We’re a couple weeks into the fall semester now. Are you going to kick it or get kicked? How about let’s kick it, yes?
Whether you’re a bewildered freshman or an experienced veteran, here’s what you need to do to succeed in the classroom this semester. (BONUS: you can do these things every semester as well.)
- Read Ben’s advice. Ben graduated from LCU in 3 years. With honors. He knows something. Listen to him.
- Prepare. Read your books, do your homework, get some sleep.
- Show up. Be in class on time–early even. Walking into class late is rude and it tells people (your professor, mostly), “I don’t care about you.” That’s a bad thing to tell your professor (see below).
- Pay attention. The sleep part in #2 helps with this. Be interested in what’s going on and don’t play with your phone or computer.
- Take notes. Handwritten notes are best. Learn to listen–don’t write down only what you see on the PowerPoint slide. This is good training for life since most of the important conversations you’ll have with people will not be supplemented with PowerPoint slides.
- Ask questions. John Maxwell says, “I love curious people and enjoy spending time with them, conversing with them. Their excitement for knowledge and learning is contagious. I often wonder why more people aren’t curious.” You know what? I love curious people, too! Most of us do. A curious mind is a growing mind. And if you’re preparing, showing up, paying attention, and taking notes, you’ll be asking better questions.
- Repeat. Every class, every day. The repetition part turns actions into habits.
Think long-term, young friends; be the kind of student your professor would like to recommend for a job some day. Because some day you’ll probably graduate and you may be looking for a job and you may need a good reference. Do this stuff now and you’ll find big payoffs later in life as well.
What have I missed? What’s helped you become a better student?