- Joined
- May 22, 2018
- Messages
- 5,518
College professor here. What I observe daily at our flagship state university surely applies also to SAs. Incoming freshmen should worry less about brushing up on subject matter. Instead, they should worry more about developing their study skills.
Most college students — even seniors — don’t know how to study. In high school, the focus is mainly on memorization. Homework is increasingly rare. Time management isn’t necessary. Standards can be lax.
That changes in college — especially at SAs. Before they can master subject matter, students must master the art and science of studying. That means understanding the underlying logic, not just memorizing terms. It means managing their time and not putting things off until the last minute. It means doing homework with focus and intention, not just to get it out of the way. It means asking for help before it’s too late.
If anyone asks me what a freshman can do the summer before college, I say: Learn what it means to truly study, effectively and efficiently.
Most college students — even seniors — don’t know how to study. In high school, the focus is mainly on memorization. Homework is increasingly rare. Time management isn’t necessary. Standards can be lax.
That changes in college — especially at SAs. Before they can master subject matter, students must master the art and science of studying. That means understanding the underlying logic, not just memorizing terms. It means managing their time and not putting things off until the last minute. It means doing homework with focus and intention, not just to get it out of the way. It means asking for help before it’s too late.
If anyone asks me what a freshman can do the summer before college, I say: Learn what it means to truly study, effectively and efficiently.