Survival Kit

1
Survival Kit

• Things you need to know right now

2
Attitude is Important

• A positive attitude goes a long way
• You have control over how you react
• Look at problems as opportunities

3
Musts for the First Day of Class

• Be On Time
• Sit Up Front
• Ask Questions
• Take Notes
• Get texts and materials have them ready for
  next class

• Study the syllabus
• Find or write instructors name, phone number,
  email address, office hours
• Get names phone numbers/email addresses of two
  other students

4
Ten General Survival Tips to Keep You Afloat

• Dont schedule back to back classes
• Start the first day of class
• Plan time to study for each class
• Establish a place to study
• Study in the daytime
• Plan Breaks

• Find/use study resources on campus
• Choose one or two students to study with
• Study the hardest subject first
• Be good to yourself (eat well, sleep, avoid
  caffeine)

5
Study Plan

• Divide Study hour into quarters
• Choose a different Activity for each
• Reading
• Vocabulary Study
• Flash Cards
• Wait Time
• Reading
• Write Test Questions
• Break
• 7 to 10 minutes
• Active

6
Tips for Taking Tests Before You Begin

• Preview the test prior to answering anything
• Do aData Dump, making notes of items you might
  forget

• Outline answers to discussion questions
• Quickly calculate how much time you should allow
  for each section

7
Taking a Test

• Read and follow the directions exactly
• Answer easy questions first.
• Go back to difficult questions.
• Devise a marking system (, -)

• Answer all questions
• Ask for explanations
• Try to see the instructors point of view
• Circle key words in difficult questions
• Express questions in your own words.
• Use all the time allotted for the test.

8
Checklist for Essay Tests

• What is the question asking?
• Have I planned major points?
• Does the first sentence show that I understand
  the question, and show the reader how I will
  develop my answer?
• Do the major points stand out?
• Are the major points supported with examples
  facts?

9
Checklist for Essay Tests

• Clear transitions between major points?
• All major points made to answer the question?
• Summary statement?
• Proofread for common mistakes?
• Handwriting readable?
• Room left for additions?

10
Reasons to Review a Returned Test

• Determine type of questions missedreview
  strategies for that type.
• Know the kind of test the instructor may give
  next time.
• Review to put information back into long term
  memory.
• Good reason to talk to your professor.

• Check point total. Look for mistakes in grading.
• Know questions missed and why.
• Study instructors comments know what is
  expected next time.
• Correct errorsquestions may show up on another
  test/final

11
Faculty are a Resource

• Make appointments with each professor regularly
• Plan each meeting carefully to accomplish your
  goal
• Prepare questions to ask in your meeting
• Ask for advice

• Choose a convenient time and place for you and
  the professor
• Find out about the professor (use the catalog)
• Volunteer some information about yourself
• Leave on a positive note

12
Technology Survival Tools

• Email account
• Find computers available to access the
  Internet/use for assignments

• Learn the basics of computer skills.
• Classes will often have the syllabus,
  assignments, class notes, and the like on line.