Frequently Asked Questions
“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning.” Proverbs 1:5
How do I connect with a faculty member who has a very busy schedule? Before and after class is too rushed.
Check the teacher’s office hours and see him/her during one of those times. If you are unable to see the teacher during his/her office hours, email the teacher and share your problem and the times on your schedule when you are most available to arrange a meeting time.
Some say that for every hour spent in class, I need to spend 2 hours studying outside of class. That means if I’m taking 15 credit hours, I’ll need to plan on 30 hours of study time a week, and taking 20 credits would mean 40 hours of study time. How do I fit that in with part-time work and other required activities? It seems impossible!
The best answer to a busy schedule is to plan your time wisely. Use a weekly planner or calendar to map out all of your major projects, assignments and test dates. This can help organize the limited time you do have available and identify times that you may not realize exist. Some subjects may not take as much preparation time while others may take more than the average amount. To be a better steward of your time, use a time management table that blocks each available hour each day of the week to help you budget your time and identify what time slots are available for the more difficult courses. Sometimes 20 to 30 minutes between classes can be used more profitably.
Are there any suggestions for college students coming out of home schooling?
Yes! Be encouraged! Home schoolers usually do very well in all aspects of college life as demonstrated by recent research. If you are struggling with the challenge of taking 4 to 6 courses at once and maintaining the same pace on each one throughout the semester, you may want to take a lighter load during the semester and consider one or two courses by distance education or summer school.
As an international student, I’m really struggling with EN 102. All of the special rules are a major challenge.
Definitely touch base with your English tutorial instructor and get special assistance to do well in this course. If you need additional help, please do not hesitate to contact the English department chair. This would be true of any difficult course. Definitely consider the Bridge to College English program by contacting Dr. Grace Hargis, Office 68; Email Dr. Hargis.
Has TRACS accreditation made University classes harder?
Not harder, more responsive. Faculty are encouraged to listen more to student needs, and so it is important to express your needs and receive additional assistance as you seek to improve your academic performance.
I study lots of hours the night before the test and then “freeze” and fail to remember what was studied. How can I do better on tests? How can I handle test anxiety?
Review well in advance. Mark the areas in your notes that you struggle with the most. Create a review sheet with terms in one column and definitions in the other. Don’t cram. Be well prepared by reviewing several days and even weeks before the test and then focus on the most difficult information the night before the test. Try coming up with special ways to remember the difficult information using mnemonics and other creative ways to recall the information. Study with a peer and volunteer to be the one asking the questions. You’ll benefit more since you will always be thinking of the correct answer. Always over learn the information. Learn more than you think you need to know, not just “exactly what you need to know.” Test Taking Tips
No matter what I do differently, I keep getting Cs on tests. What can I do?
Check with the teacher and confirm your notes and study strategy. Make an appointment with your advisor and Career Services office staff to receive additional coaching tips as needed. Each individual is unique; you need individualized assistance. Don’t give up, ask God to help you remember, and do your best. Remember that for many majors, Cs are very adequate. If that is your best, be contented with the ability God has given you.
I only do well in classes I am interested in taking. In boring classes, I zone out. How can I make the class interesting when it is not?
Check with the teacher, advisor, or Career Services office staff to learn how this class fits into your long-range career goals. The more convinced you become about God’s leading in your life and how this particular class can help you reach those career goals, the more likely you will succeed no matter how “boring” that class may feel. And remember, all truth is from God. So learn all you can to be able to serve and glorify Him.
What if I am distracted easily during quizzes or tests? What can I do?
You may need to consider having your concentration skills assessed to see if you merit receiving quiz and test taking assistance (special setting, extra time to concentrate, etc.). Contact Dr. Joe Sutton ASAP.
Is there any requirement for getting help from the Learning Resource Center?
Yes. One must be diagnosed with any form of legally/educationally recognized disability in order to receive assistance from the LRC on an enrolled or drop-in basis. Anyone who thinks he may have a disability should arrange a meeting with Dr. Sutton or his assistant Mrs. Streeter in the Learning Resource Center for more information.
What is the best time and location to study?
If you are most alert in the morning, then by all means study in the morning. If you are an evening person, then plan more time in the evening. Definitely plan study time between classes. If you must study when you are tired, consider standing up and moving around. Find a place free from distractions (library study cubicle). Avoid your resident room except during times when it is a quiet place.
I spend a lot of time doing reports and projects and still get low grades. Any suggestions?
Practice proper techniques in research and constructing your rough drafts. Avoid trying to write the paper in one sitting. Do the project in steps over several weeks. Seek help from your teacher as you develop your working draft. Do not turn in a paper which you have read only once (or not at all) after writing it. Be certain to write it days ahead of time, in order to have time to review, correct, and rewrite.
