Midterms can be stressful. Students often tear their hair out trying to squeeze in study sessions for content they don’t understand or type frantically trying to get an essay to a certain word count or page limit. For most students, it is just about surviving by puking information back to the teacher and hoping it is good enough to pass, then forgetting everything a moment later.
However, this does not suffice as learning. Instead, it is simply trying to hope the presentation of regurgitated information is good enough for the teacher to say, “Fine, this is good enough to pass.” It results in students being burnt out and teachers being frustrated that their students are not connecting with the course material.
In an age of anti-intellectualism, we at the Owl are asking students to take an extra step in connecting with the material presented to them and not only thoroughly learning and connecting with the material and the teachers who prepare it. Only then can we return to more productive learning.
Don’t be scared to ask questions in class, avoid cramming and understand your assignments and readings and visit your teachers during office hours. The teachers at Doane are approachable and easy to get in touch with, which is something most students don’t appreciate until it’s gone. Many teachers spend months constructing their classes, attempt to connect with the work they curated for your learning and only then can you leave your classes with a more complete understanding of what you just learned.
