Better Grades in Less Time!

http://www.totalsuccess.com/

I chose to write my reflection to the campus presentation on the presentation of "Better Grades in Less Time!" by Gary Tuerack. This took place on Sept. 16, 2008 in the CFL. Gary started with a very interesting approach to this presentation. First off, he showed a slide show about the college life, which was quite comical. Then he chose a random person to win a prize. This prize was not told, but she was to jump as high as she could on the wall and put a mark on the paper. After she jumped her highest he put a ten dollar bill right above that line, and told her that if she hit it another time, she could keep it. Better yet, if she could hit above the ten, she could have a twenty! And of course, she did. She was motivated by the money, and even though she jumped her highest the first time, she was encouraged to jump way above that line. This simple illustration shows just how we can be with learning. When we have a specific goal in mind, it is much easier to see our improvements and totally accomplish that goal. Gary went on to talk about many things. His main focus was on reading faster, just as effectively. We did what he called a 4 minute reading test, where you tried to read faster each time, and it honestly increased your reading to almost two times better! It was incredible. There was much value to what Gary told us, but the main thing I took away from his lecture was his hints about how to get a 3.7-4.0. Those hints were these: Practice this 4 minutes reading test about 3 times a day, when reading your textbook ask yourself questions and write in the margins, review your notes within 5 hours of taking them for greater retention, make use of your wasted time, and get AT least 8 hours of sleep each night! Gary was very passionate about his program, and it was obvious that through his previous experiences this was something that really called out to him. I felt very inspired by his enthusiasm for the subject, and felt myself get fired up to do better in school just from his 2 hours of encouragement. It was a very useful program, I'm very glad I had the chance to attend.