Successful adult college students must acquire proper study habits and most importantly be excellent at multi-tasking. There are many things that life hands students that they cannot control, but having an understanding of effective study habits and how to apply them, a student can attain a successful academic experience even in the face of adversity. Proper study habits begin with note taking, reading comprehension and test taking, as well as, the ability to multi-task has its foundation in appropriate time management.
The absolute most important aspect of being a successful adult student is having a commanding understanding of time management. Foremost, you must recognize your priorities, and realize and accept not everything is going to make that list. As difficult as it may be, it is important to schedule time in your planner for academic work, and do your best to meet the deadlines you set for yourself in that allotted time. “Build in flexibility, and get the small tasks done between the big things” (Mizrachi & Bates, 2013). Sometimes this means getting ahead with items. If you have midterms coming up, don’t wait to get small assignments done that are also due that week, do them the week before. A dark side to being a busy adult learner is knowing what survival mode is. Adult students shouldn’t be to hard on themselves, scoring a “B” while juggling children, work, and other responsibilities can be an accomplishment. Understanding that you are in for the long haul is an essential state of mind. Have small realistic goals for each, assignment, exam and semester. This leads to the final aspect of time management, compromise. Just don’t comprise on a successful future.
For busy adults thorough note taking is critical. Often time dedicated to studies is also spent worrying about screaming kids, very busy professional lives and the grocery list. Note taking, can keep adult students on task, and be...