Primer on STUDY SKILLS.

One measure of classroom success is the grade obtained at the end of the term. While this is certainly important, it is only a small measure of the learning that took place over the course of the semester. Students take courses for many reasons, however actually learning the material seems to be low on the list. Remembering the material for the next exam is very different from really learning the material. Success then can also be measured by the concepts and facts retained from a course. This requires a very different mindset and study strategy.

In biology facts are an important part of the course and there tends to be a large amount of factual material that students are required to know. However, biology is more that just a collection of facts. The student must be able to tie facts together so that biological concepts can be better understood. For this reason, students should study with an eye on the bigger picture. During your study time try and place facts in the context of biological concepts. Ask yourself how does the information relate to other ideas, concepts, processes. If you can't answer this question, then you are not prepared and need to go back to review the material again. This is not the simplest way to study, but it is effective and in the long run will help you to better understand biology.

Below I have listed some study strategies for biology, as well as other courses.

Time Management

· Have a clear personal goal and be actively involved in the learning process

· Plan to study 6 to 12 hours per week

· Self-discipline (self-motivation)

· Self-direction (what, when, where, and how much to do)

· Take advantage of study groups

Activities to Increase Learning

· Listening

· Observing

· Writing

Taking Notes

· Write notes on written and discussed topics

· Minimize mental trips (day dreaming)

· Leave spaces in your notebook to indicate missed portions

· Correct, clarify, and enrich notes during study sessions

Notebook

· Use loose leaf notebooks (allows for insertion of study sheets, tests, and handouts)

· Number and date pages

Notebook Format
Right page/Front page
Right page	Write date, assignments, and keywords
	Take notes on instructor review
	Leave room for a lecture summary
	Take notes in phrase or outline form
Left page	Divide into two columns (1/3 and 2/3)
	In 2/3 column write corrections and enrichment (spelling, definitions, added info from text)
	In 1/3 column write questions created from right page
End of week review or outline