How to Get Through a Tough College Module Pt 3

Are you having some trouble getting through a difficult college course?  Here are five extra tips for you.  For the first ten tips in this series, see Parts 1 and 2.  That done, read on...

11  Don't forget that in a digital age, you have more resources open to you than the library and face-to-face contact – world-wide resources in fact.  There are innumerable sites offering assistance in every subject, self-test questionnaires, forums, study tips, you name it.  Make use of them!  Use all the help you are offered – it could make a big difference.

12  When it comes to memorisation of facts and information for the course and exams, I think it's very important to utilise all your 'down-time', not wasting a minute.  For me the best way to do this is either to buy or create your own mp3 files, audio-cassettes or discs with the information for your course.  It's relatively cheap now to buy a basic mp3 player, and you can record snippets of information on it which you can then play in the bath, while out walking, or when you're just too tired to be doing any active studying.  I have found the results to be very impressive!

13  Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that 'slow and steady wins the race'. (1)  In a tough module it's extra important not to leave your studying to a few semester-end all-nighters.  You really need to study the course material or work on related projects every day, even if only for a little while.  In fact taking 'baby-steps' is probably the best way to approach it.  It's less intimidating to attempt perhaps a single old exam question, or memorise a half-page of information, in a day, rather than expect yourself to plough through pages and pages of work.  Therefore you are more likely to actually do it!  

14  You might want also to think up some little 'rewards' that will motivate you to get a little work done each day – you will know best what will do the trick!  I know that for many of us, chocolate never fails...

15  Finally, just one extra little tip, and I know it's easier said than done – don't panic!   If you assess the course thoroughly, decide you're up to it, plan out the semester carefully and get the work done, you'll more than likely be fine.  Best of luck!

For the first ten tips in this series, see Parts 1 and 2.

1  The Hare and the Tortoise, Aesop.

Copyright Ollie Hicks, 2009.