STUDY HINTS
1. Study every week. It is recommended that you spend about 1-1/2 to 2 hours for each credit hour per week. This is a three credit course, so you should spend about 4.5 to 6 hours studying for it per week.
The EIU Undergraduate Catalog (2004-2005) says the following on p. 49: The unit of credit measure is the semester hour, which approximates the effort expended in 50 minutes of class work and 100 minutes of study during each week of a semester. One semester hour also approximates the effort expended in at least a 50-minute laboratory or other scheduled class activity per week (for example, art studio). Laboratories or other scheduled class activities often require more scheduled instruction and fewer minutes of study outside the time scheduled; therefore, laboratories or other scheduled class activities may be scheduled for more instructional minutes for one semester hour of credit depending on the discipline and nature of the laboratory. In general, 2-4 hours of laboratory time per course correspond to 1 sh of credit.
2. Take notes and read them later that day. Write down the outline that I put in the corner every day. It will help you organize your notes. Don't just write down what I write on the board; I don't write everything down. If I repeat something, it is so you can have a second chance to catch it. If I use a figure from your book, write down the figure number from the overhead transparency, so you can find it again later. Sometimes I use figures from other books; however, there is often a similar figure in your book that I didn't like as much. Read the chapter to find it. Read over your notes the same day you wrote them. If you missed something or don't understand what you wrote, ask a classmate or me to help fill in the missing pieces.
3. Read the book and take the practice quizzes. The syllabus lists chapters and sections in your textbook that correspond to the information that will be presented in class. Each section also has a box highlighting the main points. Each chapter also has a summary, review questions, a self-quiz, and critical thinking questions. There are also quizzes and animations on the CD-ROM included in your book and on the book's website. Look at these as we cover the material; don't wait until test time. If you read the material before it is covered in class, you are likely to get more out of the lecture.
4. Complete the study guides. From day one, you have access to study guides from previous years. Print these out and complete them as we cover the material. This will ensure that you have all the information that you need and let you see the sort of phrasing that I will use on tests. If you don't understand what I am asking for on the study guide, then you won't understand what I am asking for on the test either.
5. Memorization is not the same as learning.
According to Bloom's Taxonomy of Thinking, there are 7 levels of learning.
"Recall"or "knowledge" is
memorization with no evidence of understanding. It might be of benefit to you to
read about the various levels of learning and what kinds of questions are
associated with each level. Modified versions of Bloom's Taxonomy are available
from the
As you are studying, try to put what you have learned into context. How does the information fit in the grand scheme of things? What is it related to? Can I draw a bridge between what I am learning in class and real life or other subjects that I am taking? Can I make analogies to something I am more familiar with, so I can understand the new topic?
6. Find help early! Come to my office
hours or make an appointment to clarify what you don't understand. Don't wait
until the week of the test. If you are having trouble taking notes, taking
tests, writing effectively, etc., you can also find help at the Academic Success Center, 2013 Ninth Street Hall, 581-6696 or at the Writing Center, 3110 Coleman Hall, 581-5929. The
7. Find out what works best for you for study habits. Some people learn better in study groups. Others learn better by themselves. Some people can study effectively with the radio on or roommates talking, but others need a quite area without distractions. You might find it helpful to schedule a time and place for daily or weekly study and stick to your routine. Some people highlight their notes; others make flashcards. Some people recite their notes out loud.
8. Try to get a full night's sleep before the exam and eat breakfast that morning. It won't do much good to try to cram material into your brain all night, if you are too tired to think straight during the exam. It is also helpful to take a slow, deep breath to relax yourself before you begin the exam.