What are you waiting for?
This is the first step in your study plan. Now you know how much time is available to study. Do you think that this time will be enough?
Before you can calculate how much time it will take to accomplish something, you must first know what you need to do. This is how you will know what the tasks are that will affect your grade. You are very lucky to have a syllabus for each class.
Before I get into the specific tasks, I want you to look at the entire syllabus. Although the syllabus contains everything you need, it’s much more. It is a guideline for how to achieve an A in the class. A syllabus is often overlooked by students. The syllabus is viewed as a checklist of things they should do next. They only look at it when they have to, often just before something is due. Once you have a syllabus, print it out and use a pen or highlighter. Slowly and methodically, you will be going through every word in your syllabus. You will then know what it means. This syllabus by Domyhomework123 will tell you what to do, and give you tips and warnings about pitfalls that could cause you to lose your way if you don’t pay attention.
Although every class syllabus will be different, most will include the following:
- Hours of operation for both the professor and teaching assistants.
- Contact the professor using the following methods and times.
- Time and location of classes, including lectures, sections and labs.
- You’ll use textbooks, workbooks and PDFs.
- You can access class notes and slides, as well as information about when and how to complete assignments.
- You’ll need to cover chapters and pages.
- The objectives of the class – what you will be learning.
- Papers, projects and other large assignments.
- Deadlines for submissions
- Penalties for not returning things or late turning in.
- Number and dates for quizzes and exams.
- Specific instructions should be given on how to do things.
- How your grade is determined.
It is important to understand all requirements. Make sure to make a note and talk to your professor if you are unsure. This is a great opportunity to make your first introduction.
Do you understand the test format? Do you have questions about papers or projects?
You can add test dates to your calendar. The same applies to due dates for large assignments, papers, or projects. Include contact information and hours of operation for each professor and teaching assistant in your contacts.
The grade scale is one of the most important aspects of the syllabus.
Are most of your grade exam passes? Are you submitting reports? Papers? Participation is a part your grade? How do you determine that? Can you make up for a bad midterm?
Your Tasks
The end of your study plan is where you should focus. The syllabus will include a list of all the things you need to do, and the due date. This is where you will find the core of your work and everything that will affect your grade. Each class is unique in the content and mix of materials that are used. This will determine how your grade. You may only need to read your textbook and take a few tests.
Make Piles
Make sure that you have all the necessary materials before you begin. You will need to make a list of everything you need for each class. Make sure you have your syllabus marked up for each class.
You will need your textbooks, workbooks and other materials to complete each class. As soon as you are able to identify the books, buy them. You can buy used books online or offline, even if they are expensive.
All PDFs should be printed. Students spend a lot of time printing PDFs before the deadline. Every PDF must be printed on the first day. I can assure you that this will save you hours of time later. This will save you time and money later.
Now, you should have at least 4 to 5 piles on your table for each class. This is a great visual representation of the work ahead and it’s likely a lot. These are the criteria you will use to determine each syllabus:
- How many tasks do you need to complete each type?
- How many pages do you need to read each day?
- When it is due.
There are three types of tasks
You’ll find many different tasks in every syllabus. It’s best to divide your work into three categories in order to make it easier when creating your plan. These tasks will be shared by almost every college class. These can include books, workbooks and novels as well as PDFs and online readings. You can read any material that the professor requires you to read before class every day. The majority of your study time is spent on readings. These readings are the basis of every class lecture and will provide the main source for all your exam questions. These could be weekly or monthly quizzes, midterms or final exams. These are tasks that you prepare for and then complete in a set time.
Assignments
Assignments are things you do outside of class that aren’t readings. These assignments can be either one-time tasks like research, papers, or projects. They could also be regular things, such as problem sets that might be due in every class. Each class may contain dozens, or even hundreds, of tasks.
What MUCH can you do?
There will be a lot of reading. A typical reading from a syllabus reading will say “Chapters 2 & 3”. So what is the point? Do you need twenty pages? Fifty pages? One hundred? I don’t know if you do, but I like knowing how large the task will be so that I can plan accordingly. When I read, I want to know how many pages each page has.