13.1 Educational Success Strategies
Christine Malone, EdD
There are many educational success strategies, and each student should design a plan tailored to their individual needs. For example, students who are parents of young children may need a strategy that includes caregiving responsibilities, while students who work full-time need to balance their educational pursuits with work schedules.
Generally, students should have a strategy for completing their coursework. This may include blocking out specific times in their calendar for coursework, which includes readings, assignments, and quizzes. Some students may find it more effective to break their work into smaller sessions rather than working in long blocks. For example, a student who commutes by bus might use that time to read or study course materials.
Setting goals is another crucial part of educational success. Students should set reasonable and achievable goals, whether for completing coursework or achieving specific grades. Unrealistic goals can set students up for failure, leading to frustration and discouragement. A popular method for goal-setting is the SMART framework, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a SMART goal might be: “Finish the assignment by the end of the day on Sunday.” This goal is specific (finish the assignment), measurable (the task is completed), achievable (the student has the time to finish), and time-sensitive (the deadline is Sunday).
Students with children at home may involve their kids in their study routines. For example, a teenager might hold flashcards for the parent while they memorize course terms. Additionally, students can collaborate with classmates to review materials or prepare for exams.
A good rule of thumb is for students to be realistic about what they can achieve. For example, a student who works full-time and cares for young children may not have the same amount of time to devote to coursework as a student who is not employed and lives alone. Time constraints are an important factor in developing a success strategy. For example, if a student is receiving financial aid that requires them to complete their degree or certificate within a year, they will need to account for this limitation when planning their coursework.
Generally, students should expect to spend about 3 hours per week on coursework for every credit hour in college. For example, a student taking 10 credits should plan on dedicating 30 hours per week to coursework, which includes in-class time, homework, and studying. Some students may need more or less time, depending on their individual circumstances.
For students facing challenges in completing coursework, it is important to seek solutions. Whether the challenge is related to reading difficulties, ADHD, language proficiency, anxiety, or accessibility needs, students should familiarize themselves with the resources available at their college.
The following success tips apply to