1. Keep a paper trail.
This means don’t throw away your homework, your tests, etc. Keep them in a folder. You can throw away the folder (if you want) when the class is over and the grades are in a book.

2. Keep your emails.
In fact if its an important one, you may want to print it out and put it in the folder from step one. Also be aware that even when you are frustrated, act in a professional manner. Most of the time you are working with people who will be the people who help you. Screaming and calling names to the person who is going to help you is not a great way to start the process.

3. Know the syllabus.
A syllabus is similar to a contract with you and the professor. It shows you exactly what to expect. It is the most important part of paperwork you receive in each class. It is the road map to good grades. Also if you have a problem with a professor, the first thing the college will look at is the syllabus.

4. Follow up, and get it in writing.
Realize that people in the school’s office are people and they do (unfortunately) make mistakes. If a school employee says they will do something for you, don’t take them at their word. This does not mean call them a liar, but instead follow up or ask for proof (have them copy you on an email for example) so you KNOW without a doubt that whatever they promised to do was actually done.  So follow up with the school if they do not alert you that a certain task has been done. If you are told this over the phone, ask for the person’s name, and ask then to send you this information in an email so you have it in writing. This is your future we’re talking about, so be nice, but get it in writing.

5. Register Early
One of the ways you can help the school is to register for your classes as early as possible. This helps ensures you get the classes you want, and helps the staff (as one of the reason mistakes are made is they get swamped two days before the registration deadline).

6. Get Your Road Map
Your degree or program should have some sort of listing of all the classes you will be taking to graduate. Make sure you have one, and mark off the classes as you take them. When you first start this process it is depressing as it seems you have so far to go. As you move through your degree, you will start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It keeps you motivated. It will also help you when it comes time to schedule classes as you know which classes you need.

Thanks to Curtis Donelson of Iowa State University for his donation to help support the show.

Music on This Episode

Rob Cotlow “I do”

Cambridge Guitar Orchestra “Reverie”

Comfortable “Snow”

Deep Sea Dust “Autumn Strings”

Mark Heimonen “celebration”

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As I have now graduated, one of the main things I learned is that you need to keep school your top priority. When I didn’t (I kept thinking I would get caught up tomorrow) I got so far behind that I couldn’t get caught up and I ended up failing the class.

I never thought I could get an F, but this was true.  Not only did this shock me, but it also cost me money (as I got to take the class again) and it cost me time (I graduated six months later as they don’t offer the class every semester).  In stead of graduating in the fall of of 2008, I graduated in the Spring of 2009 (when the economy was even worse).

Keep the big picture in mind.  Keep your education, your life, as a top priority. School will be over sooner than you think. Then you can go back to “having fun” or whatever you are neglecting to handle your studies.

MUSIC ON THIS EPISODE

Mario Ajero
Moonlight Sonata

http://marioajero.blogspot.com/

Ron Maryann Sfarzo
America Our Country Piano Solo
http://sfarzoproductions.com/

Michael Muklow – Guitar Percussion
“Love’s Way”
http://www.michaelmucklow.com/

Josh Woodward – Guitar
http://www.joshwoodward.com/
Of Dark Rooms and Candles

Anthony Burbidge
http://www.anthonyburbidge.com/
The First Light – piano

Check out this link.

http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-similes-metaphors.aspx

If you plan on taking online classes thinking its going to be easier (I did), be warned they are not. In my case they are more work. They also require the following:

Self-discipline.
If you are use to the teacher reminding you, thats not going to happen. It is up to YOU now to make yourself study, do the homework, and read the mountains of material, and watch the hours of videos.

Organization
You need to write down those important dates. You need to login every day and contribute to the class. Also keep in mind its not a “learn at your own pace” type if situation. There is a pace, its just that you are your own coach.

