1. Strategies for Success
In Science Courses

2. Science Courses are Different
This may be the first science course of your college career
Science courses may require more study time than non-science courses
You must think and reason about the concepts in a science course
You should expect to spend at least 2 hours studying for each credit hour of class per week

3. Active Learning Learning is a two-way street Stay alert
Practice active listening
Take notes

4. Your Listening Style Determine your listening style
If you have a more passive listening style, consider ways you can become a more active listener
Listen for key ideas
Pay particular attention to the points raised by instructors at the end of class
Ask questions

5. Taking Notes in Lecture
Record
Reduce
Recite
Reflect
Review

6. Taking Notes in Lecture – Record & Reduce
Heading
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
Record notes here
Identify the main points
Capture the main ideas
Use outlines or concept maps
Use words and pictures to get the information down quickly
Avoid quoting
Place for additional notes when reviewing/studying

8. Taking Notes in Lecture - Recite
Talk aloud
Review from memory what you have learned
Using the left hand margin’s key words and questions, talk through or illustrate definitions, concepts, etc.
Create your own examples

9. Taking Notes in Lecture - Reflect
How does this relate to what you already knew?
Note the essay terms
Compare
Contrast
Define
Describe
Discuss
Explain

10. Taking Notes in Lecture – Review
Review the notes you took
At your next study session
Before reading new material
When studying for tests

11. Reading
Determine your reading style

12. Reading Determine your reading style
Holistic reading styles are noncritical
Analytic reading styles are very detailed and critical
How do you think your reading style affects the way you learn material?
Is your reading style related to the kinds of subjects you prefer?

13. Reading
You must read the material before class (look at your schedule)
Choose a moderate amount of material before you begin
If there is a summary at the end of the chapter, read it
Read first for what you do understand (mark what you don’t to review later)
Practice the “look away” method
Look up words
Read to the end

14. Reading
Organize your notes by connecting ideas (outline or concept map)
Re-read the section with the framework you have chosen
If the reading is still a challenge, seek help!

15. Reading and Taking Notes
SQ3R
Read, review, write
Concept mapping

16. How to Study for Science Classes
Studying 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 spelling
study by making flash cards with pictures
study by drawing diagrams of complex activities
study by telling a story out loud to "teach" the information
study by writing out information from notes, from memory

17. Before Lab
Prepare before each lab class to get the most out of your lab time
Read 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

18. During Lab You need to actually handle the models and bones
You need to actually look at the histology – you should even draw pictures of the histology
Observe 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 lab
Work 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

19. After Lab Review newest material first and most
Review older material regularly
Plan to use “open lab” times when provided
Review previously used models
Review previously used histology slides

20. Avoiding Problems
Read 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-taking
Accept the instructor, despite his or her limitations
Let 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.

21. Other Tips for Success Arrive to lecture early or on time
Attend every class
Take notes during the ENTIRE lecture
Ask questions
Study EVERY day!
Check out the book’s website and do the questions at the end of each chapter
Use different study techniques
Form a study group
Record the lecture and listen to it again (and again)

22. Places to go if you need help
Your instructor’s office hours or tutoring hours
Open labs
CARE center (P-600)