Study dilemma

Lolita34 · Jan 28, 2013

Will your teacher have power points? I remember my professors would lecture and highlight important points in the power points for students to know. Will there be a study guide for the tests? Could you meet with your professor and ask for some tips on how to prepare for the tests? Good luck.

kamille09 · Jan 28, 2013

When it comes to studying there is no right or wrong way. It really depends on how you process and learn new information. My first advice would be to look over your syllabus and make sure you scan through the chapters before each lecture. Get an idea of what the section is about and during lecture, write your notes in your own words. Don't copy the powerpoint, it doesn't help you learn, it just wastes your time and energy. Now, as far as studying after the lectures, what worked for me was to quiz myself. Try to do the questions at the end of the chapters to make sure you learned the material. You could also form a study group or find a study buddy and you guys can make questions and exchange. Be careful with study groups. Don't form study groups with friends because you can easily get side tracked. Also, if your professor have a teaching assistant go to their office hours if you have any questions and want to clarify anything. They are a great resource. Good luck and I hope that helps! :)

Desperately trying · Jan 28, 2013

I agree with the first commenter. When I took, A&P I, my instructor covered so much information at once, but always emphasized what information would be likely seen on the exam. He also provided diagrams of processes so that we could study the lecture notes and try to get a visual of the processes emphasized in lecture. It is a lot of information so spend as much time out of class reviewing and studying as you do in class. I would also request an appointment with the instructor and go over you understanding of the material and ask for feedback to see if you are on the right track. Hopefully this helps!

Runningonfancy · Jan 28, 2013

Senior colleges are all about powerpoints. Every class I took used them. They were the first guide and the book second. Some classes I had never even used the book. Teachers don't have that level of personal communication. When you get more in your core the professors will begin to recognize you, but you have to work toward building a relationship. You truly do have to read the book and then make notecards to study from.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 28, 2013

It's a trade-off. CCs tend to have smaller classes and therefore more individual attention to each student while typical university 'basic science' classes are in large lecture halls that are filled to capacity and the learning process is much more self-directed. BUT - universities also have more academic resources that are available to you. Don't hesitate to sign up for tutoring. If there is a TA (usually for large classes), s/he may be able to direct you to more resources also. They may even have old tests that you can review And make sure you take advantage of your instructor's "office hours" if you have any questions.

Saysfaa · Jan 28, 2013

Check the first section (before the index, certainly, it may be before or after the preface) of most any recent textbook - preferably several of them. They lay out the basics of how to study, most of the stuff is very similar there is some variation.

You can also netsearch "study strategies", "study techniques", "learning strategies", "how to take notes in class", "how to take notes from a textbook."

I like to pay a lot of attention to vocabulary because by the time I understand the fine distinctions of the definitions - I usually have 80 or 90 percent of the concepts also.

I differ from most of the other posters - I don't pay much attention to the power points until after I have a good handle on the material from the book and from my notes of the lectures. The power points are the high lights. I remember things much better if I get more of a broad base first, it is easier to see the highlights in context and to see how things relate to other things.

zoe92 · Jan 29, 2013

I read over and over again. I read the power points and then the chapter. If I need to, I make flash cards or outline the basics. Pay attention to the pictures in your textbook in the power points, those are really helpful. Break UP the chapter so it does not seem as daunting & possibly rearrange or reorganize information if it will make better sense. Good luck.

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Jan 29, 2013

Look up SQ3R it's a lifesaver with tedious reading!

Zelda21 · Jan 31, 2013

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions.