Studying on the Go
Studying on vacation never does seem appetizing. You have just left the kingdom of education – college – and all you are looking for is some much needed R & R. However, no one is asking you to sacrifice any of your time at the beach for some extra-credit work in the family living room. What is being addressed is an opportunity many students have that can make time go by, while also accomplishing a significant amount of work that no student wants to face when the just return to their dorm room. Studying while travelling is a great concept from any angle it is viewed. Let's say you have you a flight that is going to leave you in the air for a couple hours or longer – stuck up 3000 feet can cause time to tick slowly by. But when you have some homework you know you are going to face at some point over this vacation period, why not bring that folder or notepad with you and watch time "fly" by as you kill two birds with one stone. If there is the crying baby going off three rows back, pop on those headphones attached to your pre-made playlist you constructed right before you packed up all of your necessities for the trip. Allow yourself to get lost in a musical fun land as you use whatever motivation and educational ability you have in you.
If you are back on the ground and are enjoying the scenic views offered by any great American road trip or are leaning back in your adjustable chair on the train, there is no travel vehicle that will prevent you from laying the groundwork for your cursed vacation assignment(s). The to and from of any trip is probably a better time to do work than right in the middle of your fun time. Going to or coming from college prepares your mind for what just occurred and what is to come. Without you even being aware, your mind is ready to do a dance called – the research paper. When you are travelling, there is nowhere to escape beyond the usually odor-infested private bathroom. Studying is a great alternative to staring out a window aimlessly. Many public transportation systems now offer outlets for those who need to keep their laptop or learning device fully charged. No longer will you have to battle your battery power or feel rushed when trying to finish up any work.
Study Methods for Finals
There has never been just one steady way that college students have memorized all of the information they need to know for a final exam. Among all of the studies and tests, no research lab has been able to conclude that one way is the best option for every college student. Instead everyone is left to fend for themselves trying what works best for their friends or what a teacher proposes. You may have a method that, so far, has been getting the job for you. With this technique, you have been able to perform well enough on tests and quizzes to make the grade. However, there may be a technique out there that you have yet to give a try. Even when things are going fine, there is no need to ever feel content, or that you couldn't possibly do better. With this being said, students should always strive to challenge themselves and explore new and innovative ways of studying for the ever so valuable final examinations. With your performance on finals carrying so a large weight and impact on your overall course grade, there is no reason to resist trying something new that you may have never practiced.
Knowing where to start can sometimes be the biggest challenge for students. While it may never be the most frequently asked question to your friends, fellow classmates, and instructors, picking the brains of others can help you put together a solid list of methods and techniques that you try out. Put together a collection of information you need to memorize, and then break this information into sections and for each section attempt a different studying method and you will be able to immediately eliminate the useless from the productive. Final exams can ask students to remember an immense amount of information, and you can really give yourself a break by using a method that can cut down on the amount of time you have to spend focusing on terms and phrases, allowing you to clear your head more and make the entire preparation for the exam a much less hectic experience. You want to look for little tricks – this shouldn't be a complex procedure. The simpler your method, the easier you should be able to obtain the information and keep it in your brain just long enough that you can spill it all over your test and answer all of the questions you need.
Developing Responsibility as a College Student
Becoming a responsible adult is something that a lot of college students struggle with during their time away from home. No supervision access to things and behaviors previously banned by parents can make for a rowdy first few years at school as students stretch their wings and learn what benefits life as an adult offers. Of course, being an adult isn't all about fun, as most students soon learn, but building the skills and responsibility necessary to hold down a job, pay bills on time and take care of yourself takes some practice and maybe even a few failures to perfect. Here are a few things all college students need to consider as they start learning what it's really like to live in the real world.
Your actions only hurt you in the long run. While your parents might be upset if you get into trouble, your missteps will have a lot bigger impact on your own life than theirs. They may make it hard for you to find a job or lead the kind of life you want to led. Always remember your long term goals before you do anything.
There are very real consequences to messing up. The consequences for making mistakes as a minor are usually relatively light. Yet now that you're older, penalties for your mistakes are going to be pretty real. You can end up with a permanent record, get expelled from college and make mistakes that have a long-lasting effect on your life so make sure that harmless fun really is harmless after all.
