One thing that has never escaped me is the joy that fills my heart at the start of a new semester. It is an unexplainable feeling- having the opportunity to start fresh, prepare well, refocus, develop healthier academic habits, and trust in the ability to succeed that God has placed upon you. Despite what happened in the previous semester (for those who were enrolled previously), it becomes a clean slate.
However, sometimes, we encounter issues throughout the semester that may cause these feelings of optimism and opportunity that we entered the semester with to change into polar opposites. Stress from internships, papers, presentations, and exams can all contribute to this. And that is of course, not to mention the various other responsibilities most students have OUTSIDE of the academic environment. As an Academic Advisor and Adjunct Professor by profession, as well as a graduate student, I have the joy of experiencing both sides of academia. I have lived the experience of this change in trajectory, but also have had the ability to speak with students about these areas and what challenges they face. Almost, if not all, of these students provided responses revolving around consistency, study habits, and preparation for the semester.
I would like to share with you four things that I believe will enhance your higher education experience, not only for Spring 2017, but far beyond. They are setting a time frame to devote to study, reviewing all assigned materials, taking detailed notes, and applying what you have learned.
Let’s start with the first one…
1. Develop set time frames for studying & completing assignments for EACH class.
It sounds good in theory, but, how much time are you ACTUALLY devoting to your coursework? Take it from an educator who has heard several success stories, but also several failure stories: if you do not set intentional time and devote it to studying, you will not pass the course. There is no other way around it.
You are probably thinking I have so much on my plate; I work full-time; I have a family to support. Trust me, I have a lot on my plate as well and I am in no way, shape, or form trying to minimize what responsibilities you maintain. But, at the end of the day, you made a decision to enroll this semester, so make a commitment to be intentional by setting appropriate time. What does appropriate time look like? Well, setting aside two hours to complete assignments for six classes is probably not going to cut it. ☺
2. Review all assigned materials (Even if you think you know it).
Quite frankly, at times, it takes me an extra “read” or two in order to fully comprehend what’s directly in front of me, but, that is okay. If I make the time to study and prepare, it becomes a no brainer and it becomes my desire to also makes sure I am comprehending the entire context of the materials. It never hurts to review something again, even when we are familiar with the material. If you think you know the material, consider it your opportunity to gain an even deeper understanding.
In most courses, the information builds throughout the semester. It is important to fully grasp a concept or topic before adding more nuances as the weeks progress. Just like building a house (or a skyscraper depending on the subject), as the structure reaches higher, you want to make sure that the foundation and every previous level are firm and secure before adding another floor.
3. Take detailed notes.
Prior to entering college, I rarely ever took notes. When I got to college, and now as a graduate student, I value the importance of taking detailed notes. It helps me to further explore content as well as remain organized, and remember what I am learning.
For example, simply writing “College is great” is completely different than writing, “College is great because it offers educational opportunities that allow students to learn, interact, and engage in an institution of learning which will contribute to their holistic growth and allow them to become more effective in their communities.”
On exam day, which set of notes do you want with you when you find out the test is open notebook?
Exactly.
See the difference between taking notes, and detailed notes?
4. Apply what you are learning to the entire context of that specific class.
This, if nothing else, may be one of the most important components of becoming more effective and preparing well for the semester. Sometimes, and I am guilty of it as well, we can focus on only wanting to get an assignment done, instead of trying to understand its origin, its purpose, how it relates to other aspects of the course or our lives. If you want to truly perform well and reap the rich fruit that education has to offer, take the time to understand things in the proper context.
Don’t just learn the branches of government, learn to understand the current political climate. Don’t just learn about compound interest, gain an understanding of how your student loan works. Don’t just learn church history, walk away ready and able to defend your faith.
These four points are fantastic ways to enhance not only your academic study, but also your personal study of the Word. As a seminary student, I have realized the importance of remaining consistent across all areas of your life. These same four points may be beneficial for academic study, but they are CRUCIAL for your interpretation, understanding, utilization, and articulation of God’s word. Applying them will allow you to grow in the Word of God and maximize what our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, told His followers as part of The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Your academic study is not just for you, because when you get a job, you will be serving others. In the same way, your study of God’s Word is not just for you, because you are called to make disciples and serve others. See what I did there? ☺
I pray that each of you will have a successful semester. For those who are not enrolled this term, I pray that you apply these tips to your study of the Word and use them to encourage the college students around you.
Blessings.
Elvis Gyan serves as an educator at Montclair State University located in northern New Jersey. In addition, he serves as a leader for QUEST/YAM, and the Teen ministry, as well as a life activity group facilitator. Furthermore, he serves as part of the Pastoral Assistants team. Elvis is currently pursuing his Masters of Divinity at Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY. He enjoys running, reading, eating, and relaxing.
Facebook: Elvis Gyan / Twitter: 1_more_phase / Instagram: Mrgyan1 / Snapchat: elvisgyan
