10 suggestions for success

in

Science & Math

 

 

We at the Learning Resource Centers care about you and your success at JMU.  To assist you in achieving your goals, here are some suggestions:

 

1.     Create a daily agenda.

               Your agenda should include your class schedule as well as times for completing homework and studying. 

               Be flexible!  Allow for some changes. 

               Don't forget to include time to spend with friends!

 

2.      Use a calendar to review weekly and monthly goals.

               Use a color code system for organization. 

               Be creative and use bright colors!

 

3.     Stay current with your notes and assignments by reviewing them before and after lecture.

               This would give you an opportunity to write questions on the information that is unclear as well as ensure you

               haven't missed any assignments.

 

4.     Listen, Listen, Listen!!

               Concentrate on your professor and what is being said.

               Ask a question when something is unclear.

               Take notes during lecture. This will aid your concentration and assist your recall after the class.


5.     Do your homework.

               Doing your homework helps you indentify the areas you may need assistance.


6.     Use Learning Resource Centers.

               These centers are free and available to you by appointment or just by walking in. 

               Peer tutors as well as professors are willing to assist you.  Check the Learning Resource website for general

               information.


7.     Retain the information you have studied.

               Exercising 3 hours a week can increase the supply of oxygen to the brain to improve your memory.

               Eating 5 small meals a day prevents drops in glucose levels, which is the primary source of energy for the

               brain.

               Memory tasks:

                              i.      Paired associate learning - association of one specific word with another.  i.e. red means stop,

                                      green means go etc.

                              ii.     Free recall- study a list of words and then later write or say out loud as many words as you can

                                      remember.

8.     Never cram the night before an exam.

               One case study had students memorize a three-letter sequence, then count backwards in sets of threes. 

               They then were asked to recall the three-letter sequence after different lengths of time counting backwards.

               After only 6 seconds, half of the original three-letter sequence was forgotten.  After 12 seconds, over 85%

               had been forgotten.  After 18 seconds, it was almost completely forgotten.

                                    http://www.spring.org.uk/2008/01/how-quickly-we-forget-transience-of.php


9.     Get a good night sleep.


10.  Commit to these suggestions.

              It will make your daily study routine easier to handle

              It will make exam week less stressful.