Studying
for Math and Science Courses
UW
Rock
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Kim Kostka |
George Alexander |
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Associate
Professor, Chemistry |
Mathematics
Faculty, |
Create your own study plan here
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List three things you plan to do to improve your study habits for this course: |
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1. Maximize the number of times you encounter material in your classes. Attending class is obvious, but do read the assignment before class, review notes after class, work homework problems, study with others, read your text after class, etc.
2. Come to class! On time! Most instructors announce important details at the beginning of class (like important things to know about the next quiz or lab, etc).
3. Prepare yourself for class. Knowing what it is that you need to get out of the class that day will help keep you alert to what is happening and keyed in to what your instructor is saying. Bring along some questions or problems that you encountered in your preparation and use these as focal points.
4. Have your mind engaged during class time. Take an active role. Do what you can to keep your mind from wandering…take notes, scribble questions in your notebook, answer questions asked of the class, etc.
5. Review your notes soon after class. Make notes on your notes…things to look out for, things you need to clarify, etc.
6. Do your homework regularly and often. Cramming is not an effective study strategy in math and science courses where so much new material builds on old material.
7. Set aside the time you need to complete your homework assignments. Don't wait for some time to appear (it seldom does)…write it into your schedule.
8. Remember that only you can learn for yourself. Take responsibility for what you need to accomplish and then set out to do that.
1. Your organization plan must be individualized. It should work for you and be effective.
2. Learn about your personal learning style and use it to guide your study plans and habits. Try out a learning style questionnaire at one of these web sites:
http://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/ilsweb.html
3. Set realistic goals and then follow through. If you develop an elaborate but unworkable plan, you've wasted good time.
4. Use course materials wisely. Keep a course schedule handy. Keep homework, quizzes, and exams to study from. Store handouts effectively for your reference.
5.
Some suggestions for organizing notes and course
content for effective study:
a) Flashcard method
b) 2-page note-taking system
c) 3-column note-taking system
d) Use color!
Colored pencils, etc. can be coded for certain ideas.
e) Use post-it note flags to highlight segments
of your notes, textbook, etc.
f) Others that come to
mind?
6. Notetaking is an interactive experience! Leave room to add comments later. Rewrite class notes so that they make more sense, are organized to fit your needs, and are neat enough to use for future study.
C. Optimizing the Use of a
Math or Science Textbook
Before
Class…
1. Science and math texts are organized in chapters and sections. Be sure you know which sections you are responsible for!
2. Read your textbook assignment before coming to class…even if you don't understand it. This time allows you to identify which topics are easy for you, which will need more focus.
3.
Study the examples in your textbook and try a few
before class. This helps you identify problems you may have with the material
and optimize class time.
During Class…
1. Ask your professor if the textbook should come to class with you. Some instructors rely on you having your textbook for examples, etc.; others don't.
2.
Use sticky notes, tape flags, bookmarks, ribbons,
etc. to mark sections for your reference.
After Class…
3. Review the textbook passages that were assigned for that day. Are things clearing up for you? Or do you need more help outside of class to understand the ideas?
4. Examine worked examples in the reading. You will probably need to fill in the details about steps that are missing (or oversimplified). Work these problems out to fill in the details.
5. Dig in to the assigned homework problems. Follow your instructor's directions. If you are short of time, make sure you sample problems from each of the different groups of assigned problems.
Be aware that there may be several alternate solutions to some problems. You will want to discuss those with your instructor to be sure they really work in all cases!
D. Working with Faculty and
Tutors
1. Instructors want to see you! Please come talk to us so we're not all alone during scheduled office hours.
2. Know when your instructor's office hours (or tutor schedule) are. Write them into your weekly schedule. Make an appointment with the instructor if you cannot make the scheduled office hours.
3. Feel free to stop faculty and staff to ask questions anytime, anyplace. If we're too busy to answer now, we'll try to schedule an appointment that we can both make.
4. It's good to ask your questions! The instructor will not think you are dumb for asking; in fact, we are more likely to think the opposite.
5. Be prepared with specific questions.
6. Write them down so you don't forget. This is especially true when you have more than one question.
7. Tell the instructor at the outset what you plan to ask about. This helps to evaluate the overall picture and the instructor may recognize related problems.
8. Expect to work during this time. An office hour is not a lecture, and this is a benefit. You and the instructor get to work together to try to answer your specific concerns. You will likely be asked to work out some problems or to think about some concept further. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity to learn; it is not a test.
9. What's different about seeing a tutor?
Tutors at UW Rock County are free and are made available in response to need. If you would like a tutor in a subject where there isn't one now, ask for one. Just because there isn't one doesn't mean there can't be one.
E. Working with Study Groups
Outside Class
1. Study groups can really help, but they may not be the right thing for everyone.
2. Study groups should supplement your study time, rather than substitute for it.
3. Give yourselves a name with a positive identity. Plan to succeed.
4. Set a plan or specific agenda for each meeting.
5. Be prepared for the meeting by looking over the material first. Have your questions ready.
6. Share leadership duties and responsibilities.
7. Be courteous and supportive of each other
Updated 11/19/2007 jemiller@uwc.edu