1. Attend all classes in their entirety. If you must miss class, contact your instructor as soon as possible to clarify any problems.
2. Read the text material scheduled for lecture prior to attending class. While reading, write in your notebook any questions that arise. If your instructor doesn't address these questions during lecture, make sure you ask for help with them. Don't let problems accumulate until it's too late.
3. Use any provided review sheets or other material as a study guide. Strive not to just memorize the material but to understand it. When you read the text, attempt to visualize the authors' words.
4. Make use of your instructor's office hours. If you can't attend the office hours, phone your instructor during this period. Most questions can be answered via the telephone.
5. Don't use any provided sample tests as a study guide. Three or four days prior to the scheduled exam, take the sample test and see what you can complete without accessing your notes. Whatever questions you can't answer should be used as a guide to focus your study efforts for the upcoming exam.
6. Don't procrastinate your studying or assignment preparation. Attempts to "cram" study for tests will likely not be successful. Remember, instructors recommend that you devote two hours of study each week for each hour spent in class during the week. Review the assigned laboratory enough in advance so you can ask your instructor to clarify questions at least one class before the scheduled lab. Finish any advance study assignments prior to lab and complete as much of the lab summary (e.g., objectives, error analysis, numerical setup text) as possible. This will ensure that you complete the lab during the scheduled time and will minimize your chance of procedural or writeup errors.
7. Complete all assigned homework problems and questions - even if your instructor doesn't collect them. Correctly completing multiple problems for each topic will guarantee that you have acquired the problem-solving skills necessary to perform well during the examination. Don't be fooled into thinking you know how to solve the problems because you're able to follow the logic of your instructor's presentation. Repetitive problem solving is the key to excellent test performance.
8. Your relationship with the instructor is not meant to be adversarial. Our goal is to facilitate the achievement of your academic goals by ensuring that you have the necessary skills to do so. Your courses are designed to improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills while developing a background of basic science that employers tell instructors they wish their employees to possess. You may not like the work load, but our job is to help you maximize your potential. If you approach this class with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a diligent effort, you'll learn much and gain confidence in your abilities. Value your educational opportunity; most of the world's population don't have the educational opportunities we have as U.S. citizens.