OZARKA COLLEGE

Instructors are well-aware of the warning signs that a student is struggling and at-risk for an unsuccessful course completion. Early Alerts are the 'alarm' they use to notify you, your advisor, and student services advisors that a change needs to occur, and additional support may be needed, in order for you to complete the course successfully. Check out this Early Alert information sheet to understand some steps you may need to take to improve your chances of success in your class.

The purpose of a test is to see how well a student has mastered (YES, MASTERED) the course material. Mastery of material begins NOT the night before the test, but the first day of class, and continues as you work through every assignment given by your instructors. Mastery of material is more than half the battle of triumphant test taking. But there are some other good strategies that can help you as well--overcoming anxiety and understanding how to address different types of questions will help you make sure you provide your instructor with the evidence that you are mastering the course material. This student skills brochure will give you some good tips for overcoming test-anxiety and making sure you provide the best answers you can on various types of test questions. Check it out!

Thorough note-taking during lectures, as you complete reading assignments, and as you conduct research can make a WORLD of difference in your effectiveness as a student. Many times those experiences of feeling stuck, lost in a fog, or caught unprepared, could be avoided by taking thorough notes. Notes are what help you focus on important concepts you are likely to see on a test. Active listening (keeping your antenna raised as you read or listen), an effective method of organizing your notes, and reviewing them often will help you stay on track in your classes. Check out this brochure for some popular and proven note-taking methods!

Studying is a "brain" activity that involves sensory memory (short-lived 'impressions'), short-term memory (the 'Etch-a-Sketch' of the brain), and the hoped for destination for the amazing concepts you are learning, LONG-TERM MEMORY! Reading, connecting new information with things you already know, rehearsing information, making practical applications, organizing information, and critically evaluating it are all high-level brain activities that help you master the material. Check out this brochure for a some study strategies to make the information highway journey into long-term memory!

 Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden wisely said, "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"

One of the biggest barriers to achieving important life goals is poor time management.  All of us have at least a little tendency to say, "I can do that later" only to find either that "later" never comes, or that "later" does not give us enough time to do something well.  

Developing new time management habits is a lot like dieting--it is a sheer act of the will.  But committing to even small changes in how you use your time can make a huge difference in your level of success.  AND it can save money too! (Who wants to pay to take a course a second time???)

For some tips on things you can begin to do to change your time management habits, check out this handout!

The Ozarka College Student Success Center provides FREE tutoring on all 4 campuses.  

ALL students can benefit from tutoring. Tutoring is NOT for dummies, but for any student who has hit a trouble spot in a course that someone who has "been there and done that" can help them overcome.  

If you hit a road block in one of your classes, be sure to ask for help.  And when you do, it will help you to know what to expect from working with a tutor.  This document can help you understand what tutors can do for you.  Then see page 2 for links to some GREAT online tutoring resources!

 Taking an online course for the first time?  Online courses require lots of time management, self-discipline, and greater ability to take responsibility for your own learning, not to mention a reasonable level of computer skill.  This handout will help you check your level of online readiness so that you can be mindful of potential trouble spots and head them off at the pass!  It will also help you not fall for some of the popular online course myths.

We all know that financing is a real KEY to completing an education.

Grants and scholarships are an awesome privilege and can open the doors for positive life-change!

Therefore, it is critical to be mindful of the standards for keeping those scholarships and grants BEFORE you risk losing them.  If you are not crystal clear on what circumstances will disqualify you from receiving federal financial aid (Pell grants and student loans), then this document can help you gain clarity.  If you still have questions, contact financial aid or your advisor!