Setting Realistic Educational Goals

I have been a student all my life and passed through one of the most gruelling education systems known to me. I have also been an educator in one of the most gruelling education systems; so in this blog, I will use my combined experience as an educator and the educated to assist you, my readers in high school or university, in setting realistic educational goals.

1. Do not procrastinate: Once you have received your assignment, begin working on it the SAME DAY. Gather the information for your Bibliography and work on formulating your thesis.

2. Get home work “Post-Its:” Gone are the days when people use “Home-Work” books. Grab some colour-coded Post-Its and label your assignments by urgency. As soon as you complete that assignment, you can remove that post it from your wall. This also helps you to actually SEE your assignments on your wall – sort of like a daily reminder.

2b. Use colour-coded folders: I often use red for the course I hate most (Yes, we end up with one course we hate every semester). Use the folders to safely store your hand-outs, work-sheets and past test papers for easy retrieval during your exam period.

3. Volunteer/Join Societies: This is very important. You are able to gain hands-on experience and form useful networks. Societies relevant to your course of study also help in gaining useful experience with relevant organizations.

4. Eat: It’s as simple as that. Try to remain healthy by eating. Do not become so pressured that you neglect your health and end up doing poorly in school. An empty stomach leads to an empty mind.

5. Stay organized: Use your Post-Its, folders and notes to stay organized. Date your work for easy location and keep your notes/folders in one easy to find location.

6. Make sure your professors know you: This is key. A student who shows interest by contacting the professor for clarification often ends up in the professor’s good book. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the professor before or after class (even if they seem evil/mean/intimidating).

7. Have a goal in mind: What grades would you like to achieve this year? I’m sure the answer is in the “A” range. This, however, takes work. Set your goals and find your niche. If you study alone, do it often. If you study in groups (I find this is a time-waster), make appointments early and get it done.

8. Do not compare yourself to others: If you see someone doing well and you don’t seem to be meeting your goals, take it easy. You may need to re-evaluate what you are doing and make changes to your plans. Find what works for you and stay focused.

9. All things in moderation: If you are a party-goer, do so in moderation. No sense paying money for school only to get mediocre grades and scrape through with a minimal pass.

10. Stay focused/Dream big: With school life comes part-time jobs (some that really suck), boy/girlfriends, and a tight schedule. Try to keep a level head and keep your dreams alive. Focus on your dreams and what you hope to achieve, and keep that at the forefront of your mind. Try to have some fun in between, too; the years in school will come and go quickly.

Education is a priceless gift to be treasured by those who have the privilege of obtaining it. ~JGIC 

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

**** Photos obtained from Google