Formula For Success in Biology
Study Hints
Since you are now enrolled in a college level course, odds are that you were a
pretty good student in your previous classes. But no matter how successful a
student you were, experience has shown that the learning skills you employed
in high school classes will likely not be sufficient to guarantee success in this
college course. A good way to begin this adjustment process is to consider the
ways in which college coursework differs from high school.
Common differences between college and high school courses are that in
college
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Material is presented more rapidly and in larger quantities.
Fewer exams are given and each exam covers more material.
All assignments typically count toward the final grade.
Keeping up with previous material is essential to understand new topics.
Considerable out-of-class time investments are required to effectively learn
course material.
Critical thinking is more important than rote memorization.
Students are expected not only to understand the specific examples given in
class, but also to apply their knowledge broadly.
Neither professors nor parents are “looking over your shoulder” to ensure that
necessary coursework gets done on time.
Help is available, but you must take the initiative to seek it out.
Now let’s consider some general keys to academic success.
1. On your first day exchange your phone number with another student.
If you miss a class you can call that person about notes,
announcements, assignments, etc.
2. Attend each class – Your exam questions are based primarily on
material covered in class. You are expected to master that material.
This includes all handouts. Attendance requires you to be on time.
Tardiness will seriously hinder your chances to be successful in class.
A latecomer also creates a disturbance to the instructor and the other
students. If your job or family responsibilities keep you from getting to
class, you should consider switching to another section that is more
convenient or withdrawing from the class.
3. Individual Study – A recognized rule of thumb for study on the college
level is two hours of productive study for each hour of lecture time.
a. Skim through the assigned reading material before you come to class.
b. Do not try to write down everything said in class. Instead, listen to
what is being said and write down the main points.
c. Sometime during the next 24 hours, thoroughly study the material
presented in class and jot down questions you would like to bring up.
d. Learn to test yourself. Ask yourself questions that will demonstrate
your understanding of the material covered.
4. Study Group – Students who work productively with others do better
on their exams. Ask each other questions to make sure that the
members of the group understand the material.
5. Develop an understanding of the material – An understanding of the
material is necessary to answer many of the questions on exams.
Memorization is not enough. Methods for developing understanding
include:
6. When you study alone or with others, identify the important concepts
within the material.
7. Develop interrelationships between these concepts and illustrate these
relationships with flow charts or other diagrams.
8. Talk to your instructor individually or during organized help sessions.
9. Try to relate the course work to personal experiences, currents events
or your own conceptions or misconceptions about life.
Here are a few methods to try out when studying
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Make note cards
Rewrite class notes
Read and outline the chapter (create your own notes, but make sure to
study the class notes as well because often there is other information
that I want you to know included)
Take the practice tests at the end of each chapter
Form a study group and quiz each other
Make your own test (what do you think that I might ask you?)
YOU NEED TO STUDY PAST QUIZZES FOR A CUMULATIVE TEST!
Good luck this year, and I'm sure that you will do just fine!
Email one of us if you have questions.
Websites: Dr. Hensley: http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/509125816112324/site/default.asp
Dr. Cascio: http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/53620818112226930/site/default.asp
email
carol.hensley@loudoun.k12.va.us,
janet.cascio@loudoun.k12.va.us