Chabot Engineering
Study Skills
For
Engineering Students
Bruce Mayer, PE
Licensed Electrical & Mechanical Engineer
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
From CareerBuilder.com Apr08
 CHICAGO, April 2008 CareerBuilder.com's annual survey.
 Survey of 3147 Human Resource
Professionals and Hiring Managers
 When asked about minimum GPA
requirements:
• 31% of the hiring managers surveyed
said they require a 3.0 and above
• 11% require a 3.5 and above
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Robert Irwin on JPL GPA

Mr. Irwin Studied
Engineering at
Chabot &
UCBerkeley
•

His Comments on
JPL’s GPA policy:
JPL has a 3.0
minimum GPA for
interns and full
time hires. It is a
very strict policy.
•
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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He Now Works as
Test Engineer for
NASA’s Jet
Propulsion
Laboratory at
CalTech
>>> Robert Irwin
<robertirwin22@uu.
vv> 8/27/2012 7:41
PM >>>
Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Job Offers
Circa
Jan 1979
Thank You
UC Berkeley
Placement
Center
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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~$70k in 2014-$
Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
BMayer
Resume
Used to
Obtain 12
Job Offers
Circa Nov78
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Learning Goal
 Hopefully this Lecture will Help
Students to Develop the Skills,
Techniques, and Methods to allow
Each Student to…
Study Like an
ENGINEER
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Liberal Arts Majors Party Down
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-1: Be Responsible
 You want to be a Professional;
Professionals are Expected to Assume
PERSONAL Responsibility for their Actions
 At the University This Means
• Attend EVERY Regular Class/Lab meeting
• Be On Time, Be Courteous
• Complete and Turn-in All Assignments
as Scheduled
• Ask for few “Special Case” exceptions
– Professors Appreciate “SERIOUS” Students
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-2: Mind Connected to Hand
 Unlike some Other Disciplines
Bachelors-Degree Math and
Science Education Tends to be
• Linear - a course will build as the Term
Progresses; courses build upon each other
– Early Work is Required for Later Work
• Precise and Quantitative
– At Universities Most Math & Sci Courses Entail
the Determination of a NUMERICAL Result
 There are Objectively RIGHT & WRONG Answers
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-2 Cont.
 Math & Science Education Provides
Tools to Solve Problems
• Becoming Proficient with the Tools Requires
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, & more PRACTICE
 Study with a Pencil-and-Paper
• If the Instructor Follows a Text, then
– READ carefully, Taking Notes in
YOUR OWN HAND
– Work all the EXAMPLES until you
UNDERSTAND them
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-2 Cont.
– To study for exams, Work problems for which
the text provides answers
• If Solutions Are Provided to Homework or
Exams, then REWORK All problems that
you got Wrong Until you Understand them
• Neatness & Thoroughness helps
– A problem you solved
early in the term may
be needed late in the term
 If it’s Neat & Complete you
can Use it more quickly
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-2 Summarized
Don’t just
READ the Text;
WORK the Text
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Notes from EE-113 at Stanford
Go Card!
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-2 Personal Story
 BMayer Learned Rule-2 in
Ted Bowen’s Physics Class At
Cabrillo Community College in 1974
• This TRANSFORMED My Academic
Performance; leading to Results after
Transfer to UCBerkeley (Go Bears)
– 3.8 GPA (95%)
– 12 Job Offers
 Transformed an Atty I know well from a
Medium Student to 3rd out of 245 in her
SCU Law School Graduating Class
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-3 Honor the TextBook
 Instructor and Class-Time provides a
FRAMEWORK for Learning a
College/University Skill
 The Text, Or HandOuts/Notes,
Provides the SUBSTANCE
 Very Few People Learn Performance
Skills by Listening to a lecture
• Lectures Tell you WHAT to Study
• The Text & Exercises DEVELOP Skills
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-3 Honor the TextBook
 From Rule-2 a Good Student will take
NOTES on the TextBook in his/her
OWN HAND
 In other words you
EXPLAIN the Text to
YOURSELF in your
OWN WORDS
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-4 Listen to the Instructor
 The Obvious Reason →
To Learn the Material
 The Subtle Reason → To Learn What
is IMPORTANT to the Instructor
• What the Instructor Says in Class Gives
Clues about His/Her Priorities
– Since you Have Finite Study Time
(168 hrs per week) you need to PRIORITIZE
– Typically What the instructor COVERS IN
CLASS will likely appear on the TESTS
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-5 Mind your Math & English
 Math and English form the
FOUNDATION for College,
and for Landing a good Working Position
• Almost all Well Compensated (i.e. Good
Paying) Jobs require that the Employee be
able to CALCULATE & COMMUNICATE
– A GOOD Employee will use ALGEBRA;
a GREAT Employee will use CALCULUS
– A GOOD Employee will be able to READ &
UNDERSTAND a written report; a GREAT
Employee will WRITE the Report
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-5 Cont.
