http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com Nontraditional Student History Major's Journey Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:40:06 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/2010/02/traditional-student-time-management/ http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/2010/02/traditional-student-time-management/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:53:15 +0000 Redfokker http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/?p=460 This has been one of those weeks.   Some successes and some challenges.   My research paper for English Lit was a big hit with my instructor.   MTH 065 is another story though.   I have scrambled all week getting ready to take a Module test for this class.   Keeping up with the homework for the next module we are working on is in the way of studying for the test.   The interference theory of learning is coming into play with this class.   The information being processed for the new module being taught is creeping into my study of the test materials.   Time management this week has also been a big challenge.   I have not been religious about my reading assignments for all 4 of my classes.   Trying to stuff Shakespeare into Botany with a sprinkling of Geology has my head spinning.   Thank heaven for the President’s Day holiday.   No classes to attend.   I should have an opportunity to spend some quality time in the books.   I have learned the hard way that you cannot get behind in the written homework assigned while trying to keep up with reading.   Something usually has to get put aside.   Trying to stay on top of time management as a non traditional student is often very difficult for Non Trads with families.   I do not have any excuses, my family responsibilities have long flown the coop.   I have to contend with a much more insidious time leech…a full to the brim TIVO and the Winter Olympics beginning tomorrow.   Just can’t let it run our lives anymore.   Seems like a wimpy excuse for letting time management slide.   Half the problem is recognizing it I suppose…   I always remember my father’s  axiom:  “Don’t do as I do…Do as I say.”   I’ll be back on track within a couple of days, time management will again become a part of my daily affairs.  We will have to see how the TIVO feels about it as it records hours of Winter Olympics over the next two weeks.    TIVO can be a wicked taskmaster sometimes. ]]> http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/2010/02/traditional-student-time-management/feed/ 2 http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/2009/10/time-management-study-skills/ http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/2009/10/time-management-study-skills/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:08:31 +0000 Redfokker http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/?p=380 One of the biggest study skills that a Non Traditional Student can master is TIME MANAGEMENT! As I sit here posting a blog entry, thinking about all the reading I have to do for ENG 201, HST 201 and my research paper on Non Trads in my WR123 class, I am reminded of what my father used to say to me all the time….”don’t do as I do, DO AS I SAY!”    Oh, I forgot to add that I need to study for my first MTH 065 module test as well.   The generally accepted ratio for study time is 2 hours of homework for every 1 hour of class time.   Like many Non Traditional Students, I look at this ratio and figure…if each day only had an extra 8 hours in it, I would be able to keep up!!    Actually, there is a plan that every non trad should consider.   Setting up a realistic hour by hour grid system with all of your needed activities for a day listed.  Plan the work and work the plan!   I find that I have more time in a day for study/hobbies/blogging etc, than it looks like on the surface.   By really breaking down your day into manageable blocks of assigned activities, you can utilize your waking hours more efficiently.   I went through this process for my first term back in school in my Study Skills Class (CG111).   I am embarrassed to say, I have not followed up with this activity during  Summer and Fall terms.   (again, see above axiom…).   The typical Non Traditional Student needs to balance many facets of their day.    I am in awe of some of my fellow non trad classmates who hold down jobs, deal with family matters, kids and carry a full load of classes.   This is what makes Non Traditional Students such a dynamic demographic in colleges today.   We need to keep our heads above water and find time to study.   I am researching a paper for my writing class that explores this very subject.   I am a wimpy example of a busy non trad, as all I have on my plate is going to school and  home to study.    No kids, no job, an understanding wife.   So I can expect little sympathy.   I had better start practicing what I preach….   Oh, did I mention that I have to prepare a power point presentation about Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil Wars for History class on Thursday…   Don’t let your classes get away from you, keep on task.   Fellow Non Traditional Students are looking for you to be their example! ]]> http://reaching-lifelong-goals.com/2009/10/time-management-study-skills/feed/ 0