Overall, I would say that my study habits are relatively consistent across the majority of my classes. During chemistry, history, and sociology lectures, I typically take notes on the slides presented during lessons as well as any additional information the professors have to offer. Despite the increasing prevalence of technology in Old Dominion’s education system, I prefer to use paper and pencil, as this form of documentation assists in engaging the mind and processing the material provided. In order to further my understanding of what’s been taught in class, I either convert my notes into flashcards or perform practice exercises provided by the textbook or my instructor. Flashcards have proven to be successful in vocab-heavy courses like history and sociology, while practice problems are helpful when studying for chemistry and its lab-centric counterpart. I typically spend about 4-6 hours reviewing sociology, while history and chemistry require an hour or two longer. My habits for sociology and chemistry have greatly assisted in my performance in both courses, and I hope to continue this trend over the next couple of months. Unfortunately, history is an entirely different story, and one that I hope to change before Christmas break. 

Despite my passion for learning about the past, the amount of information presented in each class leaves me feeling incredibly overwhelmed, and I often struggle to stay on top of my work. Although flashcards are helpful when remembering key terms, they don’t do much when it comes to the essay-based exams associated with the subject. I also tend to study by myself in either my dorm or a nearby study room which, at times, can be incredibly distracting due to social media and the sheer amount of student activity. My fear of asking questions has prevented me from reaching out to campus resources, resulting in unanswered questions and a lack of clarification regarding certain topics. The variables I just described inhibit my ability to study for the course, leading to unsatisfactory exams and numerous mental breakdowns. However, after analyzing ODU’s academic tips, I feel more determined than ever to turn the tide and pass this class with flying colors. 

One method I’m particularly interested in is recording lectures using a tape recorder or mobile device. Despite our unlimited access to technology, I failed to acknowledge my ability to press record during a presentation. Discussing my notes with peers might be useful as well, for explaining the material would not only assist in information retrieval, but also increase my confidence to participate in class conversations. In terms of post-lecture review, forming study groups seems like the most effective tactic, as they could provide additional sets of eyes and ears that catch any material I might have missed during class. In addition, lecture notes can be compared and contrasted, which might help further my understanding of various concepts and clarify topics that are especially confusing. Now that college is in full swing, I fully intend to implement these strategies and do everything in my power to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse.