GENERAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDYING

·                     Attend every class. Listening to lectures and participating in discussions is much more effective than reading someone else's notes. Active participation will help you retain what you are learning.

·                     Budget your study time effectively. An hour or two each day is more effective, and far less painful, than studying all night to complete homework or before exams.

·                     If a concept gives you trouble, do additional reading or problem solving beyond what has been assigned. And if you still have trouble, ask for help: friends, classmates, learning center staff, tutors, or instructors.

·                     Working together with friends can be valuable in helping you to solve difficult problems. However, be sure that you learn with your friends and do not become dependent on them.

·                     When studying your text: Underline and takes notes in the margin or in you notebook, highlight sparingly.  Using a pen or pencil to underline material requires greater care than highlighting, and therefore helps to keep you alert as you study.

·                     Attend study skills and paper writing workshops when offered by the learning center.

PREPARING FOR EXAMS

·                     Rework problems and other assignments; try additional problems to be sure you understand the concepts. Study your performance on assignments, quizzes, or exams from earlier in the semester.

·                     Study your notes from lectures and discussions. Pay attention to what your instructor expects you to know for an exam.  Instructors usually emphasize and repeat important information.

·                     Reread the relevant sections in the textbook, paying special attention to notes you have made in the margins.

·                     Study individually before joining a study group with friends. Study groups are effective only if every individual comes prepared to contribute.

·                     Don't stay up too late before an exam. Don't eat a big meal within an hour of the exam (thinking is more difficult when blood is being diverted to the digestive system).

·                     Try to relax before and during the exam. If you have studied effectively,                 you are capable of doing well. Staying relaxed will help you think clearly.