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At the start of a new year, many of us are thinking about our priorities and our goals for the year that lies ahead. When it comes to academic pursuits, create goals that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely. Read more about How to be SMART About Goal-setting in a previous post. This means that instead of making a big, vague resolution like, “I’m going to get better grades,” think about the goals you can create to help you improve your learning and overall academic performance. 

For online students, consider these 5 goals: 

1. Get Organized
2. Manage Your Time
3. Set Assignment Targets
4. Connect With Classmates
5. Care For Yourself 

First, Get Organized. Assess what kind of organizational approach will suit your needs and tackle the job of putting that organizational plan into action. For example, create a folder on your computer for all of your schoolwork. Then, create a subfolder for each course. Within that folder, keep your assignments neat and easy to find by using additional subfolders for units, type of assignment, or to distinguish between reading materials for the course and the documents you create for course deliverables.

Second, Manage Your Time. For students, effective time management includes both a wide lens and a sharp focus. With a wide view of your week or month, identify times when you can study and mark them on your calendar. These are appointments with your coursework. You’re busy. Schedule the other things that come up around your study time as much as possible to create strong routines and habits. Then, focus your view on those coursework blocks, and be the manager of your study time. Effective studying isn’t reading nonstop for 3 hours until you finish the assigned chapters. Use a proven study strategy like the Pomodoro Technique to manage the way you use your time, including deep focus and restorative breaks. 

Third, Set Assignment Targets. Rather than thinking of an overall GPA or even the final grade for a course, set specific targets for assignments. Aim for a 90% or better on a test or quiz or strive to complete a first draft in time to get feedback from a writing tutor to revise the paper before it is due. For large assignments, break the work down into smaller chunks, giving yourself targets to reach, avoiding a sense of overwhelm, and building your confidence as a learner and student. 

Fourth, Connect With Classmates. Learning is a social activity, meaning that we learn by interacting with others, observing, collaborating, and sharing our experiences. Online students at Purdue Global have regular opportunities to engage with their classmates through weekly course discussion boards. These graded discussions may seem trivial to newer students, but the conversations developed in these spaces are valuable for learning. Make it a goal to participate actively in discussions. Write an initial post to the board early in the week and return on most days of the week to read what others have written and post responses. Purdue Global students also have the opportunity to participate in study groups. The Learning for Success Center hosts a live study session every Sunday evening from 7 to 9 pm (ET), giving students the opportunity to engage with each other through the chat tool while they study. These sessions give students an opportunity for accountability, social interaction, and community-building, all with easy access to our team of tutors right on the same platform. 

Fifth, Care For Yourself. A healthy body and mind are key components of academic success. Make time for regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, ensure you are getting enough sleep, and include self-care strategies as part of your routine to increase your mental alertness and well-being. For example, consider implementing the Pomodoro Technique in your study time by focusing on your coursework for 25 minutes at a time, with 5-10 minute breaks in between each session for jumping jacks, sit-ups, stretching, or a quick walk. Avoid turning to junk foods like candy or chips while you work on coursework, opting instead for healthier choices like a spoonful of all-natural peanut butter with apple slices or a smashed avocado on whole wheat toast. 

Try reaching for these 5 goals this year. By getting organized, managing your time, setting assignment targets, connecting with classmates, and caring for yourself, you can improve your learning, strengthen your academic performance, and support health and wellness for the rest of your daily activities. 

Until next time, this is Dr. Linscott with another Learning for Success podcast. Happy Learning!