How to Study for a College Level Science Course
Dr. Brown, Dr. Kitchin, Dr. Robinson
General
What is the difference between college and high school courses?
Time management and scheduling.
Study Environment
Active Study
Notetaking
Strategies
Kinds of learning related to exam preparation.
Panel Discussion with Students
Goal:
To get better grades and have more time for fun!Study Methods:
1. Create a quiet study space.
2. Find your best time to study.
3. Discover your learning style.
Visual- flash cards
Audio- tape or recite out loud
Kinesthetic (motion)- writing
4. Individual vs. Group Study
Individual:
Advantages- YOU alone must know the information for the test.
Disadvantages- unable to ask questions and share info.
Group:
Advantages - explaining concepts is an excellent way to learn
can get help from other students (problem solving)
Disadvantages- could be less efficient, could get misleading info.
5. Cramming- Will it work?
Emergency Studying: Preview material covered.
Be selective: skim chapters for main points.
Concentrate on learning main points.
Don't read information you won't have time to review.
Strategies:
1. Reduce stress.
Get a good night's sleep.
Eat a good meal.
Arrive early, but not too early. Anxiety is contagious.
Remind yourself that you are well prepared.
Take deep breaths to relax.
2. Make sure that you receive a complete exam.
3. Check point values and allot time appropriately.
4. Read instructions carefully.
Mark as T or F, then correct the false statement.
Essay: answer 2 of 3
Circle all the correct answers in M.C.
5. Answer the easy questions first.
6. Don't spend too much time on a difficult question, come back to it later.
(Your mind will work subconsciously and you may find clues within the test.)
7. Rule out obviously wrong answers in M.C. Mark up the exam.
8. Go back and double check answers. Use all the time given.
(Be careful about changing answers, your first intuition is usually right.)
To be added to Active Study Section.
Steps in Solving Homework Problems:
1. Identify the type of problem and find relevant formulas.
2. Review related information in the notes and book.
3. Find a similar example in the text.
4. Check your answer in the solution guide only after completing the problem.
Notetaking:
Lecture Notes:
Organization:
Section 1:
A central space for identifying the main points.
Notes should only capture the important points.
Don't try to write down every word. Use abbreviations.
Record one example for each concept to jog your memory.
Use underlining, stars, highlighting to make major concepts, vocab. words, names, etc. stand out.
Section 2:
A marginal place for adding information, editing, annotating, or linking to the text.
You will not be able to write down everything in class. You should go back and fill in details The textbook can also be used to fill in vocab. words and blanks when refining notes.
Section 3:
A condensing or summary section.
Summarize each main point briefly. Put the information in your own words. This will help you to remember it.
Helpful Hints:
Number notebook pages and create a table of contents.
Review notes daily and ask teacher about anything confusing ASAP.