One month in

I've been through 7 periods of two classes, 6 on the third, and 2 in my Saturday class, and feel I've gotten into a routine of sorts in my method of preparation and study. I have gone through 2 quizzes and 1 test, with scores ranging from 76(history test) to 100 (2nd Psychology quiz). There has been little if any use of the actual textbook in the history and psychology courses. The instructor simply lectures the entire class period, with intervening class discussions if a curious subject avails itself among the students.

BLACKBOARD
I'd like to report some technological features being utilized, specifically the online website called Blackboard. I had first heard of this from a student back in December of 2008. I've come to understand that various colleges and universities employ Blackboard. Essentially, its an on-line repository for students, designed to communicate with the instructor and other students, access class instructions, view grades, and keep up with any changes in the courses that a student has enrolled in.

STUDYING
I've portioned off 3 days out of the week to spend in the library completing background work. This involves any homework assignments, paper writing (english), and reading assigned text. The last of these takes up the most amount of time. You can get away with showing up in class without even glancing at the chapter to be discussed, but even if you just skim through it, the class lecture will be easier to absorb. This is true especially for history class. I've decided to take notes of important information as a read along outside of class.

The goal of this semester is to not only pass the 4 courses, but to do so with high grades. I've underachieved on my first major test, so I'll be using that a measuring stick on how to score better on the next one. There was another student in the room who score a 96 to my 76, so its certainly possible. Its just finding the right way to study, and doing it effectively.