Before reading, scan to find the important points. Look for bold face, italics, and summaries.
Stop occasionally and put what you are reading into your own words.
As you read, try to predict what will come next.
Pay attention to subheadings and ask yourself how the subheading relates to the paragraph.
Keep the big picture in mind. Ask yourself how what you are reading relates to the overall chapter or to the class.
Highlighting and Note Taking:
Read a passage all the way through before you highlight.
Always follow-up a highlight with a note in the margin.
Make connections. How does this point relate to something else significant?
Science Study Tips
Plan to start studying for the first exam from the first day of class. It's easier to do well if you don't fall behind.
Use charts and concept maps to tie ideas together. Focus on the "big picture" as well as the details.
PRACTICE! Use any and all practice problems without your notes.
Don't get caught up in memorization. Focus on application.
Use lab class. Watch for connections and think of it as a "hands-on" version of your class.
Use textbook and/or course material to help you understand concepts covered in class. Work in a group and teach each other. The Internet can also be a great resource for clarifying concepts.
Mathematics Study Tips
Do homework with a purpose:
Take a moment to think about each exercise.
Try to understand why you performed the steps that you performed.
Try to think of other methods that can be used to solve the problem.
Work homework without notes.
Start graded homework at least two days before it is due.
Quiz yourself at the end of each study period.
Make a Glossary:
Your glossary should contain a list of terms, definitions, theorems and important formulas.
Include examples whenever possible.
Study the list regularly.
Use note cards for very important material or material that will be used all term/semester.
Read the Textbook:
Write out the examples and fill in the missing steps.
Highlight terms that you don't understand and add them to your glossary.
Work as many exercises as necessary:
Work the recommended exercises as well as the exercises that will be submitted for grade.
Find ways to determine if you answer is reasonable.
Make a practice test:
Create your own exercises.
The practice test should contain challenging problems to prepare you for the exam.
Work the practice test under actual testing conditions. For example, use a 50-minute time period, calculator only, and no notes.