Tips to Succeed in College Courses: In- Class & Online (Part 3)

Published on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 by Ken Category: College Tips Online College Courses

In the previous articles of the Tips to Succeed in College Series, we provided a general outline of specific techniques college students can apply in order to create a successful educational experience. We discussed how research prior to class registration is helpful in giving you an advantage in your college courses and specific tips that can be applied in order to achieve the high grade you desire in class.

In Part 3, we will go over some different examples that can be applied to outside of the classroom setting which will help give you a better chance at earning the grade you desire for on campus classes as well as online college courses for your college major/minor.

Many students fall into the following routine: get to campus, sit in class, and leave. However, if one were to look into the many useful tools that are offered on campus and outside of the classroom setting, they would be surprised at the variety of different options to help aid one’s educational and learning experience. Below are three very convenient and easy tips to succeed in a college course outside of the classroom setting and earn a high GPA:

1. Study Groups

2. Tutoring Sessions

3. Professors’ Office Hours

Study Group Sessions

One of the most beneficial investments a student can make to their education in college is making time for to be involved in a study group. This does not necessarily mean a scheduled meeting at a specified location every week (although this is very effective if achievable). Study groups can mean anything from meeting regularly with classmates to share questions, answers, or raise discussions on particular subject matters brought up previously in class. The advantages of study group are: learning from someone either than the professor (because sometimes the professor is hard to understand), being able to embed what you already learned further by teaching a study group member material confusing to them, and sharing notes that could prove pivotal in studying for an upcoming exam. A key note to remember in joining or forming a study group is to find people you are not very comfortable with like close friends, as this can cause a study group session to wander and lose focus. However, if this cannot be avoided, make sure to keep track of conversations or suggest that the group take a break and come back to studying focused on the subject matter at hand.

 

Tutoring Sessions

In addition to study groups, tutoring sessions are another effective and valuable resource in aiding your learning experience. The advantage of tutoring sessions as opposed to study group sessions lies in the fact that tutors are experts in a particular subject matter. So if a college student only required assistance in a single subject and did not desire to study with others, a tutor would be a wise choice. Some important things to remember when attending tutoring sessions are to: make sure you schedule an appointment and show up on time (if your tutor works by appointment only), come prepared with your materials (books, notes, study questions), and never be afraid to ask a question you feel might sound foolish as the tutor is there to help you no matter what.

 

Professors’ Office Hours

The last tip in this article on how to succeed in college courses outside of the classroom setting is attending your college professor(s)’ office hours. In case a study group session or tutoring session does not satisfy your questions or concerns regarding specific subject material, the best person to turn to is your professor as they are the one structuring the class, and holding the answers to the questions he/she asks. It is important to remember your professor’s office hours and times of availability when looking to seek help outside of class hours, as many professors have meetings to attend to, or other matters keeping them from seeing students whenever they need help. It is also important to note that although you may have a professor’s office hours remembered, calling ahead of time to make sure they are available to see you is a good idea too. And just like in study group and tutoring sessions, never hesitate when you have an important question to ask, regardless of whether or not you think it relates to the subject matter or not.

 

Please be sure to check back for more articles on the Tips to Succeed in College: In-Class & Online Series

 

To read Parts 1 & 2 of Tips to Succeed in College: In-Class & Online, follow the links below:

Tips to Succeed in College: In-Class & Online (Part 1)

Tips to Succeed in College: In-Class & Online (Part 2)

Related Posts

1. Tips to Succeed in College Courses: In-Class & Online (Part 2)

2. Tips to Succeed in College Courses: In- Class & Online (Part 4)

3. Tips to Succeed in College Courses: In-Class & Online (Part 1)

4. Benefits Of Taking Online College Courses

5. Online college courses offered for Engineering majors

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4 Responses to “Tips to Succeed in College Courses: In- Class & Online (Part 3)”

1. Sarah says:

   July 15, 2010 at 4:13 pm

   Great mini-series! As someone who has done online education before, in relation to the study groups suggestion, it is so important to have someone to be accountable to. They’ll help you stay on track with your goals so you can succeed in an online classroom.
2. 7 Reasons Why You Would Talk to Your College Professors | College To Careers says:

   July 16, 2010 at 6:02 am

   [...] communication is one of the most important factors in college success. However, if not done properly, it can lead to a series of frustrations from both sides. In other [...]
3. Ken says:

   July 22, 2010 at 11:04 pm

   Sarah, thank you very much for you comment. I am glad to hear that you enjoy the mini-series, please check back for more articles concerning tips to succeed in college and feel free to browse the rest of the website, there are many helpful resources for you to make the most of!
4. Nohel says:

   July 23, 2010 at 12:16 am

   The mini series is definitely getting a following! Great work Ken!