How to Earn the Grades you Want
End of Navigation
Many first-year students feel that if they go to class and section, do the homework, and study for exams, they will be well prepared to get the grades they want. For some students that approach works just fine. Most students, however, need more.
First of all, some of the best and most underused resources are Teaching Assistant (TA) office hours. TAs are graduate students who, while pursuing an advanced degree, are paid by the university to teach. Their many duties include weekly office hours. But many times TAs sit alone in their office during scheduled office hours wondering why students don't come to visit them. Then, immediately before a midterm or final exam, they are flooded with visits and questions. Take advantage early in the quarter of the individual attention that TA office hours can offer. Your visit can help you achieve a better understanding of concepts covered in class. Also, a lot of students don't realize that TAs can help you as you prepare assignments and papers. Most TAs will read over portions of a paper or will examine an outline and provide feedback before the final copy is due. First-year students often find it challenging to balance their academic work load with all of life's other activities, and they end up in a position where they are "cramming" before important exams. Regular visits with your TA will help you to stay on top of your work, and their valuable advice will help you achieve greater academic success.
Although TAs are your instructors and enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise, they are also, as I mentioned above, graduate students carrying a heavy academic load. Try to be as sensitive to their needs as they are to yours. If you cannot make it to office hours, ask your TA for an appointment. If you have to cancel an appointment, let your TA know as soon as possible.
In addition to the individual attention that you'll get from your TAs during office hours, there are other valuable resources that you can tap into when actively seeking to improve your study skills and habits.
As far as campus resources go, the Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) offers, among other things, study skills and effective note taking workshops. You can learn more about CLAS in the Academic Services section of this handbook.
A lot of times stress gets in the way of effective studying. You can learn relaxation techniques at Counseling Services. They also have peer advisors there who are fellow students that you can talk to, confidentially, about your academic and personal concerns. See Counseling Services in the Health and Wellness section of this Kiosk. Also, if you want to talk to someone else about your academic concerns, you can talk to a staff member at the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). See the Academic Services section of this publication. As far as outside resources go, I've come across some very helpful web pages that address study skills strategies. One of the best that I've seen is Study Skills Strategies for Students (http://www.how-to-study.com). It gives advice on how to take notes in class, studying and test-taking skills, and ways to improve your memory.
So, when thinking about raising your level of achievement, go talk to your TA first! They know the ropes and care about your academic and personal success. They will certainly have further suggestions for you. Make sure to take full advantage of all of the many and varied resources available to you.
-Teri Moore, TA, Graduate School of Education Peer Consultant, TA Development Program
|