Classroom Success Tips
To succeed in this class, I suggest you incorporate the following practices.
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 discussion prior to attending class.
While reading, write in your notebook any questions that arise. If your
instructor doesn't address these questions during the presentation, make sure you
ask for help with them. Don't let problems accumulate until it's too late.
3. During class, focus on the presentation. Strive to answer the instructor's
questions. Ask related questions. Attempt to understand the logic and main
points of each presentation. Do not distract yourself by reading other material
or attending to other issues. Do not try to copy slide or board notes verbatim. Write abbreviated notes that can be later augmented from the
text. If you desire, tape the presentation with a cassette recorder.
4. Spend 15 - 30 minutes prior to each class reviewing the notes from
the previous class. This will refresh your memory and allow you to more readily
make the appropriate mental connections with the new material.
5. Use the provided review sheet 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.
6. Don't be afraid to explore new study
techniques. As an example, "concept mapping" is a much better way to study
concepts than "flash cards". If you are unfamiliar with the process of "concept
mapping", please visit your campus Academic Support Center for instruction on this technique.
7. 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.
8. Don't use the library 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. The questions you can't answer
should be used as a guide to focus your study efforts for the upcoming
exam. Attempt the online quiz for each test material as many times as necessary
until you correctly answer all questions and understand the answers.
9. 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.
10. Your relationship with the instructor is not meant to be adversarial.
My goal is to facilitate the achievement of your academic goals by ensuring
that you have the necessary skills to do so. My courses are designed to
improve your critical thinking and writing 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 my 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. residents.
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