General Course Resources
Back to Dr. Lisa Hammond's homepage
Advice from Dr. Hammond's former students

At the end of the semester, I often ask my students to write some advice to someone who plans to take the class they just completed. I've included some representative comments from former students below.  If you'd like to see a complete set of advice, take a look at what my ENGL 101 students advised after completing the course Fall 2005.  In all the advice, you may notice a theme: don't procrastinate and give it your best effort!

My two favorite pieces of student advice ever
  • Use your syllabus. Looking at your syllabus needs to become like a religious ritual.
  • I can sum up what needs to be told to people that take one of Dr. Hammond's courses later on. Read the assignments, revise, revise, save your work, revise, and there was something else… revise.
About writing
  • If possible, try to start on writing assignments as soon as they are given. Whatever you do, don't turn into a procrastinator.
  • Don't wait until the last minute to do a paper, or start working on your paper. You really have plenty of time to get it done as long as you don't procrastinate.
  • You need manage the time that you have for each paper. You can not write these over night and expect to get an A.
  • Ask questions. Schedule appointments with the instructor if you're not sure about how to do a paper. I promise you will not be alone!
  • I came into this class thinking I knew a great deal about writing but I am leaving knowing I know a great deal about writing.
About reading
  • When taking any English class make sure to read all material assigned ahead of time in case there is something you question.
  • Really keep up with the reading assignments.  Although the poems and essays may be long, it's much easier when we discuss them in class and you don't have to spend four hours reading them all before the test--all you have to do is review.
  • Class discussions make the class interesting and the material easy to learn.
About Dr. Hammond
  • Dr. Hammond will definitely respect you as long as you respect her
  • If you apply yourself to what you have to do in this class, you will come out just fine. I know that other classes take a lot of our time, but remember to be open and honest with Dr. Hammond, and she will work with you in any way possible.
  • This class is fun but it will challenge your mind. If you don't like a challenge, I would advise you to get another teacher.
  • I would also say that with a teacher such as Professor Hammond, you have very little worries. She is an excellent teacher and people that enter this course can not only look to her as a teacher or an advice giver, but they can also look to her as someone who is a friend trying to help.
Relax
  • Don't be scared to go and get help with anything that you have concerns about.
  • Don't panic. Just because you do poorly on one paper does not mean you cannot handle the course.
  • Relax and had fun. Don't get uptight about an assignment. When you start freaking out you're probably going to do worse than if you were to relax and slow down.
  • This class can teach you a lot if you do your part. Stay on top of things and don't get behind and you should be fine. Good luck.
  • Do not let yourself get too frustrated with the assignments. They are challenging, but can be very fun if you really get into them.

 

Back to Lisa Hammond's homepage
This page copyright 2000-2007 by Lisa Hammond | last update 4 January 2006