New Year’s Resolutions for Students
The usual
resolutions for students revolve around getting high grades and
basically doing well in their academic careers. Sometimes, these are
sustained and done when the year ends; most of the time, it’s forgotten
after January.
Rather than make general resolutions, encourage
your students to come up with specific action points that they can
commit to. When done consistently, these actions will eventually lead
to a student’s better performance in school.
Here are some examples:
Get organized. It
helps a great deal if a student’s life is clutter-free, from the house,
life and work. Throw out the useless things that weigh down or hold
back.
Use time well. Create a schedule and stick with it. This time management site may be of good help: http://gradschool.about.com/od/procrastination/Time_Management_and_Procrastination.htm
Balance multiple roles. Balance studying and spending time with family and friends.
Study more. Build good study habits. Check out
http://gradschool.about.com/cs/studytips1/index.htm for some tips and advice.
Have fun, but not too much. If you spend weekends having fun, be responsible for getting to class prepared the following Monday.
Keep up with the news. Keep tabs with what is happening around you. Knowing current information comes in handy in class.
Exercise. Begin an exercise habit and work it into an everyday routine. A healthy body goes hand in hand with a healthy mind.
Recycle. Help take care of the environment, reuse bags and containers and throw garbage properly.
Volunteer. Set a number of hours for the year that can be allotted for a local charity or social cause.
Resolve to always think positively. Be
proud of your achievements and dream of success. Focus on the important
things. Develop strategies to deal with problems encountered. Try new
things and be optimistic.
Sources:
Kuther, Tara. (n.d.) New year’s resolutions for graduate students. Retrieved January 9, 2008 from
http://gradschool.about.com/od/stressmanagemen1/a/newyear.htm
Rockler-Gladen, Naomi. (n.d.) Student New Year’s Resolutions. Retrieved January 9, 2008 from
http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/student_new_year_s_resolutions
n. a. (n.d.) The Power of Positive Thinking. Retrieved January 9, 2008 from
http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/~don/Study/2positive.html
(Published 14 January 2008, Smart Schools Program)
