How do you best study and learn?
Knowing yourself and how you learn can affect how you choose your
courses. Using this knowledge, you can choose courses that best fit
your learning style. Do you know what learning styles suit you best? Do
you like hands-on learning? Do you like to work on group projects? Try
to register for classes that suit your learning style. You're more
likely to do well in the course and enjoy it more. If you don't know
your learning style, the Learning and Academic Skills Center (LASC)
offers a workshop. 105 Eddy Hall, 624-7546. Once you know your learning
style, you can check out how courses are taught using the Course Guide.
LASC can also help you develop new learning strategies to adapt to
various teaching methods. Perhaps you need certain accommodations for a
condition that limits how you perform in class. If you have not already
done so, contact Disability Services.
They can help you arrange accommodations for your classes. 626-1333.
Have you considered your aptitude? We all have our strengths and
weaknesses. As you plan your course load, think about balance.
Strive
for: Balance of workload. Some courses are more demanding of your
time than others. Courses with labs and with group projects tend to
take more time, whether they are in science or art. If you are taking a
subject that you know is difficult for you, you may need to set aside
more time to study. Balance these with subjects that come to you more
easily or that you find fun.
Balance of disciplines. Don't load all your math and science
requirements into one term. Don't take just arts and literature.
Balancing subjects helps you use a variety of problem-solving
strategies, use different kinds of skills, and exposes you to different
teaching methods. This diversity helps you avoid burnout. The bottom
line is to know yourself. Can you handle the independence of taking a
night course or the discipline of an independent study course? Do you
have a difficult time with certain subjects? Are you starting at the
right level? Do you have advanced placement (AP) or international
baccalaureate (IB) credits? Have you done the proper placement testing?
Starting at the right level will help you succeed. Don't be concerned
about "falling behind." Be concerned about enrolling in courses for
which you are prepared. Talk to your CLA academic adviser in your CLA student community about any AP or IB credits and about placement testing.
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