Sometimes fun needs to take a backseat. Students should have a great time while they're away at college, but part of growing up is understanding that sometimes fun needs to be put aside to get important things done. You came to college to get a degree, that work should take precedence over everything else.
Growing up means sometimes having to do things you don't want to do. Whether it's paying bills, working over the weekend or doing laundry, being an adult isn't always the epitome of fun. Yet these tasks will help give you the money and freedom you need to have fun at other times. Finding a balance between what you have to do and what you want to do is a big part of growing up.
Responsibility isn't always a bad thing. While you might think being happy and carefree is the best thing in the world, having responsibilities isn't always bad. After all, most people want to have good jobs, a house and even a family someday. These are all big responsibilities but they can be worth it.
Becoming an adult is along process and won't stop after you graduate from college. You'll still have a lot to learn but you can get a head start by getting some of the basics down and learning the fundamentals of what it means to have responsibility when you're still a college student. It can make the transition into the real world a little easier and leave your parents a lot less to worry about.
10 Things You Need to Know About Potential Pell Grant Cuts
By Donna Reish
President Obama's announcement that he intends to cut the nation's deep budget deficit by $1.1 trillion over the next decade was met with the usual support and opposition from the left and right, respectively, who complained that it either wasn't enough or too much. Of course, politicians are probably more concerned with the political implications than how it'll affect the average American citizen, particularly college students, whom Obama has vowed to support. His new budget plan calls for major reductions in the funding of Pell Grants and other higher education programs over the next 10 years. The federal grant largely benefits students from low-income families who struggle with the financial burden of college. Haggling in Congress will ultimately affect how much the program is impacted, but for now, here are few things you should know about the currently proposed cuts:
- Obama has proposed a $100 billion reduction in the funding of Pell Grants and other higher education programs: With both parties promising to reduce the national budget deficit, it has become a foregone conclusion that financial aid programs will see cuts in funding. Now that both sides have put their offers on the table, we have a better idea of what to expect in the near future. Programs such as and the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program and Byrd Honors Scholarships would be eliminated in Obama's proposal, while funding for the Perkins loan program would expand by $8.5 billion per year beginning in 2012-13. Overall, the Education Department's budget would grow by 4.3 percent.
- During Obama's time in office, the maximum Pell Grant has increased from $4,731 to $5,550: Additionally, the average Pell Grant awarded increased from $2,970 to $4,115 in order to make up for four years of weak funding during the Bush administration. In 2008, Obama campaigned promising to increase financial aid and make college more affordable for students from lower and middle income families. But now that Republicans have regained the majority in the House, changes that were established when the Democrats were in control could be rolled back.
- The amount of Pell Grant recipients increased from 6.1 million in 2008 to 8.9 million in 2010: Due to the weak economy, expanding enrollments and the increase in qualifying applicants, many more students have been applying for aid in the last three years using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The White House states that more than nine million students are currently receiving aid from Pell Grants.
- A $20 billion shortfall is expected in the Pell Grant program in 2012: The shortfall is a result of the increases in the maximum amount awarded and number of recipients, which have caused the Pell Grant program's expenditures to double in the last three years. Obama has pledged to provide $41 billion — $28 billion from discretionary spending and $13 million from mandatory spending — to fund the program in 2012.
- If the shortfall is unaddressed, then the maximum Pell Grant award will drop from $5,550 to $3,240 in 2011-12: The decrease of $2,310 would greatly affect college students all over the nation. In order to avoid such as a drastic change, Obama will need to cut spending for other higher education programs. In doing so, he'll need to select areas that aren't heavily depended upon by students who normally have trouble finding other ways to fund their educations.
- Obama intends to keep the maximum Pell Grant award at $5,550: Despite the massive cuts, Obama wants to leave the maximum award untouched, which would be achieved by taking the next two actions on this list — the elimination of year-round Pell Grants and the reduction of loan subsidies for graduate and professional students. As a result, much fewer students would be impacted, especially low-income students who can't afford to spare the money when paying for college.
- The elimination of year-round Pell Grants would save about $60 billion over the next decade: In the year-round program, students in accelerated programs are able to receive two Pell Grants per year, the second of which is used for summer school. This option became available in the 2009-10 academic year after the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 was passed, which, as it turns out, did little to improve students' academic progress and cost much more than anticipated.
