In this study skills course, APL 042, with Professor Carey, we did many things as a class and as individual students. We went over SMART goals, note-taking, time management, individual learning styles, how to track our grades in each of our classes, how class registration really works, how to check our progress towards graduation requirements, and how to effectively prep for and take tests. Although there were some topics covered in this course that I thought that I already knew, some parts of the course did provide an interesting point of view. Although I feel I did well in this course, I do feel there are somethings that could be improved.
Even though I thought that I already knew how to manage my time, take notes, prep for tests, including how to study, and how I learned, it was helpful to go over the information again. It was especially helpful since I had not really thought much about any of these areas for several years. By creating the time management schedule, I was better able to manage my time because I could see when I should be working on an assignment for statistics, or when I should be working on my chemistry homework. The schedule also allowed me to know when I was free to hang out with friends, or when I could shift work time to make time for friends. In high school, teachers rarely had us take notes, and when they did, they pre-printed the slides and had us fill in minimal information onto the slides. Learning the Cornell method for taking notes gave me the idea to write key data in the left margin. It also showed me that I should date and title each day's notes to make for easier remembrance. When I was back in high school, tests were far easier, likely because of the repetitive nature of in class time. In high school, I also rarely needed to study, and my homework almost never took more than 15 minutes per class. And my junior year, homework for one class took an average of 5 minutes. When I was in elementary school, our librarian had us all take a learning styles quiz. At that time, I was a tactile learner, but this time I learned that I am also a kinesthetic learner.
Before this course, I had never created a single SMART goal, taken more than a cursory look at my degree requirements, and thought about academic planning. I now know the reasoning behind creating a SMART goal- it gives a definitive goal with a timeline, and a method of achieving said goal. Through the my-Audit assignment, I now know how to figure out what classes I still need to take. I also know how to use the same webpage to determine how I will advance towards my degree depending on which classes I plan to take in each semester or year. The good thing about academic planning is that it enables me to see what grades I need to get on an assignment, depending on the weight of that assignment towards my final grade. For example, a homework assignment might receive less effort than studying for a test.
In general, before this course, I did not think about my GPA/academic standing and what it meant for my future, I also did not really consider my general academic skills, and the impact that those skills would or could have on my academic future, in addition, I did not truly consider the usefulness of the academic resources that there are available on campus. Before this course, I did not take into consideration how a bad grade on a test, or a skipped homework assignment would impact my GPA, because in the past, it was not something that I had to worry about. In high school, GPA only really had an impact at the end of senior year in determination of class rank. And of course, when applying for college itself. As to general academic skills, I never really thought about the fact that I did not realize that I did not actually have effective study skills. I am however, a very strong reader. Ever since I was little I have been able to read quickly and absorb a great deal of information. For review, I would be able to simply re-read the text whereas my peers would have to look over notes and internet summaries due to a lack of time.
Through this course, I learned a bit about how to stay more organized, which has led to my growth as a student Over winter break, I obtained a file folder organizer and a pair of metal bookends. This enables me to keep all my handouts and graded assignments in one convenient location. This also prevents the paper explosions that happened last semester from just stacking everything haphazardly in various locations around my room. The bookends enable me to stand up the textbooks that I regularly use to increase ease in simply grabbing the book or books needed for an assignment, rather than having to dig through my desk drawer every time I need my chemistry lab notebook. By keeping all my main textbooks in one location, I also minimize clutter, which is more conducive to productivity. I also learned that my desk is not actually a productive work station for me. I actually work better sitting on my beanbag chair with pop music playing in my ears. I have only one main notebook for my 5 primary courses. This makes it so all of my notes are in one place, and that way I do not accidentally bring the wrong notebook to class, causing me to either have to copy it over later (which I rarely remember to do) or stick the paper loose into the notebook, which increases the chances of losing that day's notes. This semester I started to stay on top of writing all of my assignments into my date book at the beginning of the semester when I receive the syllabi, but I also to make sure to write the assignments in either erasable pen or in pencil, in case of a date change, or (however unlikely) a change in professor. I also now keep my charger cords with me so that if I am out of my dorm working on school work, I do not have to stop working just to travel back to my room to plug my device(s) in.
For future students, I would give a quite a few recommendations. My first recommendation would be to get a date book and start recording assignments right away. My second suggestion would be to create a time management schedule. Thirdly, a student should save his or her free misses for classes until he or she really needs them, not just because he or she is not in the mood to go to class. Fourthly, he or she should be engaged during class, it might help to boost his or her grade later. Fifthly, a student should take any extra credit assignment when it is offered, it helps to boost the grade and can help to cushion the GPA later on. Carry your laptop cord or a flash drive with you-if your computer is low battery and you're almost done with an assignment, having to travel back to your room can lead to you forgetting your train of thought- and that can take a while to regain. Do not forget your datebook/planner in your room. It is beneficial to utilize at least some elements of the Cornell method when taking notes. Such as dating and titling each day's notes for each class. As well as leaving a margin on the left-hand side, that way you can jot down key information such as a question or information that the teacher says is going to be on the test. The progress that I gained this semester will continue through a couple routes. I intend to create a study schedule for the courses that I am taking this summer, as well as creating one in the fall. I also intend to continue with the new organization and study methods throughout the rest of my time here at Stonehill College.