Talking to professors during their office hours is the No. 1 thing students can do to improve their grades, a professor said.
Professor Jeremy Hyman discussed his book, "Professors' Guide to Getting Good Grades in College," and signed copies Wednesday at Changing Hands Bookstore.
The book, co-written by professor Lynn Jacobs, is a self-help dream come true for college students who want to improve their grades through more effective study habits.
"The book contains practical tips for students who want to do better," Hyman said, after giving an overview of the book's five sections - the five points in the semester that can make or break the grade.
The sections, "The Start," "The Class," "The Exam," "The Paper," and "The Last Month," emphasize the basics of college, such as the importance of selecting the right courses and attending lectures.
However, it also reviews important, lesser-known facets of getting good grades like figuring out the structure of the lecture and shedding some commitments during the last month of classes.
One of the major things about the book's tips is they don't just say to study more, Hyman said.
"Things often won't be more work, just more strategic and efficient [work]."
Journalism student Tai Tan said that he hopes Hyman and Jacobs' book will help him adjust to having classes with 300 other people.
"The book has helpful tips and good points," Tan said.
"Professors' Guide" costs $15.95 and is available at most bookstores, including the ASU Bookstore. Over 3 million copies have been sold so far.
Hyman has two master's degrees in philosophy and has taught at Princeton University, UCLA, MIT and, most recently, at the University of Arkansas.
Jacobs, is currently an associate professor of art history at the University of Arkansas and has taught at NYU, University of Redlands, California State University, Northridge and Vanderbilt University.
Reach the reporter at: jennifer.oconnor.1@asu.edu.
