Study Prof

Whether you’re stuck in the Outback and want to finally get that masters degree or you just want to snap up a few college credits from the comfort of your own potato-chip-covered couch, distance learning is easier and more acceptable than ever. For all things distance learning check out the Business Exchange’s distance learning topic thread.

Smiling at the right time can actually improve your grades!  So brush those choppers and start grinning. Here’s how …

1. Come to class a few minutes early to avoid being part of the herd.
2. Make eye contact with your professor as you walk in.
3. Smile warmly (Hint: imagine s/he’s your long lost cousin.  If you don’t like your cousin, imagine it’s your long lost cousin being attacked by rabid ocelots.) (more…)

In the past, I’ve talked about exactly when to study for each class you’re taking. Follow that schedule and you will spend less time to get better grades!

But don’t make the mistake of blindly following anyone’s schedules or methods (mine included). It’s all about strategery, people.

Not all classes are created equal.  Some classes you can cut that schedule in half and still get an A.  In other classes, you may have to double up. Treat your schedule like a strategy game; carefully decide where you will get the most payoff and act accordingly.

Example; I took a class in (more…)

Recently got this email from one of my GRE students…

Cody,

I just wanted to let you know that I took a GRE test today and I got an 1170 (150 points higher than ever before).  Even though I have to admit that due to time constraints, I was unable to study [any more after your class], I can say with a great deal of certainty that I was able to improve because you taught us such helpful test taking techniques for the GRE.  All credit is due to your help and God’s grace.  Thanks again for such a great course.

Thanks,
John N

I tutor people all over the world via special computer software. If you need help, shoot me an email at blair (at) studyprof  (dot) com.

Double-click any word for the dictionary reference. Check back every day for more words.

abstemious
adhere
alias
amputate
antithesis
asteroid
avuncular
beget
bilious
boon (more…)

Yup. You read right. Research (and experience) shows that napping is the way to make your brain and your body work better, but napping at the wrong time of day or for too long can be counter-productive. Take a look at this napping cheat sheet courtesy of the Boston Globe to get it right. How to nap – Boston.com.

If you’re like me you probably see writing as something you are assigned by sadistic, work-happy profs, but writing is actually a powerful thinking tool. It will help you focus, recall, and understand! Whether you’re trying to get a bead on Charlemagne’s leadership genius, the weaknesses of multi-variate regressions, or the in’s and out’s of stoichiometry, writing can give you the mental boost you need.

How it works

Taking a doughy, unshaped thought and turning it into a well-constructed, logically-articulated sentence forces you to process at a higher level. You’ve got to take the info-mulch roiling around between your ears and (more…)

The BBC produced a program on how to improve your memory that’s worth a watch. Warning: it’s in British, so you may have to do a bit of translating. For example, when they ask you the coin question, think about a common coin in your country.

Enjoy… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGz3ChZJKa4

Double-click any word for the dictionary reference. Check back every day for more words.

abstain
adept
alcove
amplify
antiseptic
arcane
assurance
avow
befuddle
bigotry
bookish
brusque
cantata (more…)

We all know someone who can just pop out of bed in the early, early morning, recharged and raring to go. By the time we roll out of bed at the crack of noon, they’ve already done a half a day’s work.

When I’ve had jobs that forced me to get up in the morning, I’ve been a much more productive person. But how can I get myself to that point when no structured job is pressing?

Steve Pavlina, over at StevePavlina.com, explains how to make yourself into a morning person.

Any tricks you use to get yourself outta the sack in the AM? Let me know in the comments.