Hanover 101 gives students basic tools for success
As the auditorium in the Lynn Center for Fine Arts filled last week with eager students, they all had one thing on their mind: how to be successful in their academic endeavors.
"Hanover 101" gives them just that. Developed by Kay Stokes, assistant professor of English, and director of the Learning Center, the new program offers tips on studying note taking, synthesizing and analyzing data, and much more.
"These programs are designed to help you be more efficient students," said Stokes during the first session. Elaborating on the differences between high school and college in both workload and social life, she added, "We want to help you navigate that transition in a meaningful way.
In asking the students about their expectations in coming to college for the first time, particularly what they didn't expect, the students' response was, "the reading," and "the workload."
Stokes quickly zeroed in on one of the biggest differences. "In high school, it's all about rote memory and parroting back what you learned," she said. "Here, (your professors) are asking you to analyze, synthesize and think at a higher level."
She added that in college, the big question is, "Why?" "Getting to 'why' will require effort on your part. You'll have to read and study and look for (it) in and out of class."
Part of this effort requires studying in a meaningful, active way. Students think because they understood the material in class, that they can do it on the exam, but Stokes said students must engage the new material at least three times before it will go into long-term memory.
Stokes also explained the problem with a very popular student habit, cramming all night for an exam. "After two good hours of studying, your brain gets tired," she said. "It's better to spread out your studying in increments."
Below are some basic time management tips:
- Identify breaks or gaps during the day when you can study
- Take your syllabus and record when your major assignments are due on a calendar
- Make lists of what you'll study
- Set regular times for things
- Plan ahead
- Don't go back to your room during the day; people there will help you procrastinate
And the most important tip Stokes had for the students? "Make a game plan and stick to it."
Hanover 101 will run Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in Donner Lecture Hall until Dec. 3. Students needing help with academics can go to the Learning Center during open hours (7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday on the second floor of the Campus Center) or contact Kay Stokes at x7215 or stokes@hanover.edu.
