Tidings

Hi Folks!

Just some free advice as we head into Exams, mostly coming from some years' experience of Studentry.

First the micro hints then the macro: Look at review questions now. Don't just carry them around. They get lonely. Deal with them, an hour at a time, roughly broken down into:

Outline each question with elements of your thoughts. Note what evidence/ideas relate to what parts of each question. Just a short outline that only you can understand. Know the questions. Spend an hour, then do something else, preferably something fun.

Next, bring out all the books, notes, class handouts, online stuff, and, of course, the review sheet. Get comfy for this hour. Add to your outline from #1 above: Look up ideas from the readings that relate -- jot down some specifics; context from the textbook and the lectures connected to the question; disputes; people, places, etc. Know the material.
Like #1, pace yourself to do it in one hour. Then do something fun, like Phi Alpha Theta Club.

Next, get the Secondary Source textbook and read the pertinent chapters again, quickly. Focus on points that have been dealt with in class, in other readings, in the questions. Otherwise scan quickly. Jot occasional notes in your outline. Know the issues. Try to do this in one hour.

Fourth, and Finally, get the primary sources out that link to each question and lovingly spend hours with them. Break up reading sessions as you wish. Then get back to it. Know the Primary Sources. This is the climax of the final study sessions, and will help much to bring it all together, even if only in short-term memory!

Fifth (being repetitive and redundant), wait, thought Fourth was Finally, eh? Ha! Never trust a Ph.D. Trust your own prepared and thoughtful self. But it doesn't hurt to get into a study group to share & listen. You might make a new friend! Know thyself. (old Greek maxim)

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Hi Folks! Just some free advice as we head into Exams, mostly coming from some years' experience of Studentry. First the micro hints then the macro: Look at review questions now. Don't just carry them around. They get lonely. Deal with them, an hour at a time, roughly broken down into: Outline each question with elements of your thoughts. Note what evidence/ideas relate to what parts of each question. Just a short outline that only you can understand. Know the questions. Spend an hour, then do something else, preferably something fun. Next, bring out all the books, notes, class handouts, online stuff, and, of course, the review sheet. Get comfy for this hour. Add to your outline from #1 above: Look up ideas from the readings that relate -- jot down some specifics; context from the textbook and the lectures connected to the question; disputes; people, places, etc. Know the material. Like #1, pace yourself to do it in one hour. Then do something fun, like Phi Alpha Theta Club. Next, get the Secondary Source textbook and read the pertinent chapters again, quickly. Focus on points that have been dealt with in class, in other readings, in the questions. Otherwise scan quickly. Jot occasional notes in your outline. Know the issues. Try to do this in one hour. Fourth, and Finally, get the primary sources out that link to each question and lovingly spend hours with them. Break up reading sessions as you wish. Then get back to it. Know the Primary Sources. This is the climax of the final study sessions, and will help much to bring it all together, even if only in short-term memory! Fifth (being repetitive and redundant), wait, thought Fourth was Finally, eh? Ha! Never trust a Ph.D. Trust your own prepared and thoughtful self. But it doesn't hurt to get into a study group to share & listen. You might make a new friend! Know thyself. (old Greek maxim)

Getting stressed? Do whatever helps (but be sure to do it), including talking about it, to anyone who will listen. Whenever I do this, I hear myself and shake my head thinking, "What am I stressed about? Could be worse! I could be a teacher about to grade these! Then chill for a bit (Lately, I find a Strong-Bad short helps: Check it out) and then return. Listen to Carol Kaye. Or play Trogdor. Hope this helps, folks! Cheers, mm
Other News: Check out coming courses, advising and above all, check out the library, WC and Sprague. Thanks to Erik for Strong-Bad hints.
Holiday Hints & Post-Traumatic-Test-Syndrome: Emerge from Plato's Cave, put on a name tag and re-introduce yourself to your loved ones. Afterward, go to the public library or to WC and check out any one book (that looks like fun) loosely related to a course you have signed up for. Or check out the DVDs ... If you are getting bored, watch a Lawrence Welk show. Great musicians but not always great arrangements or approaches.... Boredom is a great motivator to do things -- pick the right ones for you to do. Odd Movie suggestions: Rudy (Starring Samwise, a true story about a Notre Dame walk-on hopeful: much heart, little talent and a good head about life); or Profoundly Normal (starring Kirsty Alley, a true story about mental handicaps being dealt with if not overcome); Shine (True story about a pianist going crazy then coming back); or *The Lion in Winter*, (starring Katherine Hepburn about Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and the handicap of her husband). What's all this 'true story' business? History have something to do with it? (Or October Sky, or The Princess Bride, or Remember the Titans -- Also all true stories. Book Suggestions: besides the one above, anything by Agatha Christi, Tolkein or Dorothy Sayers.