We have surpassed the ten week mark of our semester and are quickly heading into the final stretch of the year! Perhaps you’ve been going full speed the entire semester and are looking for tips to end the year with a bang, or you could be looking at ways to buckle down for the rest of the semester. Either way, here are some tips that will guide you to end the year on the right foot and help you kick 2020 to the curb!
1. Meet with Professors & TAs When You Need Help
This tip is easier said than done, but with remote learning, everything is online as it is! Meeting with professors and teaching assistants has never been easier than it is now. It may seem difficult to schedule a meeting with them, but they’re always more than willing to help in any areas that you may be struggling with. They understand that online learning may be more difficult for some than others and that it takes some students a bit longer to adjust. Additionally, because it’s easier to meet with professors, it will also be easier facilitating a relationship with them. Remember that they are there to help!
2. Participate in Class
Remote classes have their advantages and disadvantages. An advantage is that you can roll out of bed, make your coffee and sit down for class. The disadvantage is that you can turn off your cameras and mics and easily dose off or scroll TikTok during class. This can cause a lot of confusion in classes and prevents you from actually learning the material. I suggest making it a goal to participate at least once in each class to help redirect your focus instead of the latest Instagram trend. In doing so, you’ll also be more likely to retain information from class!
3. Start a Study Group Via Zoom with Friends
Having other people hold you accountable will help you get work done and can help you improve your understanding of any confusing course material! Schedule a time or day each week to study with your friends and dedicate that time to solely focus on school work. You’ll feel less likely to procrastinate and reach for your phone when you have your best pals doing work alongside you.
4. Pomodoro Studying Method
I started studying using the Pomodoro study method and it has helped me to get so much work done! There are two ways that this study method works. The first is the 25/5 method, which means that you work for 25 minutes straight without distractions and then you get five minutes to take a break and check on your phone or make a snack. The second method is practically the same as the 25/5 method, but the difference is the time. In this method 50/10, you study for 50 minutes and then take a 10-minute break. This is a great method to use on your own or use with your friends in a study group!
The semester is almost over, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely over yet. Implement these tips into your weekly study routine and let the productivity rise! Happy studying!