In Science Courses

Science Courses are DifferentThis may be the first science course of your

college careerScience courses may require more study time

than non-science coursesYou must think and reason about the

concepts in a science courseYou should expect to spend at least 2 hours

studying for each credit hour of class per week

Active LearningLearning is a two-way streetStay alertPractice active listeningTake notes

Your Listening StyleDetermine your listening styleIf you have a more passive listening style,

consider ways you can become a more active listenerListen for key ideasPay particular attention to the points raised by

instructors at the end of classAsk questions

Taking Notes in LectureRecordReduceReciteReflectReview

Taking Notes in Lecture – Record & ReduceHeading•Date•Class

2. Reduce (after class)•Note key words, phrases•Link objectives•Write out questions of your own•Link information from the text or other sources

1. Record notes here• Identify the main points• Capture the main ideas

Use outlines or concept mapsUse words and pictures to get

the information down quicklyAvoid quoting

Place for additional notes when reviewing/studying

Taking Notes in Lecture - ReciteTalk aloudReview from memory what you have learnedUsing the left hand margin’s key words and

questions, talk through or illustrate definitions, concepts, etc.

Create your own examples

Taking Notes in Lecture - ReflectHow does this relate to what you already

knew?Note the essay terms

CompareContrastDefineDescribeDiscussExplain

Taking Notes in Lecture – ReviewReview the notes you tookAt your next study sessionBefore reading new materialWhen studying for tests

ReadingDetermine your reading style

ReadingDetermine your reading styleHolistic reading styles are noncriticalAnalytic reading styles are very detailed and

criticalHow do you think your reading style affects

the way you learn material?Is your reading style related to the kinds of

subjects you prefer?

ReadingYou must read the material before class (look

at your schedule)Choose a moderate amount of material

before you beginIf there is a summary at the end of the

chapter, read itRead first for what you do understand (mark

what you don’t to review later)Practice the “look away” methodLook up wordsRead to the end

ReadingOrganize your notes by connecting ideas

(outline or concept map)Re-read the section with the framework you

have chosenIf the reading is still a challenge, seek help!

Reading and Taking NotesSQ3RRead, review, writeConcept mapping

How to Study for Science ClassesStudying is an ACTIVE process (Study by doing,

not just reading and highlighting)study by making lists of new terms and write them

5 to 10 times each to reinforce their spellingstudy by making flash cards with picturesstudy by drawing diagrams of complex activitiesstudy by telling a story out loud to "teach" the

informationstudy by writing out information from notes, from

memory

Before LabPrepare before each lab class to get the most

out of your lab timeRead material as it pertains to lab (handouts,

text, atlas)Place bookmarks or colored tabs on the assigned

images in the text or atlas so you can find them easily

Bring your textbook and your atlas (if required) to lab every week

Check Angel for handouts you may need to bring to lab

During LabYou need to actually handle the models and bonesYou need to actually look at the histology – you

should even draw pictures of the histologyObserve structures carefully, particularly noting

where they are in relationship with other structures

Use the entire name of a structure. Repeat it aloud. What does the name mean?

Stay focused on the work in labWork cooperatively – do not spend time chit-

chatting, but you may want to find a lab partner to study with

LEAVING LAB EARLY IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR GRADE

After LabReview newest material first and mostReview older material regularlyPlan to use “open lab” times when provided

Review previously used modelsReview previously used histology slides

Avoiding ProblemsRead the Catalog and be aware of course

prerequisites.Read the syllabus and be aware of course policies!Read the course schedule and know when you will

have exams!Choose a seat that will promote good note-takingAccept the instructor, despite his or her limitationsLet your instructor know as soon as possible if you

will have problems attending class or meeting deadlines. Before the fact is always better than after.

Other Tips for SuccessArrive to lecture early or on timeAttend every classTake notes during the ENTIRE lectureAsk questionsStudy EVERY day!Check out the book’s website and do the

questions at the end of each chapterUse different study techniquesForm a study groupRecord the lecture and listen to it again (and

again)

Places to go if you need helpYour instructor’s office hours or tutoring

hoursOpen labsCARE center (P-600)