By Craig Gilman
Faculty Member at American Public University
Online Learning Tips Guest Contributor
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Chinese proverb. As a professor at American Public University nothing gives me more satisfaction than knowing I have helped students take a step toward their academic goals. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing otherwise capable students stumble along the path. There may be a number of obstacles along the way. Some are inevitable. Most are avoidable. Based on my experience as a professor working with entry-level students and those who transfer into the online environment, taking the following steps will definitely enhance a student’s odds of success.
Week Zero (Before the term starts)
Plan your time wisely.
- Begin by planning to spend about 12-15 hours, per course, per week for eight week courses.
- Identify times available for study and schedule accordingly. Write it down!
- Share your goals and explain your commitment to your family, friends and colleagues.
Week One
Get off to a good start. The first week of a course is often one of the busiest and most important.
- Visit and review the classroom on day one, even if you cannot study that day.
- Use the course syllabus to create and post a written schedule where you will see it regularly.
- Read any announcements, messages, or other information provided by the professor.
- Familiarize yourself with the remainder of the classroom.
- If required, post your introduction and reply to others in the forum.
- Visit your classroom each day to check for messages and announcements from the professor.
- Learn your professor’s name and contact information. Say hi!
- Complete assignments according to the guidance and directions provided.
Week Two
Surround yourself with success.
- Identify students who share the same degree program or career field. They make good study partners.
- Review comments made by the professor in your gradebook or on assignments from week one.
- Consider the requirements for any long-term projects and begin preparation for them.
- Spend time in the online library and other resources.
Week Three
Step up your game.
- Now that you are familiar with the classroom, make a concerted effort to do your best.
- Plan for any mid-term assessments as they are one week away.
- Dedicate some time to end-of-term assessments.
Week Four
Assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
- Contact the professor with any questions you might have based on the feedback provided.
- Review your participation and interaction in the forums. Note and respond to those who replied to your discussion. Respectfully consider responses to questions you might have asked others.
- Are you comprehending and retaining the course content?
- You are half way there! Consider all that you have accomplished.
Week Five
Look forward.
- Review your academic plan or contact your academic advisor to register for next term’s courses.
- Take note of what study and time managements techniques are productive and what are not.
Week Six
Crunch time.
- Review your gradebook, not only for professor guidance, but to ensure that all properly submitted assignments have been received and recorded.
- Ensure that you are making sufficient progress on end-of-term projects, such as research papers or preparation for finals.
Week Seven
You are almost there.
- Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed.
- Dedicate time to end-of-term assessments.
Week Eight
Cross the finish line.
- Submit any remaining assignments and review your gradebook.
- Trade contact information with colleagues you wish to maintain in your professional network.
- Send a thank you to the professor; you never know when you might study with him or her again.
- Save useful course resources from the classroom.
- Thank your friends and office colleagues for their support.
- Reward yourself for your efforts.
As a professor I find that those students who put in a legitimate effort and follow the guidance above are those that succeed.
About Craig:
Craig Gilman is currently an online, adjunct who teaches COLL100 and for the School of Education for American Public University System. A veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps, he is a former, certified public school, secondary social studies teacher with an MS Education and MA International Relations from Old Dominion University.
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