

7. Go see the teacher. Find out about scheduled office hours, and then go there.

8. Respect yourself and the teacher. Ask for help in learning, not the answers to the test. Share problematic experiences if you wish, but know that, ultimately, you must solve the problems and do the work.

9. See each class as an opportunity to obtain information that helps you live life to the fullest, not as a hoop to jump through.

10. No matter how you feel about the subject, the teacher, or the methods, keep your eyes on the prize.