8 Tips for Academic Success
in Business Courses

By: Vikram M.

1. Pay Attention During Class – Do Not Multi-Task

Pay attention in class, notice the details, write organized notes on everything discussed and make a conscious effort to jot down what you understand and also what you do not understand for later review and further investigation respectively. Succinct and organized notes are essential for easy retrieval.

Try this: When you get home and have read over your class notes, paraphrase them in your own words to improve your subject knowledge and retention.

2. Take Small Steps to Progressively Understand Complex Models

Learn the subject basics religiously; concepts are interdependent. Always refer to assigned study materials. Don’t try to study from multiple texts if your teacher is dead-set on your course textbook and his/her notes. Although gaining information from myriad reliable sources is generally considered beneficial, sometimes it can work to your disadvantage when your test answers stray too far away from course content and requirements. However, in-depth research beyond course materials may work in your favor for projects and presentations.

Try this: After class (without glancing at your notes) write down in your own words what was discussed in class. Then match your recollection with class notes. This exercise will help you increase concentration, retention, and retrieval over time.

3. Do Not Procrastinate with Homework or Studying for Tests

Do not wait until the last hour to figure out what chapter content you neither know nor understand. Be proactive and begin early and complete homework before the due date. Collect past exam questions and use them to practice.

Try this: Study the essential content first. Do your homework or test preparation that you dread the most first.

4. Keep Track of your Mistakes / Incorrect Solutions

Pay particular attention to your own mistakes (once discovered, via content checks) when solving and answering problems - it will force you to actively acknowledge those areas that require more content knowledge learning. Making mistakes whilst you are learning, being aware of them and rectifying them, is better than making the same errors on your exams because you did not take the time to check your homework or clarify knowledge gaps via class notes, textbook work and teacher/tutor assistance. Continue to persevere and learn from your homework errors on a regular basis for optimal learning.

Try this: For every chapter, make a list of your errors/mistakes and their corresponding correct solutions and study these with zeal.

5. Seek Assistance for Learning Obstacles – Teachers Love to Help!

Do not assume that your teacher will judge you if you ask questions.
If you are not able to understand a concept after multiple attempts, feel free to seek assistance. Ask supportive classmates or your teacher. Teachers respect and admire students who actively seek out assistance before/after class or during office hours (this is best if you have a complex question or multiple queries).

Try this: Create or join a study group. Invite friends to role-play with your Business course topics. Book a room in your local library and utilize the whiteboard/chalkboard if one is available to illustrate course concepts graphically. If no board is available, have a round table discussion on course content on a regular basis.

6. Get Comfortable with Basic Algebra and Geometry

Having strong prerequisite Math skills is necessary. Since Economics and many Business courses rely heavily on interdependency across multiple variables, expressing this relation in the form of equations, geometry, and other graphical means is absolutely essential.

Try this: Practice drawing flow diagrams that explain variable relationships. Explain the chart in your own words.

7. Structure your Practice

Learn to acclimate and assimilate new information before moving to the next level. New knowledge builds upon previous knowledge. Consistent practice allows you to keep on top of prerequisite knowledge and current course topic content.

Try this: Space out your practice over time so that you retain knowledge at all levels along the continuum.

8. Recollection is Everything

Summary notes on concepts in logical order are essential. Recite your previous tutoring session’s highlights to your tutor before moving on to that day’s topic. Try to summarize what you have learned that week in class and bring up any problem areas that you may have. Cumulative knowledge review in this way is an effective retention method.

Try this: Associate topics discussed in class to real-world situations - this will enable retention and interest in the topic. In this way, you work on scoring higher marks on application questions on both tests and exams when you apply real-life scenarios in the context of course content and requirements.