STUDY
TIPS
- Keep up
with the assigned reading. There is no way we can
cover all of the material in class. The textbook
completes the picture. After reading the text,
notes become much easier to learn because you have a more
complete picture of what is happening. Also, it
provides reinforcement for what you heard in class.
As you read, watch for the thesis or main ideas that the
author is trying to get across. Stop after every
paragraph and write a one-sentence summary, so that you
stay focused on your reading. Do not feel like you have
to memorize everything in a chapter, instead read it to
get an overall understanding of the period we are
studying. After reading a chapter, try taking the
practice quiz online. It will not only reinforce what you
read, but also help you pick out the most important ideas
- While
reading the text, pay attention to maps. Knowing where
places are simply makes it easier to follow the events.
Remember a picture is worth a thousand words so take
advantage of the maps, illustrations and similar items in
the text. It really will make the course easier! .
- Attend
class and take a good set of notes. You are welcome
to bring a tape recorder, but only if you are also taking
notes. If you must miss, be sure to get notes from
a fellow classmate. Remember, however, that notes
from someone else are never as good as your own and they
are always harder to study from! Never hesitate to ask me
for help with any notes that you do not understand.If you
miss notes during class, ask after class and I will help
you.
- After
each class period, go back through the notes and put them
into a form you can easily study. Many students
prefer to do this by typing them on the computer, which
allows them to organize the material, put key terms in
bold, etc. They find that the process of typing it
in, organizing it, and seeing it on the screen really
aids in remembering and understanding the material.
Others prefer the old-fashioned way of rewriting their
notes by hand. Some like to go back through with a
highlighter (if you use this method, try leaving very
wide margins on your page, so you can create an outline
on the side, or put key terms to the side, or even add in
information from your reading). Above all, begin
working back through your notes after each class session.
- Before
the test give yourself plenty of study time. You
will have too many notes to try to learn them all in just
a couple of hours. Divide your notes into sections
and master each section before going on to the next.
Read over the section, put down your notes and see if you
actually know the material. Remember that just
reading them over will not be adequate
preparation. You must both know the events and
understand why and how things happened plus their
significance.
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Last Modified: January 4, 2007