I recently enrolled in a master of business administration (MBA) online course and so far it has been an enjoyable educational experience. The online classroom requires students to interact virtually and construct well-researched and written responses prior to posting them in the online discussion boards. Here are a few simple tips that can help you be more effective with your posts.

Read the full story

Much like you have an annual review at work, you should require one for your performance in school.

[related: How to Balance Your Class Schedule]

In some reviews it’s better to be objective, but in this case I think it would be alright to rate yourself. Start off with something simple like your grades. Are they where you want them to be? If not, note how much time you spend studying, and the difficulty you’re having with the subject. The review for some will reveal that you should spend a couple more hours a week studying, and for others it could mean you need a tutor.

By: J. Mason

We all suffer from it… lack of sleep, exhaustion, the itis… whatever you want to call it; it downright STINKS.  I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that there have been times where I’ve felt like I can’t possibly keep going, I can’t possibly finish my homework tonight, and I can’t possibly wake up for work this morning.

Here are a few tips that’ll help keep you on your toes… allowing for you to keep going, finish your homework tonight, AND make it to work this morning!

1. Exercise. I know, this isn’t a blog about exercise — but the healthier you are, the better you’ll be able to perform in school, at work, etc.  Work in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity every day or two… you’ll feel a difference.
2. Eat better! It’s so easy to order a pizza or microwave a frozen dinner after a long day of work and schoolwork and family.  I get it.  But, it’s just as easy to toss a few chicken breasts in the crock pot in the morning, or throw together a salad instead.  Again, you’ll feel the difference and your brain and body will thank you!
3. Don’t multitask. When you’re working on school work, work on school work.  Easier said than done, I’m aware.  But the more focused you are on the task at hand, the more efficiently, thoroughly and quickly you’ll be able to get it done.
4. Rinse and repeat. Okay, so maybe don’t rinse, but it’s a good idea to review the last thing you learned when you sit down to study and move forward.  Nothing like a good memory jog!
5. Get those 8 hours. Or as close as you can.  You can’t expect your body and mind to work with you if you’re not giving it what it needs: rest!

What other tips do you put into practice to keep yourself in tip top shape?

By N. Cooper

Your mind is arguably your most important tool in functioning. For those taking classes online or in person, just attending class and completing assignments may not be enough stimulation to keep it sharp.

There’s a reason some teachers dole out such hefty reading assignments and pick out the most nitpicky details on a test. I had a literature professor once that took half of a sentence from a character in a Henry James novel and used it as a fill in the blank on a test. Don’t wait for your professor to challenge you; although this should be a weekly occurrence on their part.

Read the full story