- The reduction of loan subsidies for graduate and professional students would save $29 billion over the next decade : It would result in $2 billion in savings next year, providing a short-term enticement and saving bundles long-term. Although some professional and graduate students currently benefit from the payment of their student loan interest by the government, experts claim that it hasn't encouraged more students to attend in graduate school.
- In the House bill, the maximum Pell Grant award would be reduced from $5,550 to $4,705: The Republicans' plan entails the largest reduction of student-aid funds in the history of the Pell Grant program. It's a part of their spending bill for the remainder of 2011 that intends to shed an additional $100 billion from Obama's budget plan. During last fall's midterm elections, Republicans pledged to drastically cut national spending.
- The House Bill could result in the removal of 1.7 million students from the Pell Grant program: The estimate was made by Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org, a trusted website devoted to providing comprehensive information about financial aid. For every $100 change in the maximum Pell Grant amount, 200,000 recipients are affected, meaning that even a minor reduction can disrupt the college careers of tens of thousands low-income students. According to Kantrowitz, 97 percent of Pell Grant recipients earn fewer than $50,000 per year.
Information courtesy of Yahoo, Inside Higher Ed, The New York Times and Fastweb.
Turn Down the Volume
Madonna may have crooned during the dawn of the new millennium that music makes the people come together, but researchers are finding that it most certainly does not make the information come together – at least, not when it comes to studying. A recent study found that those who listened to music while trying to memorize data sets, whether their tunes of choice happened to be Madonna, Bruno Mars, or Beethoven, performed worse than those who studied in silence.
Music, even instrumental pieces, is distracting to studiers trying to memorize a list of facts or formulas. This is because music is varied and ever-changing, which distracts the brain from entirely focusing on memorizing something intensive, according to an article published in CNN. Even if you do not think you are paying any attention to the music playing in the background, your brain is indeed devoting some part of its power to keeping up with the song. This holds true for both songs with which you are familiar and songs that you do not know.
The research, which was conducted by the University of Wales in Cardiff, United Kingdom, saw researchers testing subjects in a room on their ability to recall information they had been studying. Tests were done with subjects studying in silence, studying with a song they liked or disliked on, studying with a song they did not know on, and studying with a track of an electronic voice repeating the number "three." The cases where the subjects looked over their materials in silence and with the electronic voice in the background had studiers perform the quickest and most accurate recall of information.
The silence and steady, unchanging electronic voice were the best "soundtracks" to study to, researchers theorized, because it was completely predictable and unvarying, so the brain could easily tune it out and devote all of its focus and concentration on memorizing data. With music, however, trying to memorize data, especially data ordered in a specific sequence, conflicted with the changing pitches, words, tones, and volumes of the musical piece. In fact, even listening to a conversation, such as one that would be heard when studying with the television on, can conflict with your attempt to memorize information for a class or test.
The best thing to do when you’re trying to memorize something for a test or class is to turn the music off and sit in silence as you pore over your notes. You will undoubtedly see an improvement in your comprehension, memorization, and academic performance.
Will I Ever Need to Come to Campus for an Online Course?
College students enroll in online courses for the chance to go to school from the comfort of their own homes and for the flexibility that allows them to go to class at any time of day that’s most convenient to them. While most online courses will not require you to have to set foot on a college campus, there are a few exceptions, particularly for students who are completing entire degree or certificate programs fully online.
One instance where you may have to visit a college campus is to have exams proctored. Not every online instructor will have this requirement, but some do prefer students to show up in person to take tests so that a human being can oversee the testing process to ensure no cheating occurs. Even so, in many cases the testing process is flexible and can be scheduled at a convenient time for the student within the professor’s testing deadline. In this way, online instructors can accommodate students who are working professionals.
Even when your instructors themselves don’t require your physical presence on a campus, you may have to show up to a formal testing center to take tests associated with the earning of certifications. Sometimes this testing center is set up at your college campus, and sometimes it is somewhere else entirely.
Online science courses may require students to visit a campus so they can avail themselves of lab space and equipment. Also, nursing students may need to participate in some on-campus nursing labs for procedural training. In addition, online nursing students will need to complete clinical training at a health care facility in their city.
