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Tips on Studying for Science Classes
Mrs. Caley Opsal's
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- Read the Chapter before and after the class
period in which that material was discussed (check the
syllabus ahead of time for the chapters and the dates in
which topics will be discussed). Pay attention to the
words in bold. They are often discussed in class!
- Take many notes during lecture
and seminar. You will be given an instructor outline of
the material to be covered for each unit. Take notes on
this outline or on a separate piece of paper. Add to
sections that are elaborated upon. Draw pictures and
write out definitions. Know your notes backwards
and forwards!!
- Highlight things the instructor
seemed to repeat or spend a lot of time on during class.
Pay attention to things the instructor took time to draw
out on the board or go through in a step-wise manner
(such as the process of muscle contraction).
- Bring colored pencils to make drawings with
during class. These diagrams will stand out in you notes
and make studying more interesting!
- Read through your lecture and seminar notes
at least once a day! Make it a post-class
time or pre-bed time ritual!
- Make questions & answer cards or
difficult material or definitions using recipe cards.
Take these cards with you everywhere (grocery shopping,
the bank...). Whip them out to study when you're standing
in line with nothing to do!
- Find a study partner! Things
are more likely to be remembered when you have to explain
something out loud to another person. It also makes
studying more fun and you may make a lifetime friend in
the process!!
- Seek out you instructor outside of class when
you need additional help, and come prepared
to ask specific questions. Ideally, have your questions
written out ahead of time. This will make the extra time
with your instructor more productive.
- Try to make up catchy little phrases to
remember difficult things in class. If you
come up with a good one, share it with your classmates!
- After each unit, read the outline at the end
of each chapter. If there are things that
you are still uncomfortable with, reread that section
of the chapter.
- Try to think of possible test questions
concerning the material you will be tested on.
Quiz yourself and try to answer the questions without
looking at your notes.
- Seek tutoring if you have difficulty reading
the material or taking the exams This is a
wonderful resource offered by IVCC! Take advantage of
it!!
- DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE TO STUDY
FOR AN EXAM!! Also, do not study while
listening to music (unless it has no lyrics) or while
watching TV Find a nice, quiet place to study.
- Rewrite you notes, if time
permits, after each class period.
Last Updated
08/11/06
Mrs. Caley Opsal's
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