Hi all!
I am more motivated this year, since having discovered that my reading issues might be solved next semester.
A lot of troubles are just because I have been so frustrated at finding a solution.

Anyway, one of the worst things I do is not prepare properly... I don't even realize it until I am looking through 3 different notebooks for math notes 5 days before the final.

So here is my list of problems I had this past semester:
1) notes are all over the place (need to keep them in one spot, in order)

2) readings not done, too slow to do them

3) accommodation forms LATE... need to get them in in advance

4) tutoring needs to be set up IMMEDIATELY

5) didn't have anyone to help me organize my paper


Here is my list of things I'm going to do to prepare:
1) One big spiral bound notebook for each course, one binder for handouts (spiral notebook will go in binder probably)

2) I'm going to buy my books tommorow, take them home and try to dictate them over the holidays (I have 3 weeks with nothing to do in my hometown...)

3) Do all my accommodation form at the beginning of the year

4) Ask for tutoring at the beginning of the year (or now)

5) talk to prof about getting assignment info early

6) use my PDA for EVERYTHING (I've been using scrap papers, and other dayplanners...)

7) clear out my old school stuff into my old school notes box

8) make an assignements page in the front of the notebook to keep track of marks.

9) schedule in the reading to do the week before

Anyone else?
What has helped you to prepare in advance?

I hope we can all support each other by helping us keep on track, and helping each other get BACK ON track.

This seems like an excellent idea.

Unfortunately I am not in school anymore. hehehe :(

That sounds great! Good luck to you.

My first semester I tried to read a few chapters of each text book before the first day of class.. but I still fell behind anyway, and wasn't able to keep that up this semester..

I use one of those flimsy soft plastic binders and fill it with 1) lined paper 2)single-pocket dividers. And I keep label tags on the dividers with the name of each class. It gets pretty full, but that way I have all handouts, notes, and plenty of spare paper in the same binder; for all of my classes. And at home, I have a file box labeled by class for all of my returned asignments and such.

It's also been helpful for me to look over class sylabusses and even if they have 'tenative assignments schedules' I'll type that schedule up into a condensed form, print it, and tape all of them to the inside of my binder so I can alway have an overview at a glance of what to expect and prepare for from all of my classes. I also taped these on the wall by my computer. This really helped me last semester- I didn't do that this semester and I realized what a difference it had made the first time.

Because I have a tendancy not to take care of business, I'll force myself to arrive to campus EARLY- so early that I have no choice but to go "Oh yeah- I could do this stuff now!" This semester I got to school an hour early sometimes once a week, and it helped me with all of the mundane paper running and application stuff.

You may be able to set up tutoring now- or at least an appointment to set it up? Doesn't always work with me, but sometimes I'm more likely to arrive for an appoinment that to just walk into an office and finish something before it's too late. Maybe you could even get someone from the dis. resource center to call you and rememind you that you have a deadline to set these things up by. Or send a letter (though that never works for me- Kindling!)

I also review what my class schedule looks like. I know these have an elemnet of chaos to them; but it's helped me to go out on a limb and make sure I have two or three idle hours in the middel of my school day so that I can not only eat, but also do my reading, or work on my assignments- or die of boredom!

If I can think of anything else I'll let you know; that's all I can think of for now!

It sounds like you've got pretty much everything covered though- but if you're like me, then it's an issue of follow-though! :)

What year are you? Classes?

THanks for replying...
I found that my issues are
~not doing the readings at all
it takes too long to get through them... being a psych major, I sat down and tried to think of WHY I didn`t follow through.
I figure it`s because they are SO TEDIOUS that it takes so much effort to read AND understand them that I just subconsciously have myself convinced that it`s not worth it.

It all changed this year, because I found that listening to the readings recorded on tape AT THE SAME TIME as I was reading the text really helped with the COMPREHENSION part of it. I don`t have an issue reading it, my brain seems to have no problem taking the visual words and converting them to sounds in my mind... but there seems to be a roadblock when it comes to making sense and storing the information.

Anyway, the recordings are played on a tape recorder so I can adjust the audio to my visual reading speed.

I found that having that help really motivated me to read, which was great!! I`d never felt motivated like that before!

So I have accommodations to have my books recorded on to analog tape for next semester.

another issue is
keeping my things in one place
in the past, I would have a clipboard and loose 3 hole paper, but the paper never made it to the respective binders.