MUSIC
1:45 Mark Heimonen -Tranquility
4:50 Jim Richmond -Romantic Escape
6:30 Marco Raaphost – Blowing Snow
9:32 Serena Matthews – Wind Falling
11:10 Jon Scmidt – Winter Wind X
15:26 Mario Ajero - Moonlight Paino Sonata No2 mvt Ludwig Van Beethoven. X
21:52 Taking Online Classes – Tips

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By taking the time ti write this down, it allows you to plan for the class (and for your life). It does take some time to do this, but it is worth it. You will never lose points because you didn’t know something was due.  

Music Timeline

1:01 Ann Davis Elevator Music – BUY CD
2:33 Julie Melton Serenity BUY CD 
6:00 Sonic Deviant Peache’s Lullaby http://www.sonicdeviant.com/
12:40 Colie Brice: Contemplative Thoughts http://aeriaentertainment.com/
15:52 Jackit Patrick Beautiful You http://myspace.com/jakit 
19:21 Michael Mucklow UniVerse BUY CD

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Teachers also like to see the information they are providing making it into your brain. If you are asked to write a paper, be sure to work any vocabulary words you have picked up in the grading period and use them in the paper. The teacher will see you are learning, and this will make them feel good.

Show up to class on time, and apologize if you’re late. This is good old fashioned respect for the teacher. Who doesn’t appreciate being respected? Keep in mind this person has control of your grade.

MUSIC from the Podsafe Music Network (http://music.podshow.com )

1:08 Acoustic Guitar – 2006 Plastic Soul
2:55 Brian Drotar Melodic Memory
6:19 Brian Turner Love
10:27 Incidental Fusion – The Journey
14:40 Jim Fidler On Waterford River
18:07 Rob Costlow I Do

Check out More Shows From Dave at
www.personalpodcastcoach.com

Music Timeline:
1:00 “Tides” from  Butler and Borden BUY CD
5:16 King Never  brought us “The Quiet Hour” -  Website
11:43 “Love Piano V2″ From AjT WEBSITE
13:22 “NaSoPiAlMo No. 6″ From Eponymous 4 WEBSITE
18:39 Romance from Drew  Vics WEBSITE

Help out the host at www.davestaxissue.com

For more Dave Jackson Podcasts check out www.thepodcastfreak.com

This week’s tips deals with the “Giant Writing Project.” It seems like we put if off. Then we have to cram, and kill ourselves to make our deadlines (while our grades suffer). I’ve got some tips on how to break down that giant project into a solution that you can tackle.

Music Timeline
00:01:03 Ryo Sode – Yosemite
00:03:07 Mario Ajero – Pathetique Sonata in C Minor II
00:07:45 Sonic Deviant – Peach’s Lullaby
00:14:30 Marty Buttwinick – Sleeping – Julia Nonets
00:15:54 Mark Heimonen – Tranquility
00:19:08 Dave_Lambert_Band-Berwick Road.mp3

My HUGE  apologies to the musicians for not mentioning their names on the show. Will mention in the next show. The music is from the Podsafe Music Network. Check it out at http://music.podshow.com

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Surveying the chapter and prepare for learning more. To survey a chapter, read the title, introduction, headings, and the summary or conclusion.

You need to have questions in your mind as you read. Questions give you a purpose for reading and help you stay focused on the reading assignment It helps keep you focused.

As you read look for the answers you previously created.

Write down your questions and your answers.

It sounds like a lot of work, but you will retain much more information.

Music Timeline
1:51 Rob Van Denberg Heroes
5:09 David Howard Midnight Wednesday BUY CD
8:44 Jenifer Avalon Formosa
12:30 Barry McCabe Arthur dedicated to Arthur Conley BUY CD
15:15 Anne Davis Elevator Music Buy CD
16:50 Rob Costlow Meant to Be Buy The CD

Music
2:47 Michael Muklow -Loves Way – Buy CD
7:20 Lee Maddeford – Memories
10:13 Mark Heimonen – Melancholy
14:19 Mattijis Hollemans – Before We Sleep
17:30 Cello Journey – Elegy
23:43 Jordan Yaruss – A Final Thought