 Math & English form the BASIS for
ANY Professional & Practice; c.f.
• Required Courses for Engineering Degrees
• Required Courses for Nursing Degrees
• Required Courses for Business Degrees
 Almost All Significant PROFESSIONS
in the USA Depend written Math & English
• Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Business Person,
Company Manager, Police Officer, etc.
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-6 Be Creative
 CREATING Something is
MUCH Harder than USING Something
• e.g.; The difference between READING a
story, and WRITING a story
 In the Professional World Creativity
Leads to very VALUABLE outputs
• NEW products and/or Services
• Competitive ADVANTAGE
• SOLVED Problems
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-6 Cont.
 CREATIVITY and PRODUCTIVITY
are Closely Related
• Both Require Getting Something DONE
 Develop Your Creativity Thru Practice
• Draw Pictures
• Write Stories
• Build Things
• Solve Puzzles
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
End Product of Systematic
Creativity
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-7 Draw Diagrams for Math
 Science, Math & Engrng Have a HUGE
Advantage Over the Written Language
Disciplines – The use of Graphics
 If you have difficulty with a problem
• Chart it
• Graph it
• Sketch it
• Flow Chart it
• Diagram it
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-8 DON’T Sell Your Books
 If you follow Rule-2; then you
will Build a LIBRARY of
PERSONAL Reference material
• Since Math & Sci Education Builds, Your
Text and The Study Materials associated
with it are VALUABLE References
 Many of the Underlying Laws of Science
Cross Discipline Boundaries
 Odds are you WILL use Your Texts
as PROFESSIONAL References
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Book Seller ShortSightedNess
 A TextBook Seller unconsciously says
this to Her/Him Self:
 This attitude is a
SELF-FULLING PROPHECY
• Of Couse if a person DISCARDS a
TOOL, then he/she will never use it!!!
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Sell Books? I don’t think so…
 From The Journal Thin Solid Films
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
TSF TextBook Refs
Chabot
CHEM-1A/B Text
Sell Books? I don’t think so…
 From The Journal IEEE TSM
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
TSM TextBook Refs
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
TextBook Refs for:
IEEE Transactions on
Semiconductor Manufacturing
MTH1 TextBook from
Cabrillo College
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Sell Books? I don’t think so…
 From The Journal APS/AVS JVST
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
JVST TextBook References
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-9 PUT in the TIME
Grad-Schl
4Yr Univ
Educational Level
Chabot
Hi-Schl
Academic (Study) Time Per Lecture-Hour
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
Weekly Study Time (hrs per Lecture-Hour)
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
4.5
file =
Rule-9 cont.