Even if the binders are colour coded, with corresponding folder to hold the binder together with the textbook, the lecture notes would just stay in my clipboard.

I also felt like the 3 hole paper was too "floppy" in the binder.

So I switched to spiral bound notebooks, which were colour coded. This helped a LOT!!! I had the notes all there, secure, in order. The only pain in the ***** thing was that I`m usually late for class, so I have to estimate how much space I need to fill in the first part of the lecture.

I also needed to figure out how many pages to leave for the classes I missed.

The other thing... this is going to sound really picky and finicky...

is that I don`t like having three subjects in one notebook, in case I run out of room in one subject and have to start another book, but my other course would still have pages left to fill in...

So I have ONE SPIRAL notebook for each course.

Then there is the issue of how many pges I need....?


Is this a case of me just having to FORCE myself into orbganizing my notes EACH class?
the thing is, I LIKE having the notes from the previous classes with me... it just is a reassuring feeling. I also find that I am motivated to study for a course right after the lecture, so having the notes there is great.

What is your system?

I like to hear other people`s ideas, and I love hearing pros and cons to their systems.

THanks!

Originally posted by Slowpoke

it takes too long to get through them... being a psych major, I sat down and tried to think of WHY I didn`t follow through.

in the past, I would have a clipboard and loose 3 hole paper, but the paper never made it to the respective binders.

is that I don`t like having three subjects in one notebook, in case I run out of room in one subject and have to start another book, but my other course would still have pages left to fill in...


I used to use the clipboard in high school too, and had the same problem. That's why I switched to the binder with sections of paper separated by one-pocked folders- and I always carry an extra pack of paper in case I run out in one section. I always have to have my notes with me if it's possible, all in one place- or I lose them! The binder gets kind of annoying, though, so I guess nothings perfect. Once I had a HUGE indusdrial strength binder- it's hard to fit that thing onto those little "appetizer platters" that you have as a "desk" in those lecture halls- so i switched to a smaller floppy little $2 deal. The only thing that I don't like about it is that I often have to empty my notes out of it half-way into the semester to make more room for blank paper. So I thread that together and file it.. or just lose it!

Maybe you could get one of those plastic mini-filers that's like a really fat folder with file-slots; keep it in your back pack, carry paper-clips- and after each class just take your notes straight from the clip board and slip them into the mini-filer with a section for each class and bind your class notes with a paper clip. Wow, that's hard for me to explain! Does that make sense? Just a thought.

I'm very serious about scheduling several free hours in one chunk in the middle of the school day. I couldn't have made it so far without doing that. ..Except I don't think I was able to swing that for next semester.. I'll have to check.. whoops! :)

I'm probably going to try the tape-recorder strategy next semester; see if that works.

For a history class last semester I studied my notes by typing them out on my computer twice, and made them look semi-cool. But this also supplied me with extra copies of my notes, along with back up on my hard drive.

In my 1st attempt at college about 5 years ago (was it 4?) I tried an introductory Psyc class. It really helped me rationalize why I dropped out... 'Cause I found out that stress kills! Hats off to you- I'm interested in Psychology; but I could never study it!

I'm taking a lecture and a lab next semester called "Ideas in Physics", theory classes. I love theory, but I'm nervous that it's going to turn out to be too hard core for me- even though it's supposed to be basic. Ever had a class like that? I don't know what to expect! Should I read some of "A brief history of time?" Find a Nova special? Build a catapult?

Come to think of it- If you can ever find a Nova special pertaining to what you're studying it can help. I love Nova. Always on PBS late at night! They make their points very clear and use really good visuals (in the more recent ones, anyway)

Preparing for the semester in advance... I got a head start in December talking to a shrink at my school's medical center. She put me on some medication (from which the side effects were unbearable) and wants to hook me up with a coach at school. That's something I'm looking forward too. This semester was just awful. I barely got any of my assignments done on time, my study group members (in all groups, I think) were about ready to come to my house with torches & pitchforks, and I really thought I was going to fail some classes. But, my grades were OK (*whew*), and that was the hardest semester I have to have.

