Got a C on first physiology test??

[ns808]

I got a 76% on my first physiology test and I am devastated. I studied so hard, but my teacher's tests are so challenging. I had this teacher before for basic biology and got an A in his class so I was expecting to do well. He said that if we got a C on first exam it's normal and not to worry and that if we get an A on the rest of the exams we can still get an A in the class even if the As are low As on the exams. I really want to try my best but I feel so discouraged already. I usually bounce back but this time I am very disappointed in myself.

I recorded all of his lectures and listened to them one by and took notes. I don't know what else to do. Can you guys give me some useful tips? I really want the A in this class!

[msygrnbw]

- Go to his office and review your exam. Why did you miss most of the questions you did? Was it a lack of content understanding? Second guessing? Missing wording of the question? This will help direct how you study.

- Does he do any powerpoints or lecture guides. If so, take notes on them and reread the corresponding sections in the book after you've reviewed the lecture notes. Make your own study guide by combining the most relevant information from both resources.

- Do the reviews in the back of the book and questions. Make sure you actually go through the rationale behind why you were wrong if your answers aren't correct. Or review why you are right if they are.

- Ask the teacher for suggestions and/or participate in class. Most faculty members really do want you to succeed and are willing to help guide a student who is actually struggling.

- If you continue to do poorly on the exams, or if you're very concerned, consider a tutor. My university employed tutors that we could visit for a certain number of sessions for free. I had one for a few weeks of Organic Chem before I realized I was doing really well in it and didn't need her.

- Study with a group of friends. Take turns quizzing each other with flash cards and teaching each other the answers that you've gotten incorrect. If you can teach it to someone else, you are pretty solid on the information.

- Teach it to someone who is a totally unrelated field - a friend, family member, significant other. When you have to break it down to the basics it helps reinforce your understanding for a good knowledge base.

- Actually read the book (If you aren't). I know that a number of the students in classes throughout school didn't bother to read through the material and relied solely on the professor's notes/lectures. Sometimes the teacher will pull questions straight from the reading that might stay better in your head.

- Look through your studying - are you juts memorizing or actually really understanding the material? I feel like I get in a rut sometimes of memorization, when the way I should be learning it is understanding! Not only will this help on tests because you can reason out questions better, but it will help you remember it better long term. If you are having trouble actually understanding, ask questions.

- Have a study schedule, and include breaks. Don't fall into the cram it all in or the reinforce cramming the night before. If you get better sleep and eat well the day before, it can help with some of that stress.

And don't give up! You can still pull through this class with a good grade =)

[lhuie]

I wouldn't have been able to pass Anatomy and Physiology 1 without the help of Khan Academy. I had a really bad teacher, it was her first semester teaching and she was actually just a research student who needed the teaching credits I suppose. I just read the text book, and then watched the Khan Academy videos for better understanding. The best part is you can watch the videos as many times as you need in order to fully understand the material. Hope this helps, good luck!