13.1 Educational Success Strategies
Christine Malone, EdD
There are many educational success strategies, and each student should design a plan tailored to their individual needs. For example, students who are parents of young children may need a strategy that includes caregiving responsibilities, while students who work full-time need to balance their educational pursuits with work schedules.
Generally, students should have a strategy for completing their coursework. This may include blocking out specific times in their calendar for coursework, which includes readings, assignments, and quizzes. Some students may find it more effective to break their work into smaller sessions rather than working in long blocks. For example, a student who commutes by bus might use that time to read or study course materials.
Setting goals is another crucial part of educational success. Students should set reasonable and achievable goals, whether for completing coursework or achieving specific grades. Unrealistic goals can set students up for failure, leading to frustration and discouragement. A popular method for goal-setting is the SMART framework, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a SMART goal might be: “Finish the assignment by the end of the day on Sunday.” This goal is specific (finish the assignment), measurable (the task is completed), achievable (the student has the time to finish), and time-sensitive (the deadline is Sunday).
Students with children at home may involve their kids in their study routines. For example, a teenager might hold flashcards for the parent while they memorize course terms. Additionally, students can collaborate with classmates to review materials or prepare for exams.
A good rule of thumb is for students to be realistic about what they can achieve. For example, a student who works full-time and cares for young children may not have the same amount of time to devote to coursework as a student who is not employed and lives alone. Time constraints are an important factor in developing a success strategy. For example, if a student is receiving financial aid that requires them to complete their degree or certificate within a year, they will need to account for this limitation when planning their coursework.
Generally, students should expect to spend about 3 hours per week on coursework for every credit hour in college. For example, a student taking 10 credits should plan on dedicating 30 hours per week to coursework, which includes in-class time, homework, and studying. Some students may need more or less time, depending on their individual circumstances.
For students facing challenges in completing coursework, it is important to seek solutions. Whether the challenge is related to reading difficulties, ADHD, language proficiency, anxiety, or accessibility needs, students should familiarize themselves with the resources available at their college.
The following success tips apply to all students:
- Use the syllabus. Read through the syllabus thoroughly and ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Attend class. Attending class is essential, as the material presented is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Skipping class means missing valuable information.
- Reach out to the instructor. If a student is struggling with course material, they should reach out to their instructor early in the term. Instructors may offer study tips, additional resources, or referrals to tutoring services.
- Seek out necessary resources. Students who need accessibility accommodations should be proactive in finding the resources available to them on campus. These accommodations may include extra time on quizzes, a dedicated note-taker, or a specific seating arrangement.
Study Skills
Study skills vary depending on what the student is studying for. Students preparing for exams may benefit from the following strategies:
- Flashcards. Flashcards are a great tool for memorizing content. These cards typically have a question on one side and the answer on the other, allowing students to test their knowledge. A helpful strategy is to go through the cards and remove those the student can answer correctly. They should continue practicing with the remaining cards until they can answer them all.
- Take notes in class. Reviewing notes taken during class is a key study strategy. If students have difficulty keeping up with note-taking, instructors may allow audio recordings of lectures, which can be useful for reviewing material later.
- Highlight key material. During lectures, instructors often emphasize important points from the course material. Highlighting these points can help students focus on what is most likely to appear on exams.
- Use recall. After reading a section of material, students should look away from the text and try to recall what they’ve just read. This strengthens memory retention and understanding.
- Join a study group. Study groups, whether with one or several peers, can help students stay focused and accountable. They provide an opportunity for collaborative learning. In study groups, members may divide topics or skills to master and then share their knowledge with others.
- Use study apps. There are various study apps available online, some for free and others for purchase. These apps can assist with organizing study materials or reinforcing learning.
- Take breaks. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining focus and energy. Set a timer and take breaks periodically. Use this time to move around, take a walk, or get something to eat.
For students studying performing skills, the following strategies can be particularly helpful:
- Practice with classmates. In courses where instructors provide time for students to practice skills with one another, students should take full advantage of this opportunity.
- Practice with family or friends. For certain skills, such as taking vital signs or practicing professionalism, students can also practice with family or friends. This can help them build confidence and reinforce what they have learned in class.
Many instructors provide study guides and publisher materials, as well as guidance on how to best use outside resources, such as websites, to complement the course materials. In some cases, instructors may allow students to audio record lectures, which can be helpful for later study or assignment purposes.
Most college campuses offer resources such as a student center, writing center, and tutoring center at no extra cost. Writing centers typically provide tutoring for writing essays or papers, while students in math classes may find support through a tutoring center. In many instances, students may be paired with a tutor who is also a student at the college. Understanding and using these resources is an essential part of succeeding in coursework and performing well in the course.
Time Management
Effective time management starts with creating a realistic schedule for coursework. This may include blocking out time on a calendar or planner to track deadlines, assignments, and quiz dates. Many students find these tools helpful for staying organized.
A time management plan should start on the first day of the course. This includes reviewing the syllabus and planning for required reading, assignments, and quizzes. In some classes, there may also be outside activities, such as interviewing a professional in the healthcare field. Students should allocate time for scheduling interviews or meetings, ensuring there are no overlaps, and preparing adequately for these experiences.