 From the Chart on the Previous Slide,
the MINIMUM Study Hours per week
• 6 Hours for a 3 unit Chabot Course
• 10 Hours for a 5 unit Chabot Course
• 9 Hours for a 3 unit SJSU or CSU-EB or
UCBerkeley Bachelor’s Level Course
• 12 Hours for a 3 unit CalPoly or UCDavis
or UCBerkeley Master’s Level Course
• Even MORE for Ph.D or MD Level Course
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
R9: clueLESS vs clueFILLED
 Request from a ClueLESS Student
I don’t have time to
Study…Tell me how get an “A”
AnyWay
 Observation by a ClueFILLED Student
There is No Substitute for
Personally Struggling with the
Course Material
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
R9: You think it’s tough at Chabot…
 Consider this Sp10 advice from
UCBerkeley Prof. Bernhard Boser to his
2nd Year, 4-Unit EE40 class
• “Effort: You are expected to spend
approximately 12 to 16 hours each week
on this course, broken down as follows:
– 3 hours of lecture
– 1 hour of discussion
– 3-4 hours reading (book & notes)
– 3-5 hours homework
– 3 hours labs and project”
B. E. Boser
http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~boser/courses/40/index.html
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-10 Study EXTRA for Exams
 Preparing for Exams or Quizzes
requires ADDED study time beyond the
6 Hrs/Wk for a 3 unit Chabot Course
 Exam Study/Prep Time Guideline
3 Hours StudyTime
Per 1 Hour of
ExamTime
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-10 cont.
 Exam Week Study-Time Example →
Chabot 5 Unit Math or Science Course
• 1 Hour Midterm Exam = 13 hours total
– 10 Hours Normal Study Time
– 3 Hours Exam Prep Study Time
• 2 Hour Final Exam = 6 hours Final-Exam
Prep Time
– At the University Level Final
Exams are 3 Hours long, which
requires NINE (9) hours of
Final-Exam Study time
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-11 Get EVERY Point
 If the Instructor/Professor offer
the OPPORTUNITY to earn
Grading Points, then TAKE IT
• Do EVERY Assignment
• Do NOT incur LATE Penalties
• Do Any & All EXTRA CREDIT Offerings
• Learn how to Earn PARTIAL CREDIT and
then DO IT
– e.g., if SHOWING WORK earns Partial Credit,
then Show your work
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-12 Join/Form a Study Group
 LEARNING a subject is one thing,
TEACHING a subject is Another
 The depth of Knowledge required to
TEACH a Subject is much Greater than
that needed to LEARN the same Subject
 In a good Study Group ALL Students will
be BOTH Learner and Teacher
 Study Groups need NOT be Large; two
people can make an effective group
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-13 OfficeHrs Do’s & Don’ts
 DO Use Instructor Office
Hours; the RIGHT Way
• DON’T: Walk into the Office and say: “Teach
me the SAME THING that you discussed
during the class I MISSED”
• DO: PREPARE for the Office Hour as you
might for a meeting with your SUPERVISOR
to make
1. The Visit Efficient & Effective for BOTH Parties
2. a GOOD IMPRESSION on the Instructor
 Helps for subsequent Letters of Recommendation
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-13 OfficeHrs Do’s & Don’ts
 Office Hour Visit Game Plan
• Work HARD on the Problem/Issue
until you get STUCK
• Bring with you: TextBook, Paper & Pencil,
Calculator or Computer
• THEN go to Office Hours and talk to the
instructor saying something along the lines:
– This is what I have
DONE so Far…
Can you help me
make the NEXT STEP
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Rule-14: LEARN All You Can
 A Four-Year Degree offers the
Opportunity to Learn at a Level of
DEPTH & DETAIL that will Likely
NOT be Available LATER in Life
 Higher Education In California is
EXCELLENT – Take Advantage of it
• Study Hard; Party Later
• Learn Everything you Can
 You will NEVER regret having
done WELL at the University Level
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
1960 CA Master Plan for Higher Ed
 California Public four-year
Universities allow for
seamless CC transfer as
provided for by the 1960
California Master Plan
for Higher Education.
An excerpt from this plan:
California
High School
Graduates
12.5%
100%
33%
California
Community
Colleges
University
Of
California
2.4 GPA
2.0 GPA
California
State
University
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/~ucalhist/archives_exhibits/masterplan/heart.html
• “The transfer function is an essential component of the
commitment to access. UC and CSU are to establish a lower
division to upper division ratio of 40:60 to provide transfer
opportunities to the upper division for Community College
students, and eligible California Community College
transfer students are to be given PRIORITY in the
admissions process.”
