Time to Start Studying!

Finals will be here before you know it! Final exams will be held May 6-9. Have you started studying yet? Check out these apps to get you started!

Cold Turkey is a computer software that can help you stay focused while studying.  Cold Turkey will temporarily block you from social media sites, addicting websites, games and even programs! Imagine how fast you could do your work without all those distractions! Other apps like these include SelfControl, and LeechBlock.

Flashcards+ will help you learn and study new information. When you download this app on iTunes, you gain access to tens of millions of pre-made Flashcard sets all for free! Other apps like these include Study Blue, Chegg Flashcards, and Evernote Peek.

CrashCourse, a YouTube Channel, has videos for six courses: US History, Chemistry, World History, Biology, Literature, and Ecology. These types of YouTube Channels can help you study difficult topics for your next test!

Dropbox allows you to access files from anywhere. This helps with backing up files, and keeping your flashdrive from getting lost—again! Try other cloud software like Google Drive and SkyDrive.

Can You Concentrate?

Do you have trouble getting back into your work after you’ve been interrupted?

Do you find that even though you schedule study time, you don’t actually accomplish very much?

Do you text or use social media when you are doing your assignments?

Do you find that when you finish reading your textbook assignment, you don’t really remember what you read?

Do you daydream a lot when listening to lectures or doing homework?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may have problems concentrating!

Concentration is important in anything you do, including your schoolwork! Being distracted can interfere with your ability to focus on tasks at hand. Difficulty with concentration is a very common problem for college students.

Strategies for improving concentration

• Develop a positive attitude toward your work. If you see the relevance, value and importance of a task, and believe that you can achieve it, your concentration will improve.
• Create interest in the task. Low interest in something causes you to have a more difficult time concentrating. Find ways to make the material more interesting, like playing a study game, taking notes, or writing down questions for yourself.
• Goal-setting strategies. Know what you want to accomplish when you begin an assignment—it will help you stay focused and keep track of your progress.
• Practice good time management. Use to-do lists and calendars to stay on task. If you know when your assignment is due and how long it will take to complete it, you won’t worry as much as the deadline approaches.
• Improve your study space. Since the semester is more than half over, it may be difficult to switch seats if you are distracted in class. Try to avoid studying in bed or in front of your noisy roommates. Both Ruddock and Maple East have study rooms that you can use while you study.
• Eliminate multitasking. Sometimes, working on two or more things at once can negatively affect your concentration. Try turning off your TV, computer, phone, and music to improve your concentration.

Improving your concentration has a lot of benefits. You will use your time better and get more done during your study time. When you are deep in concentration, you will understand more of what you are working on, which will help you prepare for tests and quizzes.

If you have any questions, remember that you can always stop by the ASM office! We are here to help you!!

2013 Finals Schedule

Finals start next Tuesday, December 10! Here is the 2013 fall final exam schedule. Always double check this with your class syllabus and professor.

 

2013 Final Exam Schedule

This is also available on the IUP website at http://www.iup.edu/page.aspx?id=138304

Don't forget to visit you ASMs with any questions about finals! We are here to help!

Don't Let Time Manage You!

Classes. Homework. Studying. Clubs. Activities. Sports. HOW DO YOU MANAGE IT ALL? Check out these tips for how to effectively manage your time as a college student!

 

Get Organized

·         Keep your desk clean and your school supplies in order

·         Buy a desk calendar or planner or use the one on your phone

·          Put your schedule on your  calendar to remember when assignments are due

      Make to do lists for long-term assignments and for every day/week

·         Try something new! Test out calendars, post-its, and phone apps. You’ll be able to find out what works (and doesn’t work) for you!

Prioritize

·         “Rate” your homework items based on due date and level of difficulty

·         Set goals for both long term and short term assignments

·         Estimate the amount of time needed to finish each assignment. You can finish your assignments all on one sitting, or little-by-little over a longer period of time.

·         Leave yourself plenty of time to accomplish your tasks

Don’t overload yourself!

·         Leave time in your schedule for rest, relaxation, sleep, eating, exercise, and your friends!

·         Take study breaks to keep yourself from being worn out

·         Avoid procrastinating!

·         Know your limits. Try not to take too much on. It’s also OK to miss a club meeting every once and a while for homework and academic issues.

Study Smart

·         Study at your  desk or in a study room and make yourself comfortable

·         Split larger tasks into manageable chunks

·         Ask questions to your professors when you have questions—that’s what their office hours are for!

·         Mark important assignments in your syllabus on your calendar

·         Participate in class, arrive on time, and be prepared to learn!

Remember Why You’re Here

·         Set goals for yourself and work to achieve them!

·         Know what is important to you

·         Have a positive attitude!

Want more information? Come to ASM Anastasia’s program on Thursday, September 19 at 7pm in the Maple East 2nd floor lobby!