Tools for Success

Overview

Students are often wary of science classes because they are “hard.” Anyone can succeed in this class if they choose to be actively engaged in learning the material. In any topic but especially in science, there is a big difference between “being familiar” with the material and “knowing” it. Sitting passively in lecture, skimming through reading just enough to answer homework questions, and not really participating in group activities may get you to “familiar” but not to understanding – understanding takes work, time and effort. 

Instructor Suggestions

So how do you succeed in this class? Here is are my suggestions:

• Don’t miss lecture

• Ask lots of questions during both lecture and lab activities

• Use the lab time to engage in the material and work through tough concepts

• The lecture notes = the study guide

• Read the textbook before coming to lecture; you may not really understand the concepts on the first read but you will be more ready to understand in lecture if you have seen the terms already

• Re-read your notes and text soon after lecture; ask more questions if areas are still confusing

• Make note cards to help with memorization of terminology; review them regularly

• Form an independent study group; teaching each other is one of the best ways to master the material presented in class and you get to know some interesting people at the same time!  

• Figure out your own study style and use your strengths

• Study in small amounts regularly; don’t procrastinate!

• Get tutoring at the Learning Resources Center

• Enroll in the Science Success Center General Science 90 course (see extra credit information)

• Review, review, review…

• Practice "metacognition:"

1. Define success for you - an A, B, pass? a better understanding of biology? a specific topic? improve skills?

2. Reflect on what is working and not working for you and adjust as needed

3. Celebrate successes and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go according to plan