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
UC & CSU Engineering Programs
 UC Programs
 CSU Programs
CSUs Offering B.S.-Engineering Degree(s)
California Maritime Academy
California Polytechnic State University, SLO
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
California State University, Chico
California State University, East Bay
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Sacramento
Humboldt State University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
45
• Does NOT Include
CompSci Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
LEARN it USE it (on the Job)
 Virtually EVERY TECHNICAL (and
ENGLISH Composition) CLASS I took I
actually USED On The Job during by
24+ Year Engineering Practice Career
• See Previous slides on TextBook Refs
 The Deeper you Learn SomeThing in
the Technical & English Classes at
Chabot and the University the More
Likely you are to APPLY IT when you
join a Math/Sci/Engineering Profession
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
LEARN it  Return on Investment
 Students are (or should be) PAYING for
Their College/University Education
 NOT Learning DEEPLY is like Paying
for a Gym membership, and then doing
“Mickey Mouse” WorkOuts
 To Get a RETURN on his/her
Educational investment the student
should LEARN the Course Content
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
LEARN it  Return on Investment
 A excellent Perspective on RoI →
“When I was a senior [in college],
one of my professors asked
wonderingly, ‘Why is it that you
guys spend so much time trying
to get as LITTLE AS POSSIBLE
for your money?’”
• M. McArdle, “Is College a Lousy Investment”,
Newsweek, Vol. CLX, No. 12 (17Sep2012)
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Case Study: ClueLess  ClueFilled
ENGR43 • Sp11-Student Test Performance Progression
100%
 The student did
about 3-times
BETTER on the
Exam that was
about 3-times
HARDER!!!
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
49
91.1%
Test EASINESS
80%
Test-Score • Test Easiness Index
 Consider the Test
Performance Data
For Electrical
Circuits & Devices
(ENGR43) Student
Student SCORE
60%
40%
56.1%
34.5%
20%
0%
MTE1
RSweetMan_Test_Improvement_Sp11.xlsx
MTE2
Term
 What PRODUCED
this tremendous
Improvement from
MidTerm-1 to the
Final Exam?
Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
FinalExam
Case Study: ClueLess  ClueFilled
 When ASKED about the Improvement
the Student Replied:
>>> Robbie Sweetman <rs@zzzzzzz.com> 05/31/11 11:52 AM >>>
Hey Mr. Mayer, thanks! I think I finally realized that understanding the concepts
and actually being able to analyze different problems were two different things.
About a week and a half before the final I started doing problem after problem
after problem. I think the only way that I was able to improve in that class was
by seeing a lot of different problems and FINALLY PUTTING IN MORE TIME.
And to me the final [exam] was the EASIEST of all three tests SIMPLY BECAUSE
I HAD DONE SO MANY PROBLEMS that I UNDERSTOOD how a circuit worked.
I knew the concepts AND how they actually applied and I think that made the
difference. On the other tests I knew the general concepts, but DIDN'T SPEND
ENOUGH TIME applying them to actual circuits.
Thanks again Mr Mayer! I think your classes have helped me REALIZE HOW
MUCH TIME I have to spend when I transfer [to UCDavis in AeroSpace
Engineering].
- Robbie Sweetman
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Case Study: “Sac State” BSCE
 Robert Curry –
Chabot Transfer
Student to CSU
Sacramento in Civil
Engineering
• BSCE in Dec2009
• SacState GPA 3.95
• Now a Civil Engineer
with the California
Department of Water
Resources (DWR)
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
51
>>> Robert Curry 03/14/08 4:00 PM
…I do have to tell you , my time at Chabot was
VERY HELPFUL IN PREPARING ME to go on
to Sac State. I think that ALL THE ADVICE
you gave us, and the TYPE OF WORK YOU
HAD US do put me in a GOOD POSITION TO
DO WELL.
During my first semester at Sac State, I saw a
lot of OTHER STUDENTS STRUGGLING with
things that I found to be familiar. Not
necessarily the material, but the WORK that
was required AND THE METHOD to go about
learning the material. I've seen that
everything that you are doing to help your
students will PAY OFF for them if they choose
to use it. Thank you very much Mr. Mayer.
