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.

Last Modified: January 4, 2007