Sleep, good nutrition, and following your instincts and brain can go a long way when it comes to doing well in school. We’ve heard time and again how eating properly affects our daily output, whether it’s for work or school, and sleep is a necessity that everyone needs in order to perform at or above their capacity. Even though the answers to performing better on tests seems obvious, we still need reminders every now and then on how to stay on top of our game.

1. Get your rest. An alert mind and rested body will take you far when it comes to take that exam you’ve been dreading.
2. Eat well. Caffeine may keep your eyes open, but you need more than a cup of coffee or a soda to stay alert. Try a banana or bowl of cereal, if the test is in the morning, or a light sandwich or veggies as a snack if it’s later in the day.
3. Trust Your Instincts.Don’t over think the question. Most times your first response to a question is your best.
4. Don’t stress. Whether it’s a final, midterm, or just a quiz, don’t psych yourself out. We all stress about the things that make a bigger impact on our grade, or job, but don’t let it get the best of you. It will get you distracted and take time away from your exam. Take a deep breath, or a mental break, and then come back to the questions.
5. Read the directions. This tip is one that always gets overlooked. Don’t assume what every section is about, make sure to read through them, and if you have questions address them with the teacher.
6. Put yourself in the professor’s head. Simply, try to remember what the instructor emphasized and why they felt it was important. This critical thinking may help when it comes to the multiple answer and essay questions.
7. Empty out your brain. Right before you start the test write down any information that is difficult to remember like formulas, dates, keywords, etc. This can be your reference throughout the test.
8. Look at the test for answers. Sometimes, the answer to one question can be found in another part of the test.
9. Watch for keywords when answering True or False. Research has found that statements containing certain words like: all, only, always, because. These are generally false, since there are so many exceptions to the rule. And statements with the words: none, generally, usually, are generally true.
10. Read and review. This one may seem the most obvious, but it’s also the most overlooked. Make sure you look over the format of the exam before you begin. This way if you find you have essays you need to write, you make sure to allocate time for them instead of rushing to get them done with little time left.

If these tips seem to be unchanging, from website to website, or person to person, it’s because they work. Even after studying for hours, you can still fall at the last minute because you didn’t take the time to read through the question, or jot down those notes that were on the tip of your tongue from the start. Remember to pace yourself, and be confident, the rest should follow.

Today, American Public University System professor Jim Smith is a nationally recognized researcher in the field of airports and emergency management. He began his professional career 40 years ago, “wanting to be the next Jacques Cousteau.” He credits APUS with bringing together his professional experience and interests — and providing a new professional outlet.

“Teaching online has provided huge satisfaction for me,” he says. He compares it to the Southern Louisiana word “lagniappe” or unexpected gift. In addition to teaching, he conducts APUS-funded research that is among the first of its kind. He recently presented his 2009 findings before the Transportation Research Board (TRB).

“TRB is the pinnacle,” says Smith. “Its publication of my research and proposed solutions will ultimately help airports be better prepared for emergencies.”

Smith’s path

Smith began his professional journey in North Carolina. He has a great interest in science and the ocean, which led to a bachelor’s degree in zoology and chemistry. He completed his Master’s in Oceanography at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He then entered the Navy, where he served as a precision cartographer during the Vietnam War.

After his service, he again studied at Scripps and completed other graduate courses in engineering, becoming a professional engineer in 1990. Smith remained in the Navy Reserve for 24 years and earned a diploma in strategy and policy through correspondence courses with the Naval War College. He earned his doctorate in environmental design and planning from Virginia Tech in 1995.

Smith has had a long professional career, holding city, county and state positions in coastal planning, water quality, regulatory compliance and more. He also has led his own consulting firm since 2002.  Despite professional success, Smith says a turning point came in 1999 when a Reserve colleague connected him with APUS. APUS asked him to develop an oceanography curriculum for the university.

In 2005 Smith began teaching emergency and disaster management courses for APUS. While teaching and interacting with students, who are often professionals in the field, Smith uncovered a national issue: a tremendous gap in how airports cooperate during times of disaster.

“Airports have always been taken for granted, that they would do what was necessary during times of emergency,” says Smith. “Hurricane Katrina proved that was wrong.”

APUS funded research into the issue in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He will continue his research in 2010.  Smith posted findings during the research at www.airportstudy2009.com. Participants reviewed the information and provided ongoing feedback.

“This approach was far more interactive than most research. However, we were looking at an entirely new area, so needed that transparency to gather the best data and sustain expert validity,” he says.

Keys to professional success

Smith’s accomplishments are extensive, including 20 published research papers and service on national committees for the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the International Association of Emergency Managers. Smith says his success is based on focus and time management, not multi-tasking.

“I’ve learned how to interrupt work when I need to, make a note and then go back to it,” he says. He shares this philosophy in the “College 100” course he teaches.

“Everybody has his or her own natural rhythm for work, studying and life,” he says. “I help my students manage their impatience and funnel it into motivation.”

He says teaching this introductory course has been among his most enjoyable professional experiences. He greatly enjoys the interaction with adult students and showing them the possibilities of online learning.

“APUS delivers online learning so much better than anyone else,” he says.

Usually at the start of each new year a best and worst jobs list is produced. This year the Wall Street Journal got a head start in posting their thoughts on the high demand careers in the job market today. This topic is my Editor’s Pick this week because of the broad range of opportunities, and also its relevance to advanced degrees online.

So to get started, check out my top picks below for jobs this year:

• Software Engineer: If you’ve been thinking about a career in IT, now is the time!
• Historian: To any doubters that a degree in History can get you places, here’s your proof that it can.
• Paralegal Assistant: Try a degree in legal studies to get your feet wet for this position.
• Accountant: If you enjoy numbers then this career should be a good start. It’s something that’s always in high demand, and come tax season you’ll understand more of why it’s high on this list.
• Philosopher: Do you find yourself contemplating life’s mysteries? Turn that passion into a career.

The “worst” jobs this year can be seen as:

• Welder
• Dairy Farmer
• Ironworker
• Lumberjack
• Roustabout

If you know the path you want to travel, or haven’t quite made it there yet, give online education a second thought.

Read for more on the Wall Street Journal’s article, “The Best and Worst Jobs”.

One glance at a mom’s day planner shows the hectic schedules of today’s families — school activities, sports, social events, doctor’s appointments, plus music lessons, homework, special projects and more. Is there any time left for a mom to think about her own future — a future that doesn’t completely revolve around children? Yes! And now! Here’s why.

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