TIPS FOR AN EXCELLENT SUMMER SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
Summer school is a school or a program generally sponsored by a school or a school district or provided by a private company that provides lessons and activities during the summer vacation. Summer learning can be exciting, but knowing what to expect saves you much trouble and ensure a successful study experience. Participation in summer schools benefits education substantially.
The following tips help students make the best out of their summer studies:
1. Set the right goals
Summer courses come in different forms and degrees of complexity, so it’s a good idea to decide what you are looking for before applying. If you are looking for a more effortless summer learning experience, pick a subject familiar to you and study it in greater depth.
For a more challenging approach, choose a new subject or the one you have struggled with during the past year. Take a single class and focus on it to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed by new information.
Consider how many hours you want to spend in class every day. Keep in mind that science modules usually require more contact hours than arts and humanities modules.
2. Keep the schedule
Attending classes is necessary to complete the program successfully. A single missed class may make it difficult to catch up on missed work in the short study duration. Most summer courses include regular tests, so skipping classes reflects your assessment outcomes.
3. Be prepared for some extra work
Some summer school classes require students to read additional materials before class, while others expect you to conduct extensive reading before beginning the course. Brush up on your speed-reading and make sure you organize in advance. You may also have to prepare summaries, essays, short presentations, and so on.
Summer courses are shorter than standard academic modules so that teachers focus on the most critical aspects of a subject..
4. Prepare for interactive learning
Summer programs usually have a high level of student-teacher interaction. As class sizes are considerably smaller, teachers can dedicate more time to every student. Feel free to ask questions and share your insights. Practical activities test your social and group-work skills and encourage you to share your thoughts with the other students.
You engage in a wide variety of learning activities such as:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- class assignments
- discussions
- projects documentary screenings
- real-life scenarios
- field trips
- group exercises
Some courses take you through a complete research process: beginning with posing a scientific question, gathering data, testing the hypothesis, and presenting the findings.
5. Take regular assessments
Some summer courses include assessments very similar to the regular academic year classes. Expectations can be high, so don’t underestimate tests. Most teachers conduct weekly assessments.
Depending on the course, criteria of final assessment may include:
- Attendance level
- Participation in class discussions
- Completed assignments
- Exams or workshops
- Written essays
- Completed projects
Exams may consist of multiple-choice questions, data interpretation, a structured written paper, or an oral discussion on a given subject.
6. Don’t forget to have fun!
Almost all summer courses provide activities that enable you to get acquainted with the cultural life in the country. Visit museums, attend concerts or participate in local events. Depending on your study location, you can visit the mountains or seaside, explore famous capitals and popular tourist attractions.
Tours in industry industry-relevant are not uncommon. You can enjoy opening ceremonies, sporting activities, barbeques, picnics, movie nights, parties, and more.
Remember that summer school is about making good friends with other students worldwide. So don’t be shy and stay open to new people and experiences!