Ways to Study

There are many different techniques to study; it depends upon everyone's unique habits. Here are some ideas that friends have shared with me:

• Some people need minor distractions in order to study. One friend told me she loves sitting at the Starbucks in the middle of campus because the white noise of music and people having conversations helps her to concentrate. She said she will re-read through the book first, then her class notes before a test. 
• Music can be a great tool to help tune out noise. Some people enjoy listening to pop music on their iPod while others like playing a classical music CD to help drown out noise around them. 
• Sometimes location can play an important role in studying. I like to drive to campus and go up to the top floor of the library. I go there with the purpose of studying and make sure that I have plans afterwards. Putting pressure on myself with time constraints helps to make me more efficient.
• Using color can help some people to study. If the teacher provides a study guide, I will retype it allowing space to write in the answers or notes. I have a collection of different colored pens that I use; using a different color for every answer. 
• Turn off distractions, like your cell phone. Sometimes it is too tempting to answer that call or text, so it is better to be shut totally off, not just left on silent. For me, I also have a hard time studying with a computer near because I find myself checking my social networking sites. 
• Announce your study time to others. I've noticed a few friends post on Facebook that if you see them signed on in the next two hours to scold them and tell them to get back to studying. Or hang a sign on your door that you are not to be disturbed while studying. 
• Use flashcards if you are to memorize things, like definitions of terms. Go through them often, piling ones that are memorized in a separate pile. Before the exam, be sure to go over them all one more time.
• Remember to take breaks. This is the time to walk around and stretch, rehydrate, snack, and check your phone. I set the timer on my phone for 10 minutes after 30 minutes of solid studying. When the timer goes off, it’s time to shut the phone off again and get back to the books.

What is it Like to Be an Elementary Teacher?

One of the biggest influences in a child's life is the role of their teacher. Teachers must be able to communicate on different levels with students, administrators, and parents. They must also inspire the students so they can be trusted and creatively inspired and motivated. Teachers play an important role in helping children in developing during their formative years. Many people desire to be among the honored list of teachers at a school, but how do you become an Elementary Teacher?

Typically a Bachelor's degree is required, along with a license. You may be required to teach all subjects to one class, or one subject to many classes, or a variation between classes and subjects. The job outlook can vary between areas, some rural areas with older teachers soon to retire may leave, or the job turnover within inner cities may leave a better job outlook for potential teachers to enter. Salaries can vary due to experience levels, locations, and job demand. Teachers may work 10 months with a 2 month vacation, or whatever schedule the school requires. During breaks, teachers may pursue personal interests, continue their education, work another job, or teach summer classes.

Teachers that are bilingual are in high demand. Students have different learning styles, and may have learning disabilities. Students are to learn abstract concepts, problem solve, and develop critical thinking skills. In the pursuit of becoming a teacher, typically college students will complete a student-teaching internship in a classroom of a seasoned teacher. With the guidance of the teacher, the student will fulfill the duties of a teacher, from lesson planning to grading and maintaining classroom discipline. Teachers use a hands-on approach to teaching students, and need to be prepared to explain things patiently until a student learns the material. Teachers may also have to deal with any emotional problems or family problems.

Spring Break Ideas

Spring break is coming soon. For the average college student, it means a week to take a vacation either somewhere warm or fun. For some students, it simply means a week to hang around town and work at their job. A few friends of mine last year took an amazing vacation to Mississippi where they helped to rebuild someone's home that was damaged, one girl's dad lives in the same town and helped to coordinate everything. There are so many opportunities that one can seek!

Florida has been a popular spring break destination. While it can be the trip of a lifetime, it also carries the risk of getting very expensive. With the sun and excessive alcohol consumption that typically takes place, I've never desired to go with friends there.
Check with the college for alternative spring breaks. My college was offering a trip in collaboration with United Way to go help rebuild somewhere down south, aka warm! I believe the cost was $300 for the week, including housing and transportation, making it very affordable!
Also inquire with professors if there are any hosted trips. I remember a few years ago one professor was hosting a trip to Rome for 10 students. He had the itinerary list all set up of which airline to take, where to stay, arranged for transportation in Rome, and plans for sightseeing. He also had informed me of grants I could apply to help with finances, but my budget still wouldn't allow.
Take the opportunity to get surgery. Two years ago I had arranged the entire week off work while I was on spring break. Monday morning had all 4 wisdom teeth removed, which was one of the most painful things of my life. I am glad that I had arranged the week to rest, because my only worries were what to watch on TV, or my next trip to get a frozen Slurpee.

Balancing School Work and Life

If you are attending college, you probably have lots of things happening all at once. I work two part-time jobs as well as attend college full-time and attempt to have a social life. Scheduling things gets complicated, but it’s a balancing act. Here are some tips that I have learned over the years.

Priorities need to be determined. While school is important, so is working. I schedule school as a priority and work as a very close second. Every week is different, however as my workloads change between homework, housework, and my job.

Figure out a schedule and stick with it. For me, Tuesdays and Thursdays are spent on campus most of the day, while the rest of the week is focused around scheduled work hours. I try to schedule hours throughout the week to devote to homework, studying, and online work. I try to spend a few hours every evening with my boyfriend and friends. Sometimes this time gets sacrificed however as I run out of time.

Remember to devote a solid 6-8 hours every night to sleep. There are so many bad things that happen as you sacrifice your sleep. As you are working hard and putting stress on your mind and body, it needs time to recover. If you lose sleep, your stress levels can increase, you can lose focus, and your immune system also suffers.

Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Remember to also find time to exercise, eat right, and drink plenty of water. Sometimes it can be difficult, but grab a friend and make it an opportunity to socialize as well. Invite a few friends to a Zumba class, go early to stretch and gab.

