Write everything out in a notebook!  This will help you to quickly find out what was provided in class and in the ALEKS homework (or textbook) to solve a problem.  This will strengthen your ability to see and properly show the steps in solving problems.  I will spend some time in class covering specific mathematical techniques as we need to use them.  You may need to review some prior Algebra skills, but you are only allowed into this class with demonstrated math ability.   Another key to success is WRITING EVERYTHING BY HAND.  It just seems like we are DESIGNED to process with our hands so that our heart and mind will follow.  It may seem like a waste of time, but the trick is for YOU to write it with YOUR hand.  It is not enough for your eyes to see it.

In class, you should take notes to help guide your study after class.  It is not necessary to copy down everything I say or write on the board, but you should get enough that you have the highlights or a good outline of what was done.  Note-taking is an important study tool because it requires you to think about what is being said in order to translate it into your own words and write it down.  Taking meaningful notes is easier if you have studied the lecture material before coming to class.  In addition, if you rewrite your notes after class, incorporating material from the textbook to augment them, they become a valuable study resource and the rewriting process constitutes an excellent study session.

Probably the single most important way to study and learn a quantitative science such as chemistry or physics is through problem-solving.  It is possible to memorize material from your notes or the textbook as you study it, but understanding concepts are much more than memorizing them; understanding means that you can restate concepts in your own words, apply them or a mathematical technique to a variety of problems.  Therefore, in general, memorization is not the same thing as understanding!

Reading and Problem Assignments:  Serious scholars will give attention to developing their problem-solving skills.  Evidence that you understood a reading assignment is demonstrated by successfully working the problems and answering the questions associated with them.  Learning scientific concepts and developing problem-solving skills is very time-intensive.  Neglecting to work assignments is a significant reason for failing the course.  Climbing a mountain takes one step at a time.  You can do it!!

Many students find searching the internet or using AI to solve a problem is very helpful. This is ok to do initially.  However, for hand-in homework problems, we are expecting you will not do this.   Also, eventually, you will be required to use your own knowledge and training to solve these problems in class without help.  This is why we have in class quizzes and tests.  

ALEKS is an excellent guide to show you HOW to solve problems.  However, some students spend their time learning how to cheat the system to get the little green checkmark…and they neglect HOW to solve the problem.  Don’t be that student!  You are cheating yourself at this point.

Work Together.   

Visit the instructor during office hours (make an appointment!) or email for help!

Watch videos on YouTube (e.g. Khan Academy) and rewatch lectures.

Visit Student Success for help with tutoring.