Another occasion where an online student would have to go to campus is for speech classes. While the lion’s share of such courses is conducted online, students generally will have to give a speech in front of their peers on campus at least three times a semester. Again, these speeches can be scheduled for a time that’s most convenient for the students.
The only other instance where online students will need to regularly visit a college campus is if they are enrolled in hybrid courses, which typically require a student to attend classes online and on-campus.
In conclusion, the best way to know if your online courses will require campus visits is by carefully looking over the course description before enrolling in the course. The description should clearly explain if and when campus visits are expected.
Completing Group Projects Online
While you may think that professors don’t assign group assignments or projects to students who are pursuing their degrees online, think again. Depending on which program you are enrolled in, you can be expected to do several group projects throughout your college career. And as if doing group work at a traditional school wasn’t hard enough, it can be exceptionally difficult if you’ve never even intermingled with your group partners in real life. But it can be done. Continue reading to learn how to do group projects online.
The first thing you want to do is get to know your team members. Exchange both e-mails and phone numbers if possible. This is because some people tend to respond to e-mails at a much slower rate than a phone call, and if you are in a bind and need to contact a team member right away, you’ll most likely have better luck calling them. At this time it’s also probably best to select a leader. This person will not be responsible of the majority of the coursework, rather just to make sure that everyone is collectively on task. With that said, this person should have strong organizational and communication skills and should probably be someone who has less obligations—meaning, those who have a full-time job and a family are probably not best for this role since their time is already limited.
The second thing you want to do is arrange a brainstorming session. Some prefer to meet in person at a local library or coffee shop to do this. But this might prove difficult for others since people have different schedules, live in different time zones, or even entirely different continents. If you cannot meet collectively in person then try to arrange another way for all of you to communicate simultaneously. A good idea would be to video chat using software like Skype or Oovo for example. During your brainstorming session, you can determine who the strongest students are and who may be weak links. The weak links are generally those who don’t really suggest many ideas or seem to be disinterested in the class all together. It generally is best to assign the weak links the easiest portion of the assignment. It may not seem fair, but it’s better not risking getting a low grade because the weak link fubbed on a major component of the project.
After you have collectively decided on an idea and have ensured that everyone is on the same page, you can simply e-mail each other back and forth to check on progress or if any questions need to be answered. It’s also equally important that you do your part of the assignment. If any complications arise, it’s important that you immediately notify your group members—you don’t want to leave anyone in the dark.
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make Freshman Year
The old saying goes that most people learn from their mistakes, but wise men learn from the mistakes of others. This is certainly true of the decisions you will make during your freshman year in college. Here we’ll explore some common mistakes you can avoid your freshman year.
One of the mistakes many freshmen make is assuming that because high school was easy for them, college will be easy too. Soon, however, they find that they were unprepared for the difficulty of college-level work. To avoid biting off more than you can chew, start by taking only the minimum amount of courses that allows you to remain a full-time student, which typically equates to four courses, or 12 credit hours. This way you won’t be blind-sided by the amount of work you will have to complete in college. If you are able to keep up with those courses successfully, you can try adding on an additional course next semester and go from there.
Another mistake freshmen have been known to make is dropping classes they don’t like or dropping classes at the first sign that it’s going to be more difficult than expected. Not only can dropping classes put you below the requirements of a full-time student, thus putting your financial aid and scholarships in jeopardy, but it can also put you behind on your schedule to graduate. Trust me, when you’re taking a grueling 18 credit hours your senior year to stay on track to graduation, you’re going to wish you hadn’t dropped so many classes your freshman year. Not to mention you miss out on a good challenge when you drop classes at the first sign of difficulty.
Freshman often don’t capitalize on their free time the way they should, like using that two hours between classes to study, or hitting the books for that test on Friday instead of hitting up that Thursday night house party. Effective time management doesn’t have to be something a freshman learns the hard way; it can be put into practice from the moment you start school
Finally, another mistake freshman make is making poor decisions when it comes to alcohol. All too many college freshman are so excited at the prospect of partying it up in college that they get in trouble with the law for underage drinking or public intoxication, and end up having to pay expensive fines and even spend the night in jail. College freshman would do well to drink responsibly and abide by the law when they’re out with friends instead of learning the hard way.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Classes
Online classes are perfect for those that are unable to attend a traditional school, but many are unaware that there are actually two different types of online formats—synchronous and asynchronous classes. Both are completely different and are designed for different types of students and learners. To find out which format is best for you, continue reading.
