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The Higher Education Research Institute reported a few years ago that only 18% of college bound high school seniors study more than 10 hours per week. At Randolph-Macon College, we know that our entering students are bright and talented, and that many were likely to earn decent grades in their high schools without needing to go significantly beyond what their peers were doing. We thoroughly expect that our entering students come to us without experience in studying hard to earn high grades.
Recognizing this phenomenon, we endeavor to inculcate good study habits in our students right from the start. The First Year Experience course is a critical component of this effort. Students will have significant writing and reading assignments beginning in the very first week of class. It is important that they hit the ground running by completing these assignments, by reviewing notes from class sessions, and by thoroughly digesting the material in their course readings.
As parents, you can assist this process by reminding your students that the college experience is very different from high school. The three or four hours of formal course meeting time during the day is intended to be supplemented by at least three hours of work outside of class for every hour spent in class. This conversation can happen now before school begins in the fall.
And what happens in the fall? If your students are typical, they will not be especially open to reporting to you the exact amount of time spent on task for each course. They will enjoy their new found freedom, and want to set their own schedules. They may even resent your asking. I have found an effective approach to be showing interest in their studies and engaging in conversations about the work they are doing. “What are you reading?” may be a better question than, “How much time did you spend reading your books last night?” Our goal for your students is to engage them in their studies, and you can support their achievement by assisting that engagement.
Students should also take advantage of the many resources available at the Higgins Academic Center (known on campus as “the HAC”). There they will find a speaking center, a writing center, career services, tutoring and more. Peer mentors are available as well as subject tutors in almost all freshman courses. Encourage your student to visit the HAC early and often.
Submitted by:
Randolph-Macon College Provost William T. Franz