Set aside some solo time as well. While taking a long bath, reflect upon how things are going in your life and if you need to make changes to anything. Reflect upon what you really want to do with your career, and look up more information about it. Sometimes you may want to dip your toes into it, I'd suggest taking a paralegal course to learn more about becoming a paralegal. If you discover you didn't enjoy the class, try to determine why and use that knowledge to move onto another career.

5 Ways to Get Motivated to Study

Everyone has lacked motivation to get their homework completed or to study for a test at some point. As my list of things to complete grows, my motivation usually shrinks.

Set goals that you can complete. You should have some short term and long term goals. A semester project should be broken into pieces that can be completed. Your list of homework for the weekend can be broken down also, devote a few hours every day until it’s complete. The most important part of setting these goals is to write them down. It makes it easier to complete when they are in black and white.

Reward yourself for completing goals. One friend told me that every 5 minutes of solid studying she completes, she allows herself an M&M. She said if she finds herself checking her Facebook, she has to start the timer over. A pack can last her hours if she is procrastinating! Make the rewards worth the effort put forth, such as a girl’s night out after midterm exams. If you have failed your goal, don't reward your failure. Take a deep breath and try again.

Just start working on what you need to complete. Even if you initially begin working for a half hour, it got you closer to your goal. There is no easy way to get past this part, it’s just hard work. Turn off your TV, music, and your phone if you need to concentrate. You can survive a half hour without a phone, because any texts you receive will be there when it gets turned back on. Anyone important that called will leave a voice mail.

Avoid prostration, because it will only stress you out more. It’s easier to sleep at night when you know you did your best for the day and you completed a goal. I hate when I procrastinate because then I have double the work load the next day.

Study with friends so you can have a specific time set aside. Even if you meet at the library, you are going there with purpose and it makes it easier to get things done so you can have fun afterwards. I find looking at stacks of books boring too, making it easier to focus on what I need to complete.

Greek Life

At many universities across the country there are many options for Greek life. Fraternities and sororities have many goals and objectives, with some in common. Just a quick walk around campus will yield posters for all sorts of groups and clubs. During rush week is where you can attend meetings that will provide you with more information about the group and their goals, experiences, and get to know the current members. Is Greek life is worth the membership dues? Here are some of the benefits that come with the group.

Friendship is the basis for the group. They promote brotherhood or sisterhood activities that keep everyone entertained and learning more about one another to help foster close friendships. Everyone is from different backgrounds, making the group more diverse and interesting. Many of these friendships will continue on past college into your adult life.

Academic success is highly valued. Most Greek organizations require a minim GPA for entrance, and to be maintained through active membership. Some require study hours every week, some encourage study groups. You can also seek advice from older members whom have taken the same class, or are in the same major as you.

Leadership is often encouraged by taking lead roles of an event or being on a committee. There are many opportunities to quickly become a leader within the group. Skills you could learn include budgeting, time management, event planning, motivate others, public speaking and many more.

Social activities are frequent. They are an outlet for students to have some fun and take a break from student life. Whether it’s a gathering in a fellow sister/brother's room for some snacks and TV or everyone hitting the gym together, it’s about socializing. Other opportunities include tailgating, mixers with another group of the same or opposite sex, dinner parties, dances and many more.

Community service is often required by groups. Members will do many fundraisers for nonprofit organizations, such as domestic violence advocacy groups, or for cancer research. It’s just another opportunity to socialize while enriching your life and helping others.

Networking is another advantage in the tough economy. Alumnus can help you to find an internship, or guide you in the right direction for a career. They can also help to guide you towards scholarships and other financial aid. You will also one day return the favors as you help guide the class after you, offering suggestions and tips.  

First Day of Classes: 5 Tips

What should one expect if they are attending the first day of a college class? What typically goes on? Here are five tips to make it through your first day of classes.

1. Print your schedule and a map to ensure you will make it to all classes on time. If you are really nervous or unsure of the location, the week prior take a walk through campus and learn where your classes will be, and look inside the classrooms.

2. As everyone takes their seats it is typically quiet if people don't know one another. This is the most uncomfortable part of the semester as everyone watches others coming in and taking their seats too. You will notice if people know one another, they may sit together. It depends if you have a preference for where you like to sit, but typically where people sit is where they likely continue to sit for the remainder of the semester. Make sure your phone is on silent or turned off too.

3. Bring a drink if you like, but I would encourage having a bottle of water or a sealed drink, I love tea. Some teachers insist on no drinks allowed, or in computer labs it is usually forbidden. I would recommend not bringing any snacks to class either. As you open the package it will make noise distracting others around you, and while you chew. It smells good and is kind of rude. I would recommend between classes or on breaks to eat snacks, I love nutrigrain bars as a snack. Also never bring alcohol, some campuses have policies banning it with very negative consequences.

4. As the teacher begins, they will announce what the class is and take attendance. This is usually the time that you will correct the teacher's pronunciation of your name or let them know of a different name you prefer to be called. If you are not on the list, make sure you let the teacher know so you can get credit for being there. Sometimes they print the class roster early or there is a mix-up with registration. They will usually follow up with distributing copies of the class syllabus, schedule, and class rules and explaining things. If you have any questions about contact methods, projects, or rules be sure to ask!

5. Be prepared with paper for taking notes. I bring a binder with loose leaf paper for taking notes the first day because typically professors will begin to lecture the first day. Bring a pen and pencil too, some teachers will ask you to fill out emergency papers. This is just a precaution if there is a system failure with the school's technology. One time our school email system failed, so she alerted us with our private email accounts. Another teacher asked for a phone number that she could text or call if something came up and class was canceled.