Without your help over the previous three
years I don't think I would be in such a good
position to succeed in my goals.
Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Comments from Former Student
 Mr. Nicolas Celeste transferred from
Chabot to San Francisco State University;
majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
 He eventually became the PRESIDENT of
the SFSU American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) Student Section
 What Follows are some of his
comments from a Guest Lecture
he Made at Chabot about his
Transfer Experience
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
54
Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Guest Lecture by UCB M.E.
Excerpts from a Guest Lecture to the Chabot ENGR10
Class made by Chabot Engineering Transfer Student
(Now Mechanical Engineer) Robert Moore
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Guest Lecture by UCB ChemE
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Ms. Zhang Advice on Learning
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Ms. Zhang notes on “Life in Chabot”
1. Take every class seriously, especially these basic science classes like math. at the
beginning, you may not see the connections between different subjects. Your goal
is NOT to get an A in the class, but to LEARN something. Lecture is very
important, you want your study to be efficient.
2. THINK INDEPENDENTLY. Group study is great, but I encourage you to do the
homework independently, and then you can discuss-with and compare-to
classmates. Because, in group study sometimes will avoid you from knowing
where you need to improve.
3. Start early. There are a lot of advantage of starting the homework early, you have
plenty of time to think, and you will have time to go to Office Hour, (OH is important
in UC), you don’t need to stay up late at night and fall asleep in the other morning.
For the career, I highly recommend you to look for some part-time job in the
industrial sector, may be too challenging to be engineer, but try operator that require
minimum course work. From your work, you can build up the network, keep good
reference, update your resume. The truth is, for 2-year program, you only have one
summer to look for internship.
4. Be a tutor; it helps your UC application. Solidifies your class material.
5. Classes completion. Because the class load would be very heavy in UC, and you
need to apply principles from these basic classes in your major classes. And also, in
UC, the lower division classes are lectured in huge class size, may up tp 600 ppl
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Comments from ENGR
Transfers
 Former Chabot Engineering Student
George Greer Earned Acceptance into
the BEST Civil Engineering Ph.D.
Program on the Face of the Earth!
 His Comments on Chabot Engineering
Chevron Environmental
Engineering Scholarship
Recipients
>>> George Greer <g.greer03@uuu.vvv> 02/19/14 6:13 PM >>>
Hello Mr. Mayer,
I just wanted to let you know that I graduated from
Berkeley this past December and was recently admitted into
Berkeley's Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology
MS/PhD program. I want to thank you for successfully
preparing me for my undergraduate studies at Berkeley. I
also know that the LESSONS YOU TAUGHT AND YOUR METHOD OF
STUDYING AND PREPARING FOR CLASSES WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO
BENEFIT ME AT GRADUATE SCHOOL.
Thank you, George Greer
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Comments from ENGR Transfers
>>> Evan Manrique <evanmanrique@yahoo.com> 10/24/2012 10:53 AM >>>
Hello Mr. Mayer,
I just wanted to thank you for the preparation you have provided me during my time at
Chabot College. Getting though the first round of midterms at Cal Poly,
I found myself in both of my EE classes, receiving the highest grade on the midterms.
The work ethic that I had to acquire in taking your classes at Chabot has truly made me
a more confident and stronger student. I hope everything is going well
for you this semester and thank you again for all your help and guidance.
Evan Manrique (CalPoly-SLO Electrical Engineering Student)
******************************************************
>>> dadaspeaking <dadaspeaking@hotmail.com> 10/28/12 9:50 PM >>>
Mr. Mayer,
It is super nice to hear from you again!! How have you been? I am using the method you
taught me to study every course at Cal. I totally survived in the first round of
midterms with all A's!! : ) I very very appreciate for it and again, thank you so
much.
Best Regards, Weida Yin (UCBerkeley Civil Engineering Student)
*************************************************************************
>>> Andrew Koth <snlkoth@gmail.com> 10/28/12 6:41 PM >>>
Mr. Mayor,
Your tests really prepared me for the rigor of my current classes. I thought the study
skills packet was particularly helpful. I hope everything is going well for you.
