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Tips on Studying for Science Classes

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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 Home | IVCC Home | Contact Us | Natural Sciences & Business Home