After dealing with handouts for 20-some-odd-years of education, I've found something that works: but the only place I know to get one is the bookstore of the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. It is a four-pocket file folder that folds over onto a legal pad. I take notes (such as they are) for all classes on the one legal pad, and file away all of my handouts as soon as I get them (wonder of wonders) in the appropriate folder.

I'm scared of the PDA. In my hands such things have a tendancy to turn into $400- paperweights. Maybe I'll see how you folks fare first. ;)

Originally posted by SObearCAL
I'm scared of the PDA. In my hands such things have a tendancy to turn into $400- paperweights. Maybe I'll see how you folks fare first. ;)

I'll wait too (the good ones are too expensive!!!). That's like this school organizing data-base scheduler thingy program that an uncle gave me a few years ago. I tried to use it; and the problem was that it didn't do anything for me (I mean that literally!). It neither entered the information I needed entered, didn't come out and smack me when somehting was reaching a deadline, and it didn't give me extra time to sit down and use it!

Well, I just wanted to let you all of you here know that I passed both my courses, which means that I can take all three courses next semester.
The one course I was worried about I got the mercy mark of 50% on the dot... and that was because I didn`t hand in (or write) the paper that was worth 15% of the total grade.
Next semester, I am getting a tutor to help me start the paper from the beginning of the term, and I`ve already e-mailed a prof about getting the details for the written assisngment right away.

For whoever mentioned the file folder with the legal pad attached to it, I thought about getting that, but wasn`t sure how I could handle all the loose paper in the folders... I can just picture myself dropping the papers all over the floor...

WHY WHY WHY... is it so hard to find a solution to what we need?

~colour coded
~secured pages
~removable
~all together (all courses at once)

if there was a way to have a file folder with LIGHT WEIGHT binders with a pad attached, that would be great...

but with my laptop now, it would be pretty heavy to carry around a 3 ring binder for all 3 courses. It also doesn`t fit into my backpakc very well either.

SO.... back to the drawing board.

I am trying something new...

I have the reading schedule out, and I figure I need to go through the information several times anyway...

so here are the various `rounds`
1) skim through and write down all the bold type words and make a list of vocab I need to know (the page folds over to hide the definition part, so I can quiz myself. I`ll copy these over to cue cards or matching card sets later)

2) reading through with the audio recording

3) not sure yet, but probably going through lecture notes and picking out the important concepts and topics

I have started to write out the definitions already, and I think this is going to be a project that I will try to do well in advance. My goal is to have the first two chapters done before school starts next monday. (I have a 5 hours plane flight, so I will have some time to do that then...)

For the other two courses, I havn`t gotten the reading packages yet... but once I do, they have to be recorded... I then plan on doing similar process as above for it...

I have been binding all the readings together (spiral bound) which was nice since it kept all of them together, but I am thinking that perhaps it was intimidating to have the WHOLE book there... so I might try binding all the readings separately and only carrying the one I need... but that has the possibility of me losing it. I guess I`ll have to make copies of them or something. Maybe have a master copy somewhere and then another copy somewhere else.

I wonder if having each of the readings in a separate packaging (duo-tang, folder etc) with numbers on each would help?

Or just stapling them together, and then having a `Master Binder` where they will reside? Hmmm.... We Shall see...

If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.
I hate courses that have Custom Course Material... the informaiton is fragmented and feels like it`s coming from out of nowhere...

Ugh.

Originally posted by Slowpoke
Well, I just wanted to let you all of you here know that I passed both my courses, which means that I can take all three courses next semester.
The one course I was worried about I got the mercy mark of 50% on the dot... and that was because I didn`t hand in (or write) the paper that was worth 15% of the total grade.
Next semester, I am getting a tutor to help me start the paper from the beginning of the term, and I`ve already e-mailed a prof about getting the details for the written assisngment right away.


That's great!! :D Good luck!!

Hello all!
I haven't been on the site as much as I used to...
Here is an update...
I've had two of my 3 first round of midterms.
I've been working with a grad student tutor for 'strategic content', which has been great.

Good things I've accomplished this semester:
*doing more reading... I have the readings tape recorded

*I have found that for reading plays, colour coding the speaker's name in the script helps A LOT! My brain doesn't thave to process who is talking and to whom... I'm taking Classical Greek Comedy.

