FOREWORD
It is the ultimate aspiration of every student to attain higher heights. Most of us want to further our education to higher levels. But it is sad to know that not all students are able to climb that high. Some lag behind along the way due to a myriad of reasons. You therefore must be proud of yourself for surmounting all obstacles and challenges to come this far. You are an achiever! However, you need to be aware that as you go higher, the difficulties become stronger. You will be confronted with challenging issues such as; the new style of teaching; getting along with new people; coping with stress; personal, financial and time management.
As an academician, I have realised from my many years of experience that lots of students lack the basic rules of success in the classroom and beyond. This unfortunate development is, at least partly, to be blamed on the absence of good reading material that covers all aspects of student life. I therefore accepted with great joy, the honour from Thomas to foreword this wonderful book. One thing I like about the book is that it presents material in a practical, easy-to-read format for all kinds of students. I urge you to take absolute advantage of all the useful tips the book provides so as to develop your capabilities and potentials to become an outstanding student.
The central message of the book is to equip you with the practical principles and strategies to be successful as a student. It takes you through major issues of student life, including; ways of getting along with others, effective ways of learning and note-taking, preparation for exams, time and stress management, personal financial management, dating and relationships, etc. START RIGHT provides you with the systematic framework to develop learning and problem-solving attitudes that work effectively both in and outside the classroom. This will help you to start your career right and end it right.
Prof. I. K. Dontwi
Dean, Institute of Distance Learning
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Kumasi, Ghana
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE
WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?
IN ALL THINGS GOD FIRST
THE EDUCATION YOU WILL OBTAIN AS A STUDENT
SETTING GOALS: THE SYSTEMATIC PLANNING TO SUCCESS
Know yourself before setting your goals
Set realistic, attainable goals
Evaluate your goals over time
Update your goals with time
BELIEVE YOU CAN DO IT
BE CONSCIENTIOUS
THE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
1. Self-confidence
2. Positive Mental Orientation
3. Commitment
4. Enthusiasm
5. Self expression
6. Suggestions
7. Relaxation
8. Aptitude for Happiness
9. Success
CHAPTER TWO
ACCEPT DIVERSITY AS PART OF LIFE
ADAPT TO THE NEW ENVIRONMENT
BE OPEN AND HONEST: LET OTHERS KNOW YOU
NOT EVERYONE MAKES A GOOD FRIEND
CHAPTER THREE
THE VALUE OF TIME MANAGEMENT
IDENTIFY WHERE YOUR TIME GOES
1. Control your communication
2. Get away from distractions
3. Find other ways
4. Just say ‘no’
5. “Under-promise”
SET PRIORITIES
PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES
Get your academic calendar
Obtain your time table
Prepare your to-do list
FIGHT PROCRASTINATION
Causes of procrastination
REMEDIES FOR PROCRASTINATION
Rational Self-talk
Positive self-statements
3. Don't “catastrophise”
4. Set clear goals
5. Prioritise your tasks
6. Break big tasks into smaller pieces
7. Start with the easiest task
8. Get organised
9. Commit yourself
10. Work in a group
11. Use prompts
12. Reward yourself when the job is done
CHAPTER FOUR
WHAT IS YOUR LEARNING STYLE?
The Receptive Learning Styles
How do you process information?
Your learning style is influenced by your brain processing style
Your personality affects your learning styles
IDENTIFY YOUR TEACHER’S TEACHING STYLE
CHAPTER FIVE
PREPARE BEFORE COMING TO CLASS
Know the course objectives
Complete assignments before your class
Skim through your note before class starts
Have all tools and materials you need
PUT YOURSELF TOGETHER IN CLASS
Go to class early
Sit where you're comfortable
ADAPT TO YOUR LECTURER'S STYLE
PROCESS INFORMATION: DO NOT COPY
ASK QUESTIONS IN CLASS
Improving your question-asking abilities
REVIEW YOUR NOTES AFTER CLASS
TAKE NOTES AS YOU STUDY
LEARN FOR UNDERSTANDING, NOT SPEED
IDENTIFY YOUR PRIME TIME AND ATTENTION SPAN
CHAPTER SIX
STRATEGISE FOR THE EXAMS
TACKLING THE EXAM
DO NOT CHEAT
CHAPTER SEVEN
TYPES OF STRESS
Daily hassles
Personal stress
Cataclysmic events
THE EFFECTS OF STRESS
WHAT IS STRESSING YOU?
AVOIDING STRESS
Eat right
Sleep well
Exercise regularly
Avoid drug abuse
COPING WITH STRESS
Relax
Take charge
CHAPTER EIGHT
KNOW YOUR INCOME SOURCES
BUDGET FOR EVERYTHING
YOUR BUDGET SHOULD ADD UP
REVIEW YOUR BUDGET OVER TIME
CHAPTER NINE
ARE YOU READY FOR IT?
IS HE/SHE REALLY THE ONE FOR YOU?
ARE YOU PREPARED TO PAY THE PRICE?
DOES IT BENEFIT YOU?
