Even as adults we treat the end of a class like summer vacation. We only hold onto the things we learned that we found most interesting, and the rest of the content turns into mush. So what happens when you’re six classes into your program and you can’t recall the concepts from your first business class? You should always keep this thought in the back of your mind, “make sure you study because there might be a quiz on it!” Hold onto old notes, even when the class is done.
Depending on your degree track you may or may not have electives on your schedule. This means that every class lends itself to your overall program. Forgetting things you might think are minute could potentially hurt you later. One of the best way to keep track of items that will surely be lost is through good organization.
Digitize Your Notes
Writing out your notes by hand is actually good for memory recall. The problem with this is if you lose that copy you won’t have a replacement. Services like Dropbox are a great place to turn your notes into digital history. This way you have a record of the content and can refer to it from any mobile device. I would suggest scanning or typing in your notes as you go through the class, or add them to your virtual account by the end of the class. The more you put off doing this, the more likely you’ll forget.
Save Your Syllabus
In most online classrooms content from the classroom is available for 180 days after the class has ended. This way you can access your discussion posts, papers and any lesson plans from the instructor. Don’t waste this time! Go in and copy the lesson plans, and also make sure you saved a copy of your syllabus. Instructors spend a lot of time on the details that go into this document. You may not remember six months from now everything you covered in the curriculum, but the syllabus can be a great reminder of that. Take notes on the pages as well to help you recall important events from the class.
Keep a Record of Professors
Record the names of your instructors, their quirks, specialties, and important lessons learned from the class. This will help when it comes time to choose an instructor for your next round of classes. Take down their email addresses as well. You might luck out when a topic comes up that’s a specialized area of focus for a previous professor. Try utilizing their knowledge or ask for assistance when you get to those areas. When you have great professors make sure to stay in touch with them!
My last suggestion would be to not lose your passion or focus. Sometimes we take what we’re learning for granted and that results in a lackluster effort in the memory department. Each class should get its equal distribution and weight of importance. Don’t shortchange a class just because it wasn’t exciting. Economics may not be the most earth shattering of subjects, but its relevance in anyone’s academic career is apparent. If all else fails seek help from a tutor. Many universities offer tutoring services and other resources that can positively impact your academic experience. Contact your advisor or student services group early on if you feel like you’re struggling, don’t wait until you’re halfway through the class.
By J. Mason
Online Learning Tips Editor
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