Lily Ann Villaraza, PhD - How to succeed in Professor Villaraza's Courses

How to succeed in Professor Villaraza's Courses

Comic Strip. All information is in the syllabus.

1. Read the Syllabus

The syllabus is your guide to success in this course. While things may change from time to time, if you have questions about what we're covering, when things are due, WHAT is due, how much assignments are worth, etc - the answer is more than likely

IN THE SYLLABUS.

2. Do the work.

Seems silly to say doesn't it, but I cannot emphasize how important this is. Assignments are designed to have you think more deeply about the material presented and demonstrate your understanding of said material.

Life does not start after college; it is now. Treat your assignments as training grounds for your career. Completing tasks demonstrates reliability, submitting assignments on time shows time management, and putting effort into the work demonstrates a strong work ethic.

It is important to create a plan around how you are going to do the work this semester. Remote learning/online learning requires a different set of skills as a learner - more intention around sticking to a schedule, being more mindful of deadlines, being a self-starter. This is an exercise in self-discipline - and if you know that this is something that you struggle with, let's have a conversation about that.

3. Communicate

Communication is another important life skill that college helps you develop. In a bad spot? Need an extension due to circumstances out of your control? Let's set up a Zoom! Hit me up on Pronto! Send me a message via Canvas!

It also helps you develop another important skill - be an advocate for yourself. I am here to support your success - but I can only do that if I know what supports you need.

Over the years I've had students who come to me too late to ask for help. They wait weeks to talk to me about challenges their facing, circumstances that were impacting their ability to succeed in the course. One of the primary reasons they don't reach out is because they are embarrassed or feel that I'll get upset. I don't get upset about the choices you make; I am here to support your success.

4. Ask questions (Be curious, be thoughtful, be intentional)

What you get out of your educational experience is dependent on the effort that you put in. If you put in minimal effort, you receive minimal return. My observation is that students who hold or find a purpose for taking a particular course (and I mean beyond "I need it to graduate or get into my major") often do much better than those who do not. So take courses that pique your interests (hopefully the one you are taking with me does). Be intentional about your educational journey. Ask questions in class and out of class. Know why you chose to take the course - and hopefully that "why" will evolve and change and grow as the semester moves on.

5. Be sure to take a break and a breath when you need to

This semester may pose challenges for many folks who are not used to learning in this manner. Heck, on the real, I'd much rather be face to face, in class, with all of you. I'm also a whole lot funnier in person. But this is where we are and this is what we need to do - so this is what I am asking of you:

Create a school schedule. Look at which courses will require synchronous learning vs. asynchronous. Determine who will be holding class at the identified times, who is willing to be flexible. Stick to it, be mindful of of how you are using your time.
Use tools like Pomodoro, Focuslist, Engross, etc. to break your study time into manageable chunks and to be more mindful of your use of time.
Think about being "Accountability buddies" with folks from your classes.
Stop when you feel like you're not retaining any new information or you find you've read the same sentence three times. That's a sign that it's time for a break.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, step away. Go take a walk, play with your pet, get a drink of water, get some exercise. Just make sure you come back!
Determine a time when you'll stop working at the end of the day.

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