Keys To Success

 Keys To Doing Well

Students who do most or all of the following tend to have no problem passing my courses.  Yes, these things seem obvious.  It’s really that easy.

• Take ample notes each day
• Stay organized and plan ahead
• Complete all assignments
• Ask questions and attend tutoring when necessary
• Do well early on when the material is easier.  It’s much easier to start the year off well than to try to dig yourself out of a hole later on.
• Study

 

How To Study

There are rarely surprises on tests.  Questions typically are very similar to the problems that are completed for classwork and homework.  As such, I recommend the following, but by all means, do what works best for you.  First, make a list of all of the topics and/or types of problems that are included on the exam.  Review key concepts and terminology.  Consult your notes, textbook, classwork, and homework for examples on how to do each of these types of problems.  Walk through the problems, making sure you understand what is happening during each step.  Finally, try to do some problems on your own.  I will usually provide a review worksheet with an answer key.  If you need more practice problems, there are review problems at the end of each chapter. 

What To Do When You Need Help

When students encounter difficulty with an assignment, trying to figure it out on their own first helps to promote and retain true learning.  Thus students should first consult their own notes and textbook for examples and help before consulting with classmates or the teacher.  Students who persistently need help should arrange for peer tutoring or regular extra help with the teacher.