When I study for classes, I try to do some of it on my own and with my peers. When studying for sociology and history, I find it better to study in a group so I can hear other people’s opinions. For chemistry class I like to study by myself because I feel like that works best for me than being in a large group. Each day, I write down what is due and what homework I have to stay organized. In each class I take extra notes when a professor is explaining his or her lesson. When I study outside of class, I like to be in a comfortable space with my phone off and a list of homework I need to do.

One class I am doing well in is sociology; when I study for sociology I try to study in a small group with people who are in the same class as I am. I like working together with my peers because we encourage each other to do our best and to help each other learn the material the best each of us can. In the past, I would get distracted while being in a study group and never get my work done. I would struggle to learn the material and would almost fail the class I was in. When being in a study group for sociology, everyone in the group helps one another out when doing homework for the material. Besides the study group, I make a study guide for each chapter we do in the class. By making a study guide, I am able to review the lessons thoroughly and within a way I can understand the material.

One class that I struggle in more than my other classes is chemistry. Ever since I took chemistry in high school, I have had a hard time with understanding and getting the material. When studying, I plan to study for 45 minutes 5 times a week while using my notes I took from class. Also, I plan to make note cards and have my roommate quiz me. During lectures, I am actively listening while taking notes for each slide. I have not taken advantage of any sources around me when I should; I need to get better at going to places when I need the help for it. When it comes to studying, I don’t usually struggle with having motivation to study the material. When I do struggle, I ask my peers around me to help me with whatever I need help on and I get to it from there. A couple days ago, I looked over my notes to see the information I wrote about electron configuration because I was still unsure how it worked. I felt pretty confident after reviewing my notes and going over it a couple more times. I have not taken any exams yet so I don’t know what is effective to me.

Five tips I reviewed were:

• Remind yourself of possible consequences for not getting started on your work

• Order tasks from highest priority to lowest priority

• Eliminate distractions

• Make a plan that helps you tackle your “priorities” ( attending class, studying, working, spending time with the people who are important to you)

• Don’t forget the necessities for a well-balanced life (sleeping, eating, exercising, relaxing)

In class, I think I am going to try to eliminate my distractions. When it comes to my phone, I can barely stay focus on what is going on. I need to put it away or just turn it off completely so I can focus more on my classes throughout the day.

One new technique that I want to try outside of class is having a well balanced life. I feel like if I can manage my time wisely to eat, sleep, and exercise I would have a clear and less cramped mind for homework. Since I have been at college, I have never felt more stressed in my life; I want to start balancing my life outside of class more so I don’t stress over the littlest things in my classes.