How to Slay a Dragon--Or at Least Keep from Being Toasted

Skim through any portion of Dragons, History Professors, and Other Hazards of College Life that you have not yet read, and read more carefully the last two chapters.   Of the advice given in these chapters, does anything surprise you? Of the familiar principles, what seems to you to be particularly worth reinforcing?

Readings, Exams, Papers

Please read my study skills advice in Units V, VI, and VII of Dragons.

These chapters offer advice on how to approach college reading assignments, exams, and papers.  If you were Polonius and trying to give advice to a son or daughter headed off to college, what bit of advice from these chapters would you be most likely to include? Why? [Remember: Polonius' advice usually sounds good, but it isn't necessarily all that helpful....though it might be!]

Note well how to note well

Please read Chapter IV of Dragons. Of the note-taking advice here, what do you think will be most important for you personally?  Are you persuaded that taking notes by hand is really better than using a laptop?

Does Anybody Really Know What Time Management Is?

Please read Chapters III of Dragons. Of the planning and time management ideas here, what do you think will be most important for you personally? In which of these areas are you already fairly strong? Where do you need work?

How to find what you are not looking for

Please read Chapters I and II of Dragons, History Professors, and Other Hazards of College Life. There's a lot of advice in these two chapters, much that you've heard before, plus (perhaps) a few things you hadn't. What (if anything) in these chapters surprises you? Of the familiar advice, what seems worth reinforcing? Is there anything you would have added to the chapter if you were giving college success advice?

Welcome!

Dragon trouble? The guy on the white horse just may be on this blog! Harry the Talking Hand sometimes stops by as well. Feel free to share your questions, comments, and/or advice about life at NSU.

Just about every class day, there will be a short assignment on this blog asking you to post your thoughts on the IDL class and NSU in general. It might be good to make yourself a blog "follower" so that you are aware of each assignment as soon as it is posted.

To get started, here's a test of the blog process.  Click on the "comments" post below and, in the box that opens up, comment on one thing that's made you happy in the last couple of weeks.

You can post as an "anonymous" blogger if you like, but, if you do, be sure to put your name after the post so I know who to give credit to.