Friday

A Strategy for the First Three Weeks

As the semester begins, one might imagine that days of winter, finals, and due dates are far off. Actually, this is the ideal time to think about the end of the semester--before it is knocking at the door.
The first three weeks of classes can make the last weeks manageable, if you:
1. Read your syllabi thoroughly before your classes start. Figure out the objectives and strategies of each course.
2. Read the table of contents, front and back matter, and sub-heads of all your textbooks.
3. Find ways your course material intersects with your own interests, future vocation, etc. Imagine ways to integrate your course reading and assignments with your personal goals.
4. Begin to gather new vocabulary for your courses. Look for words with which you are unfamiliar and start to collect and define them.
Use the first three weeks, when not much is assigned, to get ahead of the curve.