​​​​Dr. Stephanie Smith

Before each class

• Read the chapter

  • While reading the chapters, complete the self-quizzes that appear at the end of each section within the chapter. Do this WITHOUT looking at the answers first. This is good practice for test questions.

• Complete the LearnSmart module for that chapter

• Prepare questions regarding the material to ask during lecture

 

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In class

• Take good notes 

  • This includes your thoughts or extra information discussed, not just filling in the blanks

• Be an active learner; think about the material rather than just writing it down 

• Ask questions! If you don't understand the information while I am talking about it, you won't understand it later when studying

• Actively complete the in-class assignments

 

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After each class and before exams

• Review your notes

• Use the list of key terms at the end of each chapter to make flash cards

  • This should not be your only method of studying as my questions will assess application, not regurgitation of definitions but it's a good place to start.

• Rewrite your notes in your own words

  • Research suggests that people learn information better when actually writing it down rather than typing it. I highly suggest you write out all of your notes as a method of reviewing and studying the information. Simply reading the slides is not the most effective way to study.

• Think of how these concepts could apply to real situations – those are the types of test questions you will be given

• Complete the extra assignments that correspond with that chapter

• Use LearnSmart to complete extra questions on a topic that you struggle with

• Discuss topics with other students using Twitter

• Set-up a study group with like-minded students from the class

• Come to office hours with any questions or concerns you have about class material

  • If you don't understand why an answer is what it is to a question in a self-quiz, ASK!

• Use the chapter outlines given in class as a study guide for the material from each chapter

  • Previous students have said that a good study strategy is to take the blank outline and fill in as much as possible from memory. Whatever you can't fill in should be the main focus of your study.