*I have also started to ask people just to read the play out loud with me at work (I lifeguard, so when I'm in the guardroom as backup, there are always people around). Most feel stupid at first, but then they usually get into it and have fun

*I have been taking my laptop to class to take notes, and it's a lifesaver!!

*I have two essays due, and have the motivation to do them, thanks to my tutor, who helps me organize the first parts

*also discovered that just talking over the diagrams and scematic maps for the History of Canada post Confed, helps A LOT!!!

I have my reading break right now, so I am relaxing at home.
I'm going to go work out in a bit, then do some reading for the classical studies midterm (the day I start school again)

How is everyone else doing?

This week, my goals are:
To plan out study times for each day
plan out my essays
do readings... schedule time in every day
***try to keep to my normal sleep schedule***

I hope things are going well for everyone!
Keep on truckin'!

Yeah I've basically dissappered because of midterms too... (one was last week, i have another this wednesday)

Tape recording lectures has helped me a lot, but more than ANYTHING, taking a new approach to my notes has been key. I've become a lot more active in lectures and it really helps... too bad I still have a long way to go.

I've been getting most of my homework done, but i"m still playing catch-up from a terrible start to teh semester.

I've been spending tons of time studying and things, but I'm still approaching it from the wrong angle. I tend to work on theory more than practical application (in my classes application is ten thousand times more important) so even though I have the big picture in math, for example, I still can't do the computation. half the time I don't even know what they're looking for... not good!! I'm getting there though.

This semester looks like it's going to be better than past ones, but still not as good as it could be. (definatley not A's) I've been having some trouble with motivation, and it feels like my life is a tornado. I've been letting everyone and everything down... relationships, commitments to extra-curriculars, promises.

I'm not on the right meds yet either and that isnt' helping anything.

One good thing though is that all my life I've been in the frame of mind that if I do what everyone else does I should be fine - but now that I know I have ADHD i've realized that I really DO need to work a lot harder than everyone else to get to the same place... so as a result I've been putting in tons of extra work (in the wrong places... but i'm working on that) and it's helping.

i need to make a study schedule too.... (and a WORK schedule, and a practice schedule for music lessons....)

slowpoke - that's great that you are doing well so far!! I hope your third midterm turns out well...

At this point I havn't a clue as to what I'm doing.

I had an ok start on this 20 pg physics theory paper this weekend and now my head feels like goo. I think I have to break from it for a day. It has to be reviewed on Wed and a lot is expected from it, so the pressure is on. And I'm having to read the neccesary material as I write the paper- I'm kinda feeling around in the dark it seems.

I cannot balance out the art history reading, which even by itself would be a lot for me, with the physics reading; and that by itself would usually be WAY too much for me to read in the alloted time. (the phys prof is literally handing us multiple photocopied chapterSSSS in handouts, every day- I can't keep up!!) I read very slowly, and can't usually get away with reading something once unless I write out paraphrases of what I read as I go; then review what I wrote later.

So on all of my readings, I have stayed behind since day one and flip flop every other week to reading for the ArtH then the Phys class. Its funny how I can be, all at once, ahead, behind, and catching up. But I'm never where I should be!

I am so glad I opted not to take a math class this semester!

but at least I can chew, drink, read, write, twitch my legs and drum the table at the same time. The three free hourse I forced into my schedule in the middle of my days is priceless for studying; I study better on campus than I do later when I get home.

And I can tell that my piano prof is getting very frustrated with me. She's finding (and this is just my history repeating itself) that I still can't read a single lick off of the music sheet. By now this is supposed to be the least we have to worry about. Some of my classmates can read fly spit off the paper.

So far I have kind of been able to maintain a steady sleep schedule, thank goodness for melatonin.

I should get back to work now. I have to write two pages for a class I hate tomorrow morn (It's a busy-work class that I can't get out of and it's only helping me get further behind in all of my other classes). I'm tempted to type out something in wingdings and turn that in.

I am very glad to hear you guys are doing so well, good luck on everything in any case!

Sounds wonderful... I haven't been in school for ages... lol

Well, I started out doing ok, but I just let a paper get away from me. Turned it in late for a 1 grade deduction. Hopefully it won't do too much damage to my overall grade for the class. Also, the class in in a department in which I'm trying to get an RA-ship. Ugh. We shall see...

Other than that, things aren't that bad. Best of luck to all with the rest of the semester :D

-Christopher