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CHAPTER 2: EQUIP YOURSELF WITH THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE

INVEST IN THE FOLLOWING TOOLS

Just as a doctor needs certain instruments to be functional, you need to equip yourself with the tools that will help you function properly. This will make it easier for you to study, as well as be more consistent in your studying.

I am amazed by the number of students who waste time looking for things like staplers, liquid paper, three hole punches and paper clips. Buy them. Keep them in a designated location, so you know where to find them. This will save you time and make you more productive.

Remember that TIME is important. You cannot afford to squander it. Invest some money and acquire the following tools:

(a)Liquid paper

(b)Paper clips

(c)Calculator (depending on which grade you are in)

(d)A good briefcase/backpack

(e)An adequate supply of writing paper

(f)Year planner/agenda

(g)Binders

(h)File folders

(i)Ruler

(j)Stapler

(k)Pencil sharpener

(l)Tape

(m)Scissors

(n)High lighter

(o)Eraser

(p)Pens and pencils

(q)Three hole punch

HAVE A GOOD FILING SYSTEM

You will acquire a lot of information over the years. It's important that you organize it so you can find information when you need it. Establish a filing system. An inexpensive way is to buy one hundred file folders from a stationery store and buy the right size cardboard storage box for those file folders. Files can be organized in sequence under any one of the following categories:

(a)By grade.

(b)By subject matter.

(c)By course number.

Choose the system you are most comfortable with. The bottom line is that you must know where to find information when you need it.

At some point in time your filing system may become so large that it may be more practical to buy one or more filing cabinets. As your system evolves, keep in mind file folders are available in various colors.

Various color stick-on labels are also available. Color code folders only if necessary.

You should also keep all your course outlines in a common binder. This will serve as an index to your files. This way you can scan course outlines for information and pull appropriate files.

Such a binder can also be useful during job interviews, if you are asked to highlight what you have studied.

HAVE A DESIGNATED STUDY AREA

A designated study area helps you be more focused and productive. Better yet get a desk and comfortable chair for yourself. If cost is an issue with your parents ask them to buy used furniture. Check the classified section of your local newspaper, search online or try your neighborhood used furniture store.

Such a desk becomes your designated study area. If you equip it with good lighting, and with the tools mentioned above, you will be well on your way to getting the most out of school. Your productivity will get better with time, and your grades will improve.

ESTABLISH A PERSONAL LIBRARY

As a student you need to consistently build a home library of your own. This starts with religious reference books, a good dictionary, a thesaurus and reference books for various subjects you study at school.

From there you can work to make your library as elaborate as you want, depending on your needs and the funds available.

HAVE USE OF A COMPUTER COMPLETE WITH INTERNET ACCESS

While schools introduce you to computers and the internet, you will eventually need to have access to one you can use outside of school that also has internet access.

This will make it easier for you to learn to type, become familiar with various software, as well as research assignments and projects on the internet. If you don't already have one, encourage your parents to buy one for the family. An adequate used computer would be a start.

ASSIGNMENT

1. Make a list of things you need to buy to make you more efficient and productive as a student.

2. Go to a stationery store and buy the items on your list.

3.If you do not already have a designated study area, agree with members of your family as to where it will be. Set it up.

4.Establish a filing system, then go through all information you have gathered over the years and organize it into the system.

5.If you do not have a personal library of your own, start one.

6.Make arrangements to have access to a computer and the internet. Better yet, have one bought for the home if the family budget allows.