Summary of "How to Make College Courses Easy and How *Not* to Practice "Self-Care""
Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips for Making College Courses Easier
Divide Course Topics into “Easy” and “Hard” Lists
- Identify topics you understand well (easy list) and those you struggle with (hard list).
- Focus your effort on mastering the hard topics by formulating specific questions about them.
Use Professor Office Hours Effectively
- Bring your list of difficult questions to office hours or review sessions.
- Ask for detailed explanations until you fully understand the hard material.
- Leveraging expert help makes the course easier.
Approach Courses Strategically Rather Than Just Picking “Easy” Courses
- The method and effort you put into studying largely determine how easy or hard a course feels.
- Proper preparation can transform a difficult course into a manageable one.
Effective Note-Taking and Review
- Take thorough notes during lectures.
- Review notes before exams to quickly locate answers during open-note exams.
- Avoid relying on friends’ notes, as they may be hard to understand and less effective for you.
Tips for Open-Book Exams
- Obtain the textbook early (buy or borrow).
- Read and familiarize yourself with the content beforehand.
- Avoid reading the book for the first time during the exam.
Using an Exam Question Bank
- If provided, go through all questions well before the exam.
- Identify which questions you don’t know and ask the professor for help on those.
- This preparation lets you answer exam questions confidently.
Pay Attention to Instructor Communications
- Read emails and watch any preparatory videos sent by the professor.
- Knowing exam topics and study tips in advance prevents unnecessary extra work.
Reframe “Self-Care” in the Academic Context
True self-care means consistently doing the small tasks that make studying easier, such as: - Doing readings on time. - Attending class. - Taking and reviewing notes.
Avoid confusing self-care with procrastination or avoidance (e.g., watching TV instead of studying). Treating yourself with small rewards (like guacamole on a burrito) is fine, but skipping study tasks is self-sabotage.
Overall Mindset
Consistent, small efforts—reading, note-taking, reviewing—reduce stress and make courses easier. This disciplined approach is the best form of self-care for students.
Presenters/Sources
- College professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (unnamed)
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
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