Synchronous classes are more like traditional classes. This is because students are required to "attend" class and log-in a specific time every day. They must also engage and participate with professors and other students in real-time, typically via a webcam, conference call, or chat forum. These types of classes are perfect for those who want a real class-room experience but do not have the ability to make the commute to a brick-and-mortar institution. But like when attending a traditional class, students must be prepared to answer lecture questions and participate in discussions on demand. This means you have to do all of the appropriate readings the night before to be prepared for class. This is a great option for students who easily lose focus when not closely monitored by a professor. It’s important to note that if you are considering this option that you have a high bandwidth Internet connection, a web cam and a microphone installed in your computer or laptop.
Most online classes, on the other hand, are asynchronous. This route is the most desired choice for working parents or those that need a more flexible schedule. Unlike synchronous classes, asynchronous classes allow students to attend class at their own convenience. Assignments and due dates are generally posted on a course management site daily. It’s the student’s responsibility to turn the assignment in on time, but he or she can watch the lecture videos, for example, whenever he or she pleases. While asynchronous classes are designed for those whose schedules don’t permit them to meet at a set time, it’s also perfect for those who generally take a longer time to prepare their thoughts, feel uncomfortable speaking in front of a large class of other students, or have difficulties speaking the English language. With that said, those who would like to pursue asynchronous online classes must be very detail oriented and must have strong writing and reading skills, and must do exceptionally well with individual work.
Find the Best Online School for You
If you are thinking about selecting an online university, it is important to know as much as you can about each potential program. You should be aware of a university’s accreditation, the degree programs offered, and what the cost of your education will be.
The first thing to look for in an online school is to see if the university is regionally accredited. In the United States, the highest form of accreditation is regional accreditation. This criterion guarantees that the education you receive from the university meets the principles of a superior curriculum. It presents to all of your prospective employers that you achieved your knowledge through the help of a professional faculty and had access to proficient student services. Regional accreditation also makes it easier to transfer credits between other such universities. The type of accreditation a school has is a reflection of its legitimacy. A tool that can help you verify a school’s accreditation status is accreditation.
After verifying a school’s accreditation, you should then research the programs that are being offered. You need to know if the curriculum being presented fits your specific needs. A great way to find out what a school is all about is by reading their mission statement. In it, you can usually learn about a school’s values and discover if they match up with your own. Decide if you are trying to learn more about a particular program, not all schools may offer your desired field of study. Look at the courses themselves. Do they focus on a specific type of thinking – theory and practical knowledge or factual and current? Some schools may offer a great liberal arts program while possessing a much weaker business program. It is important to understand that different schools have different strengths as well as different weaknesses.
Who teaches the courses you choose is important. What are the backgrounds of the professors? Are they experienced in the field of study, do they have a previous history of teaching online? Asking about your potential instructors can give you an idea of how specialized the information you will be obtaining is. Through your own research you can find more information about a professor via Google searching, ratemyprofessor.com, or any posted professor biography’s on the school’s website.
Remember that just because you are learning in an online format does not mean that your experience has to be detached and lack interaction with peers and faculty. Make sure your university has a solid array of professional assistance. If you need help immediately, methods of communications like instant messenger, e-mail, and message board should be available. A good online university should possess a strong support system for their students. Do not think that an online setting should be any less engaging than one at a brick and mortar campus. Make certain that your school has course content that is designed specifically for anyone learning online and that it tests you as a student.
Finally, understanding the costs of a school can help determine what a university may offer. Higher costs for superior online schools can sometimes be attributed to the hiring of strong and experienced faculty. The difference in the prices of online universities is balanced by the levels of convenience and flexibility they offer. It is common for an online school that costs substantially lower than most to not be so beneficial. They may not be accredited or have a very credentialed faculty. Do not take any shortcuts when it comes to your education. Contact any school you are seriously considering to find out the exact amount your tuition will cost. Another benefit of online education is that students who go to school online have the potential to receive financial aid. Find out more information to know if you are eligible.
