MSEJ August 2015 | Page 18

Back to School:

It’s August, so, if you have kids, they are probably getting ready to start a new school year and, if you are a student, you’ll be heading back soon too! August is GET READY FOR SCHOOL MONTH.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you have a successful semester, leading to a successful future career!

Plan Your Work.

You probably know that most post K-12 learning occurs outside of the classroom. I always advise my students that for every hour they spend in class, they'll probably need TWO HOURS outside of class to complete assignments depending on the difficulty of the class and assignments for any given week. Once you get your syllabi for each class, map out your semester and schedule time during your week for school as well as your other obligations.

By : Jamie Boyle

Work Your Plan.

No point in planning if you are going to throw caution to the wind and wing it after the first week. You have to work your plan with the knowledge that things will change. Still, sticking to your schedule, completing assignments on time, and NOT PROCRASTINATING make for a much more pleasant work, school, and home life.

Use Your Resources.

You pay good money--whether out of pocket, through the GI Bill, or through loans to attend, but you pay for more than going to class. You pay for resources that supplement and support your learning in the classroom. Use them!

Communicate Early and Often.

Have a question about class? Not certain about a requirement? Have a scheduled TDY? Just really interested in something discussed in class? Talk to your instructor during office hours or by email, and talk to them before you have a potential problem.