Although Julia Pilcher hopes her New Year's resolution ofimproving her study habits is more than just wishful thinking, likemany University of Memphis students, she said she will likely fallback into her old habits before long.
"I try to plan my semester out, but before I can get on top ofthings it is already too late. I hope to begin this semester byorganizing myself better and re-writing my notes," said JuliaPilcher, a junior majoring in mathematical sciences.
University College officials urge students to take charge oftheir course load and assigned work before things get out ofcontrol.
"Go to class, take notes and read the assignments. Routinely, donot wait until the night before to study for an exam or to begin apaper," said William E. Wingfield, University College professor ofmaster arts and liberal studies.
It is also a good idea to talk to your professor as soon as youhave questions about subject matter, he said.
University College officials also encourage students tofamiliarize themselves with WebCT.
"All of my courses are supported by WebCT, which enablesstudents to access the syllabus, assignments and discussionquestions," Wingfield said. "Be familiar with it because it is whatwe will be doing more and more."
However, the most important thing any student can do is to go toclass, officials said, allowing as few absences as possible.
By attending class regularly, students can benefit from classdiscussion and visual learning aids, officials said. Professors arealso more willing to help students who come to every class.
One of the best study habits is to re-type your notes, saidLaurie Snyder, assistant to the dean of undergraduate programs forthe College of Fine Arts.
"Going back and re-typing your notes forces students to studyand get rid of the things that aren't important," she said.
Snyder also recommends students take breaks while studying andeat a nutritious snack to boost energy.
Eating healthy, getting plenty of rest and exercising regularlyare necessary for students who hope to study better, said SaraWilliams, University College academic adviser.
"If students don't take care of their bodies and eat properly,they won't study very well," she said.
Students who rely on caffeine to get through long study sessionsor late night emergency cramming do more harm than good, shesaid.
"Students believe caffeine will help them stay up and study, butit actually causes them to be jittery and breaks theirconcentration," Williams said.