Andrew (UCBerkeley Electrical Engineering student)
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Comments from ENGR Transfers
>>> Lormi Sioson <lormisioson@yahoo.com> 04/18/13 8:56 AM >>>
Dear Mr. Mayer,
…stay in touch with the only engineering professor that has established
a good foundation of not only the material needed in the engineering
field, but also preparing me for the hard work ahead.
Just to update you, I was able to pass all my classes last semester and
about to finish another one. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, one
our two classes here at SJSU require more prerequisites to get in and
they are limited in enrollment, which has pushed me back as far as what
my previous education plan was. Which is why the education plan
assignment you had us do in Engineering 10 was helpful. The rigorous work required to
pass my classes comes to me so naturally now because your classes have prepared me for
it. I didn’t know that then and almost found it torturous, but now, I'm glad to have
gone through it and it has helped me make it this far.
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for pushing me to become a better
engineer.
Sincerely, Lormi
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Comments from ENGR Transfers
March 28, 2013
Professor Bruce Mayer
Chabot College
Dear Mr. Mayer:
As you know, this is the first year I have taken a job as a engineering
intern with Gallo Wines and this step would not have been possible with
out your guidance and support. I find myself often using the advice you
have given and skills you have taught in your engineering classes in my internship. Your
"Rule-5: learn to Communicate" I use daily. I am required every day at Gallo to be able
to communicate what I need done succinctly and precisely to my supervisors, the
maintenance technicians and the machine operators.
Your study skills have also been useful, especially your "Rule-2: Mind Connected to
Hand." If I were to give any advice to prospective engineering majors, I would tell them
take fewer units so that you have the time to work the problems out on paper. Even in my
internship I have a legal pad out on my desk so that I can write out problems or
brainstorm. I often use pen and paper before I use the computer.
In case you were wondering, my job as a production engineering intern is to investigate
and fix major problems with the bottling lines based on data. The lines I manage produce
the sparkling wines (aka champagne) under the brands Andre, Barefoot Bubbly, Delicia,
and Wyclef. My lines also produce the dessert wines Boones Farm, Night Train,
Thunderbird, and Gallo vermouth and boxed wines Peter Vella and Carlo Rossi
Sincerely,
Branden Andersen
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
 Have you ever said “I’m just Not at good
at Math (or something similar)?”
– If So, Please change you mind, and read below
 …But the truth is that everyone can become smarter at math
[or sci/engr] if they practice in the right way. If a weight lifter
watched other people exercise all day long, he wouldn’t get
any stronger. And if someone tried to learn how to juggle by
just reading a book about juggling, they wouldn’t learn. You
actually have to practice the right way — and usually that
means the hard way — to get better at something. In fact,
scientists have found that the brain grows more when you
learn something new, and less when you practice things you
already know… • (See appendix for full text)
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
http://seattlecentral.edu/faculty/jwright/math91/Assignments/due_10_03/YouCanGrowYourBrainArticle.pdf
I’m Just Not at Good at Math/Sci
Q&A with Math Challenged Student
 Q1.What do you recommend I do to Better Learn the Math
needed to become an Engineer?
•
A1. There is NO getting around the fact that Engineering REQUIRES HIGHLEVEL Math skills. All engineers are expected to do well Math courses thru
Differential Eqns (MTH4) and Linear Algebra (MTH6). Note that ALL math
classes tend to BUILD on one-another; Earlier skills are required for Later
classes.
•
* I suggest DROPPING back to the level where you feel comfortable, but
mildly challenged.
•
** Given your difficulties with TRIG (which is VERY Difficult) I would
recommend MTH37; Trig/Geometric Foundations
•
*** While taking the class
•
**** PERSONALLY STRUGGLE with the material for about 10 hrs per week
OUTside of class.
•
**** Take advantage of the DROP-IN math tutoring available in the Math &
Science Center, rm3906
•
**** Take advantage of the one-on-one, Appt-based tutoring in the PATH
Center
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Q&A with Math Challenged Student
 Q2. What is the fastest way to deal with this in your opinion?