To manage time effectively, students must learn how to prioritize. For example, if a student is taking two classes and one is more demanding than the other, they should allocate more time to the more intensive course. Many students may feel stressed by coursework and the challenge of learning new skills. To stay motivated, students can set rewards for completing tasks. For example, after completing a set amount of coursework, a student might reward themselves with something enjoyable, such as watching a TV show, walking the dog, or having some ice cream.
For those interested in using time management tools, there are many commercial products available, with either one-time fees or monthly subscriptions. Additionally, students can find a variety of apps for their smartphones, tablets, or computers to help manage their time.
Note-Taking
Note-taking can vary depending on the course and the student’s learning style. In classes where instructors provide PowerPoint presentations or other lecture notes, students may find it helpful to print these materials, bring them to class, and use them to take notes or highlight key points. For students who have difficulty writing, instructors may allow the use of laptops or tablets for electronic note-taking.
Students should always make a note when an instructor repeats material or emphasizes content as “important.” Additionally, when instructors provide examples or show videos or other visual resources, students should ask for links to these materials (when available) to review them as part of their study process.
It is important to focus on understanding the material rather than trying to write down everything the instructor says. Effective note-taking involves capturing key ideas that will be useful when studying the material later.
There are professional note-taking systems that students can explore, such as the Cornell University note-taking system.
For students who learn best by hearing information, instructors may allow audio recordings of lectures. With today’s technology, students can also use their smartphones to take photos of anything the instructor writes or draws on the whiteboard.
For students who need accessibility accommodations, colleges typically offer note-taker services through the Office of Disabilities. In such cases, the college may provide compensation to another student in the class who agrees to share their notes with the student in need of accommodations.
A Day in the Life: Planning for Time Management
A typical day for a college student can vary depending on factors such as class schedules, extracurricular activities, work commitments, and personal preferences. Here is an example of what a college student’s day might look like:
- Morning routine. The day usually begins with waking up, getting ready, and having breakfast. Some students may prefer to exercise or meditate in the morning to boost their energy and focus.
- Classes. Students typically have classes throughout the day, which may include lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities or labs. The number of classes and their duration can vary, with breaks in between for transitioning.
- Study time. After classes, students often dedicate time to studying and completing assignments. This can be done individually or in groups, depending on study preferences. Common study spots include libraries, study lounges, or quiet campus areas.
- Meals and breaks. Students need time to rest and refuel. They typically allocate time for lunch and might grab a snack or coffee during breaks between classes or study sessions. Meal times vary based on schedules and preferences.
- Extracurricular activities. Many students participate in extracurriculars, such as clubs, sports, or student organizations. They may have meetings, practices, or rehearsals in the afternoon or evening. These activities offer opportunities for personal growth, social interaction, and pursuing interests outside academics.
- Work commitments. Some students work part-time jobs to support themselves financially or gain experience. These work hours are typically integrated into their schedule, depending on job requirements.
- Free time and relaxation. It is essential for students to have downtime for self-care and relaxation. This might include hanging out with friends, pursuing hobbies, reading, watching movies, or simply taking a break from academics and extracurriculars.
- Evening routine. As the day winds down, students usually have dinner and prepare for the next day. This may involve organizing materials, reviewing assignments, or setting goals. Prioritizing sleep and establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for overall well-being.
While this is a general outline, actual schedules can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and preferences. Some days may be busier than others, especially during exam periods or when major projects are due. Students taking online or evening courses will need to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Reading
Most courses require reading materials, which may include textbooks or handouts from the instructor. Textbooks can be in the form of physical books or online formats. Some courses may even offer textbooks as free open educational resources (OER). Students should ensure they schedule time for reading, as some materials may be easier to understand than others. If a student struggles with a particular reading, it is helpful to review the material multiple times. For students needing support with reading comprehension, there are courses available to improve these skills, and they may also benefit from reaching out to a tutor.
Many students find it helpful to highlight important passages while reading textbooks. Highlighting directs attention to key terms or concepts that may need to be memorized. Another technique is making margin notes, where students jot down summaries or explanations in the margins to reinforce their understanding.
For readings that include captions, figures, or tables, students should take the time to understand these elements, as they often provide additional context or explanations for technical content.
Textbook chapters frequently begin with lists of key terms and learning objectives. It is crucial for students to understand each key term and ensure they have met the learning objectives by the end of the chapter. Many textbooks call out key terms within the text, and some also include a glossary where students can look up unfamiliar terms. Additionally, textbooks may offer key concepts or real-life scenarios to illustrate the material.
At the end of each chapter, textbooks often feature reviews or questions. Students should be familiar with the content in these reviews and make sure they can answer the questions accurately. Many textbooks are accompanied by student workbooks, which contain activities designed to reinforce the material.
Additionally, many textbook publishers offer electronic resources such as videos, interactive scenarios, audio recordings, or educational games and puzzles to support student learning.
While instructors aim to assign relevant and essential readings, some materials may be technical in nature. It is important for students to avoid reading right before bed, as they may become fatigued, especially when tackling dense or complex material. If the reading is highly technical, students should choose a time when they are most alert and focused, and actively take notes or highlight key points to enhance retention.
Attributions
- Figure 13.1: image released under the Pexels License
- Figure 13.2: image released under the Pexels License
- Figure 13.3: image released under the Pexels License
- Figure 13.4: image released under the Pexels License
- Figure 13.5: image by BenBalter is released under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
the ability to perform needed tasks in a timely manner