By Donald Ray West, PhD, PE, MBA
Faculty Member, School of Business at American Public University
Having taught and learned in both online and traditional classroom settings, I want to share practical resources and strategies that consistently help students succeed. The learning environment may change, but the fundamentals that support achievement remain the same. Below are clear, applicable suggestions to improve performance whether you attend physical classes or study remotely.
Tools – Quality materials and tools are foundational. Textbooks—print or digital—can be expensive, but skipping a purchase often costs more in the long run through repeated coursework or additional study time. Rent textbooks when practical or buy them and maintain them as working references. Mark important passages, underline key ideas, and keep tabs or notes where you find valuable examples. Many quizzes and exams allow open-book reference; being able to locate information quickly will save time and reduce stress. Beyond textbooks, assemble basic supplies: a reliable computer, stable internet connection for online courses, note-taking tools, and a dedicated study space free from distractions.
Motivation – Staying focused is a personal responsibility that separates successful students from those who struggle. Traditional campuses provide built-in structure: scheduled class times, physical presence, and face-to-face interaction that encourage attendance and engagement. In online programs, that structure must be self-imposed. Set clear weekly goals, create a schedule that mirrors a class timetable, and use reminders or calendar alerts to maintain momentum. Connect your daily tasks to long-term goals—career advancement, skill development, or degree completion—to keep motivation tangible and sustained.
Study Groups – Peer collaboration consistently improves outcomes. Small groups of three or four students tend to work best because they are large enough to provide diverse perspectives and small enough to coordinate easily. Study groups help members set aside regular time to review material, quiz one another, and share resources. For online learners, virtual study groups replicate many benefits of in-person collaboration: they foster accountability, reduce isolation, and create friendly peer pressure to stay current with readings and assignments. When forming a group, agree on roles, meeting times, and communication methods to keep sessions productive.
Procrastination – Delaying work is one of the most common reasons students fall behind. If assignments are not submitted, grades are not earned. Students who turn in work early are often the higher performers; early submission can indicate better time management or simply more opportunity to absorb and reflect on material as the course progresses. Combat procrastination by breaking tasks into manageable steps, setting intermediate deadlines, and using timers or productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method. Celebrate small wins to build momentum and keep larger projects from becoming overwhelming.
Second Try – Failing or underperforming in a course is not the end of the road. Repeating a class offers a second chance to master material and improve study habits. If you must repeat a course, save your original textbooks, notes, tests, and papers. Review previous work to identify weaknesses and focus your study on those areas. Speak with your instructor: explain that you are repeating the course and ask whether you may revise or reuse portions of earlier assignments after making meaningful improvements. Faculty frequently appreciate students who demonstrate commitment and a thoughtful plan for doing better the second time.
Practical Tips for Academic Success – Combine the items above into a routine: acquire and organize your tools, create a realistic schedule, join or form a study group, proactively fight procrastination, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Track progress with a simple planner, set weekly priorities, and seek feedback early and often. These habits strengthen learning, reduce anxiety, and improve grades over time.
Remember these essentials: tools, motivation, study groups, managing procrastination, and using second attempts wisely. Together, they form a practical roadmap for a successful academic journey.
About the Author
Dr. West earned his Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He also completed a minor in Business at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and holds an MBA from Strayer University in Washington, DC. In addition to his role at American Public University, he serves as a faculty member in Applied Engineering Technology at North Carolina A&T University.