•
A2. There is NO fast way; only LONG & HARD work
•
* To advance thru Math’s LINEAR-Course progression I suggest you plan
on taking SUMMER Math Courses, at least thru MTH2
 Q3. What was your approach/procedure to math in general?
•
A3. I personally approached Math courses in the SAME manner that I did
ALL my OTHER Courses (Engineering, Chemistry, English, History, etc.).
This was by Studying a LOT.
•
* Research has shown that what makes someone good at ANYTHING is
PUTTING in the TIME.
•
** The Study Plan I used, and continue to use when I'm learning something
new, is carefully described in my study skills document:
– http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty/bmayer/ChabotEngineeringCourses/All_Courses_ENGR/St
udy_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students_140106.pptx
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Q&A with Math Challenged Student
 Q4. Do you have an abstract/creative ways in approaching
math? Like hand-abacus or books that incorporate all types
learning?
•
A4. What helps me A LOT is the use of DIAGRAMS or GRAPHS to the
MAXIMUM extent possible.
•
* If you have difficulty with HAND Graphing (which is BEST), then I suggest
you Learn to Plot with MSExcel.
•
** See the ENGR25 Lectures on this topic:
– http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty/bmayer/ChabotEngineeringCourses/ENGR25_CompMeth/E25_Lecture/ENGR-25_Lec-29_Sp14_MS_Excel-2.pptx
– http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty/bmayer/ChabotEngineeringCourses/ENGR25_CompMeth/Demos/ENGR-25_SnCl4_Pv_Chart-Build_Tutorial_Sp14.pptx * To advance thru
Math’s LINEAR-Course progression I suggest you plan on taking SUMMER Math Courses, at
least thru MTH2
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Q&A with Math Challenged Student
 Q5. How did you study Trigonometry and Calculus with
Complex Algebra?
•
A5. The Same way I studied Engineering, Physics, and everything else; by
working my butt-off, and doing any and every thing I could to
UNDERSTAND the course material
•
* What engineering students study at the college level is NOT an academic
exercise; what we learn in class can be USED on the JOB if we have
LEARNED it DEEPLY.
 Q6. Did you think in mental-math or tie to abstract-ideas?
•
A6. I don't know. I always "threw the kitchen sink" at everything I wanted to
learn deeply. I'm sure I did both MentalMath & AbstractReasoning, along
with ANYTHING else I of which I could think.
•
* I would say that the more Math AND engineering I did, the more
DIAGRAMS & MATH I did
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Q&A with Math Challenged Student
 Q7. Should I do like flow charts or something or draw pictures
somehow and connect visual ideas to computation somehow?
•
A7. YES! Use GRAPHICS to the MAXIMUM Extent possible Qx. How did
you study trigonometry and Calculus with complex algebra?
 Q8. How do I get past the math part to become an Engineer?
•
A8. You DON"T! Engineers USE Math as a critically important part of their
WORK. The use of SOPHISTICATED Math & Science is what separates
ENGINEERS from TECHNICIANS. If Engineering was easy, then the
profession would require such extensive training. And Engineers-to-be need
to TRAIN HARD.
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Engineering in
the LongTerm
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report-2014/majors-that-pay-you-back
More Liberal Arts
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
LiberalArts & MBA’s
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
DilBert BrainStorming
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
All Done for Today
Study
Groups
can Help
 But Remember YOU
take the TEST; NOT
the Study-Group
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
Book Seller ShortSightedNess
 A Book Seller (BSer) unconsciously
says this to Her/Him Self:
 This attitude is a SELF-FULLING
PROPHECY
• Of Couse if a person DISCARDS a TOOL,
then he/she will never use it!!!
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
YouCanGrowYourBrainArticle.pdf
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
YouCanGrowYourBrainArticle.pdf
Chabot Math, Science, and Engineering
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx
YouCanGrowYourBrainArticle.pdf
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Bruce Mayer, PE
BMayer@ChabotCollege.edu • Study_Skills_for_Chabot_College_Students.pptx