How to get an A
I asked a very good student how he did so well. This was my email to him:
>From: Larry Press
>To: hesam
>Subject: final exam
>Hesam,
>
>You easily got the highest grade on the final!!
>
>I'd like to let the students next semester know how you approached the
>class -- do you have any study tips, etc. to pass on to them?
Here is his reply:
From: hesam
Subject: Re: final exam
To: Larry Press
Wow, that's great news, thanks Dr. Press!
I think what helped me was to read all the material you have on the class
web site and also reviewed everything before the final.
I also tried to do extra reading on the class material by following
links and reading on related topics. It's amazing how much information
is out there and how much you can learn just by following links on web pages.
During the semester I did my best to keep up with the homework assignments
and also to pay attention in class!
I actually found the audio material you have on the site very interesting and
relevant. I also followed links from there to other audio material like a speech
by Steve Wozniak of Apple.
I think what can help a student's grade is if they develop an interest in this
material and don't look at it as just another class they have to pass. I've been
interested in developing programs for the web and so found most everything
relevant and useful.
Thanks for a great class!
see you around
Hesam
I don't expect all of you to have as strong an interest in this material as Hesam and I do. For some of you, this will be "just another class you have to pass." But, try to find strong interest in some of your classes!
Here is a reply from one of Hesam's classmates:
From: Pam
To: "Larry Press"
Cc: hesam
Subject: Re: How to get an A
Hi Dr. Press,
I appreciate you posting this link to the class website. I only
wish I had this information earlier on in my college career. I never
thought of it that way. This is great information.
Hesam is very correct when he was talking about taking interest in the
subject and not just taking a class because it is required. Hesam is a
very intelligent man. I really respect him. He always does great in his
classes. We were another class together last semester. He
did very well in that class also.
I will take his advice and start taking an interest in the material and
not just taking a class because it's required. It's all starting to
come to me now. Remember, I always say, "It's always after the fact".
You said, "Computers are cool and fun", I believe that. I hope to, one
day, find a job in this field. I will continue to visit your website.
To: Hesam,
Keep up the good work, Buddy.