Tips for Success in Class

Tips for Success in Class:
The class is setup with the idea that you preview material before class (aside from Mastering), we overview the material and practice in class, then you review the material after class, as needed. You can identify your weak spots in the material (if any) and bring them up in class or come to office hours for clarification.

Mastering software (from the textbook publisher) is setup to complete the tutorials (preparation) prior to the class wherein the content is introduced and discussed, the labs (content application and practice) during the content practice period, and the reading quizzes/tests (review) once the majority of the content has been completed in class. Mastering also has a “Study Area” that allows you to choose to complete more practice questions, animations, etc.
Utilize the PPTs, alphanumeric notes, reading guides, videos, interactives, textbook chapters and/or chapter summaries that are all found in Canvas. To get main content overview and begin detailed understanding, start with looking at the overview text, bolded terms, and figures for each section within the chapter. Make yourself a framework, guided notes, or outline (or use those given to you in class/online) to summarize each section with as many key terms as possible- each section has a heading/title, so use that as a guide. Then, move on to the next section until you've finished the chapter and can make good sense of the overall information. If you’re comfortable with the content on a given section/chapter, reallocate time to the areas where you feel weakest. Do this before we cover the content in class and after we've completed the content in class.
To check yourself, talk through the content to a peer, parent/guardian, sibling, into a microphone and then play it back, writing it down, drawing the structures, etc. I’ve found that drawing images with the structure and function pieces of information helps a lot if you label appropriately. "Chunk" each chapter for studying to try to tell a "story" for each section within the chapter rather than trying to memorize everything in the whole chapter without context. Don't get too stuck in memorizing the details that you can't access the "main directory" on an assessment.
To review and prepare for the assessment, read the summary at the end of each chapter (or review book/resource) so that you can tell if you have the main idea for the chapter. Review Mastering software videos and questions that I’ve assigned and those in the My Study Area. Do the end of chapter review questions, graphic organizers, and Practice Questions to get practice using your knowledge on an assessment so "test/quiz" anxiety isn't an issue. Review the chapter review questions and/or notes I've posted in Canvas and the items utilized in class to make sure you've hit all the highlights needed. Review questions/notes/classwork by yourself and with a classmate to make sure you're both well-prepared, and make sure your corrections for those assessments are completed and accurate.
To review prior assessments, do “Romano Corrections” wherein you explain why each wrong answer is indeed wrong as opposed to only stating why the right answer is right.
If you feel lacking in a section, re-read it or find an alternate resource to help you get a better grasp.
If you’re reading the same thing repeatedly, and it’s not clicking, find an alternate resource to help you get a better grasp. I want you to use your time efficiently. On the flip side, if you have a great grasp of the material, you may not need to read the chapter(s) in full.
See me if you have any questions or concerns. I want you to succeed and feel comfortable in the class!