COMMUNICATION IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP
AVOIDING AND RESOLVING CONFLICT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP
SURVIVING BREAK-UPS
CHAPTER TEN
LESSONS LEARNT
PLAN! PLAN!! PLAN!!!
COMMUNICATE CLEARLY WITH OTHERS
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Objectives and Topics
The primary goal of this book is to provide students with a systematic, practical framework for navigating the challenges of higher education. It seeks to equip readers with proven strategies for academic success, personal management, and interpersonal development, helping them build the necessary habits to excel both in and beyond the classroom.
- Goal setting and systematic planning
- Effective time management and overcoming procrastination
- Strategies for learning and note-taking
- Personal health, stress management, and financial responsibility
- Building healthy relationships and resolving conflicts
Excerpt from the Book
SETTING GOALS: THE SYSTEMATIC PLANNING TO SUCCESS
A well-proven way to success is to employ goal-setting strategies. Setting well-defined goals enables you to channel your efforts towards achieving something important to you. Goal setting gives you a target and enables you to develop the self-discipline required to achieve that target.
To succeed in your education, you need to set both long and short-term goals. Long-term goals are objectives relating to your major achievements that take some time to accomplish, whilst short-term goals are limited steps that are taken towards accomplishing the long-term goals. To be successful in the long term, you must be successful short term. For instance, your long-term goal may be to obtain a first class honours degree. But to achieve that, you need to have short-term goals such as thoroughly understanding what is taught in class, completing and submitting assignments in time and obtaining good grades in all exams.
Obviously, you know who you are. You know your name, hometown and former school. But there's more to it. You have a unique history and genetic constitution that is unlike anyone else's. Goal setting starts with knowing yourself. Knowing what is and what is not important to you, your learning style, your information processing ability and your personality style. You do not have to do exactly what others do to achieve their aims; their styles might not be the same as yours. Do it your own way. Discover and improve yourself. Some adjustment may be necessary but not at the expense of your set goals. Only ensure that your goals are in tune with your long-term objectives.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Discusses the importance of having a mission statement and establishing personal priorities to ensure academic and social success on campus.
CHAPTER TWO: Explores the necessity of accepting diversity and building healthy, respectful relationships with peers from various backgrounds.
CHAPTER THREE: Provides practical strategies for managing time effectively, prioritizing tasks, and overcoming the habit of procrastination.
CHAPTER FOUR: Examines different learning styles and teaches students how to identify their preferred ways of processing information to optimize their academic performance.
CHAPTER FIVE: Focuses on the essentials of effective classroom engagement, including pre-class preparation, active listening, and refined note-taking methods.
CHAPTER SIX: Offers advice on preparing for examinations, including forming study groups and utilizing appropriate strategies to manage test anxiety.
CHAPTER SEVEN: Outlines methods for identifying, avoiding, and coping with the various types of stress encountered during student life.
CHAPTER EIGHT: Covers basic principles of financial management, emphasizing the importance of budgeting and distinguishing between necessary and luxury expenditures.
CHAPTER NINE: Provides guidance on navigating dating and romantic relationships, focusing on communication, compatibility, and conflict resolution.
CHAPTER TEN: Serves as a concluding synthesis, reinforcing the importance of proper planning and clear communication as the cornerstones of long-term success.
Keywords
Higher Education, Academic Success, Goal Setting, Time Management, Procrastination, Learning Styles, Note Taking, Stress Management, Financial Budgeting, Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Personal Development, Study Skills, Student Life, Academic Honesty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this book?
The book is designed to equip students with practical principles and strategies to navigate the academic and social challenges of university life successfully.
What are the primary themes discussed in the text?
The core themes include goal-oriented planning, effective communication, time management, personal discipline, and maintaining balance in social and financial aspects of student life.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to assist students in establishing a systematic framework that ensures they "start their studies right" and graduate with a sense of accomplishment.
Which scientific methods or approaches are recommended?
The author advocates for analytical, goal-based planning, the application of "I" statements in communication, and the use of structured note-taking (e.g., outlines) to improve memory retention.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections cover comprehensive student life issues ranging from understanding individual learning styles and lecturer expectations to managing stress, finances, and personal relationships.
What keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include academic success, goal setting, time management, learning styles, stress management, and conflict resolution.
How should a student approach procrastination according to the text?
The book suggests breaking large tasks into manageable pieces, using rational self-talk to challenge excuses, and starting with the easiest tasks to build momentum.
How does the author define a "good friend" in the academic context?
A good friend is defined by the mutual support, concern, and shared values that contribute positively to your well-being and academic mission rather than draining your focus.
What is the recommended approach to exam anxiety?
The author recommends adequate preparation, a realistic assessment of the exam's purpose, and learning relaxation techniques to maintain composure.
What is the suggested strategy for conflict resolution?
The strategy focuses on listening to the "real message" rather than just the words, using "I" statements to prevent defensiveness, and prioritizing problem-solving over "winning" an argument.
- Quote paper
- Thomas Karikari (Author), 2014, START RIGHT. Strategies for success in Higher Education and beyond, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/271994
