It's never too late to succeed

University courseload may stress new students; Iowa State offers help

Issue date: 8/28/07 Section: FYI

Students, from left, Ben Ferin, junior in mechanical engineering, Philippe Hevesy, senior in mechanical engineering, and Sean Anderson, junior in construction engineering, get some group study time in for their thermal dynamics class Monday afternoon at Parks Library. Studying in groups may help students improve their grade and understanding of the subject in an informal way.

With one week of classes under our belts, some of us are finding out although some courses will be easy credit, others will create headaches and stress.

So when the course seems impossible, how do you excel?

Bailey Roelfs, freshman in food science, was scared for the first week of school and is still worried that her classes will be harder than she can handle.

"I was really worried about my chemistry," Roelfs said. "I was OK at it in high school, but I was worried about it in college and I think it will be harder."

Roelfs has found the class environment to be the most challenging aspect of classes so far.

"Since I came from a small school, I was used to being one-on-one with the teacher," she said.

Many students find it difficult to raise hands and ask questions in front of a large lecture hall. As a result, some fall behind and do not understand the material being covered.

The Academic Success Center provides a number of opportunities for students to get help in classes and to learn how to excel in difficult courses.

One option is Supplemental Institution, which is a program available for some of the more difficult 100- and 200-level classes. Leaders for the SI sessions have taken the class previously and have shown strong proficiency in the course. They attend the lectures and teach scheduled sessions that can help the students excel in the class.

Roelfs said she has SI sessions available for two of her science classes.

"If I don't understand something, I'm afraid I'll fall behind," Roelfs said. "I think the SI sessions will really help."

Mary Camp, administrative assistant for the ASC, said many students benefit from the programs that are available. Tutoring is a common way that students ask for help with as many as 1,700 requests for tutoring help this semester.

"It has just grown consistently," Camp said. "We hope it continues to grow."

ASC hires student tutors who have the desire to help, as well as a grade of a B+ or higher in the class. The tutor also needs references from professors.

"We have skilled tutors who help people and costs are kept low for students," Camp said.

Camp said once a student is interested in getting a tutor, they are then assessed by an academic consultant and given suggestions in how to get the help that they need.

The major suggestion Camp had for all students is that if you know you need help, commit the time and get it. Students often wait too long in the semester when it is difficult for them to catch up and learn all that is needed to succeed.

"The earlier the better," Camp said.

Chris Hieggelke, senior in marketing and Spanish, had a few suggestions about succeeding.

"Go and make an effort to sit in the front row, especially for a large lecture," Hieggelke said.

Hieggelke said by sitting near the front, there is a greater chance the student will pay attention and not be distracted. He also said that in his experience, he has found cell phones and laptops create a distraction.

"That was a big mistake of mine," Hieggelke said. "I just AIMed and chatted in class."

Roelfs said she found it a distraction when people around her were not being considerate of others.

"I focused on the computer before I focused on the teacher," she said. "If you're bringing your laptop just to look at Facebook, why come?"

Both Hieggelke and Roelfs said laptops can be handy, but a notebook works just as well.

"I find it helpful to highlight and take notes while I'm reading," Hieggelke said. "Skimming the text before class can be especially helpful."

There are many ways to study. The main thing is to find a way that works best for each class and stick to it.

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