Surprisingly, you may have found it easier to recall what you ate the evening of your senior prom or some other special event than to recall what you had just four days ago. Many details of that special occasion are etched in your mind and not that difficult to retrieve. What did you wear? How about your companions? What are some of the things that happened on this special occasion?

This question illustrates that we hold on to some information for years because of the significance of the events and the emotions attached to them. When our interest and motivation are high, "learning" and recalling are relatively effortless.

You probably know where this one is heading, but let’s state the obvious: You will find it easier and less painful to learn from classes that you find significance in. Most students encounter one or two classes that they struggle with because they simply don’t see why they have to take them or they find the subject matter boring. As long as the class remains little more than a "hoop you have to jump through," you will be struggling to learn and hang onto the information.

It may seem somewhat artificial to try to "create" interest, enthusiasm, or significance in your college algebra, music appreciation, or ________________ class (You fill in the blank.) But sometimes you have to convert passing the course into a significant reward (One more step toward a degree and a career!) or failing the class into a severe penalty (One more semester and thousands of dollars spent trying to get out of this place!)