Awareness Helps

One of my students made me laugh today. We have been talking over the weeks about optimal study habits, her learning styles, her procrastination styles, the types of courses that are harder for her, organization and time management skills, and how to apply all of that knowledge to her studying to select strategies for each course to improve her skills for better grades.

She commented that she has so much more appreciation of how she has to learn in order to conquer the obstacles to her success. As she left, she declared, "I am getting in touch with my inner study nerd."

Have you gotten in touch with your inner study nerd?

A variety of aspects go into that concept:

• How you prefer to absorb new information
• How you manage new information presented in non-preferred ways
• How you prefer to think about and organize information
• How you manage new information organized in non-preferred ways
• How you expand your thinking to encompass different legal perspectives
• How your written and oral communication skills and styles mesh with legal communications
• How you manage your time for wise use of that time and the most results
• How you manage your environment to promote learning
• How you support your brain and body: sleep, nutrition, and exercise
• How you respond emotionally to challenges or lackluster performance
• How you approach/avoid asking for assistance from classmates, professors, or others
• How you find ways of procrastinating on your tasks, work, and decisions
• How you cope when life happens: illness, financial problems, etc.

If you are not sure you know your inner study nerd, visit with the academic support professionals at your law school. Chances are good that they can help you "get in touch" with assessments, strategies, and advice. (Amy Jarmon)