1. Successful college students attend all classes in
which they are enrolled. Moreover, they are on time. If they miss
a class, it is for a valid reason, and then they quickly make up assignments,
and obtain notes from a friend in the class. In addition,
they do not leave before class is finished.
2. While in class, successful college students show respect to others
by paying close attention to the discussions as led by their instructor.
These students realize that an instructor is a professional educator who
is dedicated to making material clear and understandable to students. When
an instructor leads a class through difficult and complex topics, it is similar
to a conductor leading an orchestra. All musicians in the orchestra must
follow the conductor if the concert is to be a success. So it is with a
class. Successful college students realize that it is essential to follow the instructor carefully and, to the best of their abilities, make the
course a rewarding experience.
3. During class successful college students learn
how to concentrate and focus their thoughts on the topic being
discussed. They don't chat with their friends, read, or stare
out windows, since those actions show disrespect for everyone in the room, and distracts both students and the instructor. In other words,
successful college students are polite and attentive.
4. Successful college students respond to questions
from their instructor, even if they feel shy or uncertain. These
students also ask questions, and that usually helps clarify ideas for other students. For each student who asks a question, instructors realize that there are several other students who may
have been wondering the same thing, and so the question is much appreciated.
5. Successful college students work to develop an interest
in the subject, even if it is not their major.
6. Successful college students know that they are here to gain knowledge. They also realize
that they must respect the knowledge and training of their instructors. They know that ignoring and forgetting information
given to them is not only a waste of everyone's time, but it's also a way of closing their
mind to new ideas. A successful student comes to college with an open mind,
a desire to listen to new ideas, and looks forward to the possibility
of discarding or rejecting old ideas that may be erroneous.
7. Successful college students come to class prepared. They
have read assigned materials and reviewed their notes. They always bring
all the necessary materials and supplies to class.
8. Successful college students turn in assignments that are neat.. They take time to produce a final product that
has a professional appearance; it reflects a caring attitude and pride
in their work and in themselves.
9. Successful college students turn in all assignments, and they turn them in on time..
10. Successful college students form friendships with their classmates, and often exchange phone numbers so they can study together
or get missed assignments and lecture notes.
11. Successful college students respect and care for class and laboratory materials, such as microscopes, books, and models. They also clean up after themselves. Successful college students don't prop their feet up on the
desks, don't eat, don't put on make-up, don't file their finger nails, and don't work on outside materials during class.
12. Successful college students take time to communicate with their instructor (by e-mail or before and after class) about ideas, course content, comments made on their papers and upcoming exams.
13. Successful college students, like all truly successful people,
care about themselves and others, about their future profession, and the Earth. They work daily to make each day a little better.
