How to Succeed in Science Courses…while really trying!Dr. Kris Dougherty

You’ll be living life to the fullest in science courses!

“A day without learning is a day without living.” Lou Holtz

General Success Skills Learning styles Time usage Class preparation Effective reading Test taking strategies Study environment Get help Accountability

Know your learning style Are you a visual, auditory or kinesthetic

learner? http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learni

ng-style/index.html At this website, you can take a survey to

determine learning style and get tips to help you study more effectively.

Time usage

Where does your time go? Are you overscheduled?

See handout for two tables to help answer these questions.

Do you schedule your study time? Study at regularly scheduled times

Do you use your study time effectively? Take short breaks as needed Study on the go

Preparation for Class Read the chapter before attending class

Don’t come to class “cold” Take notes

Know what you will be doing – read and follow schedule

Prepare questions to ask in class Start to learn the vocabulary Sit in front, away from your friends

Effective reading SQR3 Method

Survey – overall look at selection Question – write down questions you think will

be addressed in a section and try to search for answers

Read – note details, take time Recite – work on recall. Try to answer

questions from recall Review – Reinforce memory I would add “Reread” – especially after class

Test taking strategiesCome early to testBe well-rested and fedBring required materialsTake a few deep breathsSurvey the test- do higher point

questions firstRead all directions and follow

carefully

Test taking strategies Read questions carefully Look for key words Do easier questions first Go with first answer Eliminate choices methodically Look for hints/answers in other questions Essay questions:

Use specific words - avoid “it”, “things” Be clear – say what you mean, mean what

you say Use proper grammar and spelling

Study environment

Dedicated study space Organize your space Control interruptions Remove distractions Inspirational or motivational setting

Get help Free tutors at every campus Office hours Communicate with professor Textbook websites/course website Study guides Study groups

Accountability Ultimately your success depends on

you. Is this really what you want to do? If so,

commit to the process. You earn your grades. W.I.N. strategy – Lou Holtz

Specifics to Science Time commitment Preparation for lab Performing experiments Tackling vocabulary Application/Critical thinking Metric system Building foundation

Time commitment

Science with lab = 4 credit hours, but equivalent to 6 credit hours of class time

Should plan about 12 hours study time/week per science with lab course

Possible biggest barrier to success is lack of time for preparation – overscheduled or lack of commitment

Find creative ways to have more study time

Preparation for Lab Read lab before attending class or lab

Don’t come to class “cold” Come prepared to do the lab

Prepare questions to ask during pre-lab explanations

Complete pre-lab if required Wear proper clothing, shoes,

goggles, lab coat, etc

Performing Experiments Experimental protocol

Follow directions carefully “IODIGTDAB” Do not skip steps Follow safety rules Follow proper disposal

Answer questions/make and record observations during procedure

Record all data – do not change data Interpret data and complete post-lab

questions/assignments

For each lab:Address these 4 questions What did you USE? What did you DO? What did you SEE? WHY DID YOU SEE what you saw?

Tackling Vocabulary – learning science may be like learning a foreign language

Drill, drill, drill Learn common root words, prefixes, and

suffixes Examples “hypo-”, “hyper-”, “emia”

Apply what you already know Anabolic vs. catabolic

Spelling is important ileum vs ilium ethane vs ethene nucleus vs nucleolus

What’s a nucleous?

How many new words to learn? Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium,

often called pneumococcus, is a small gram-positive flattened coccus that often appears in pairs. It is α-hemolytic on blood agar. S. pneumoniae is normal flora in the upper respiratory tract of 5-50% of people.

How many more new words to learn? Pneumonia is likely to occur when

mucus containing a load of bacterial cells passes into the bronchi and alveoli. The pneumococci multiply and induce an overwhelming inflammatory response. The polysaccharide capsule of the bacterium prevents efficient phagocytosis, with the result that edematous fluids are released in the lungs.

Application/Critical Thinking Move beyond memorizing Understand concepts Apply ideas to new situations Think for yourself Useful for your career and all areas of

your life

Metric System

Used by all science and medical fields Need to learn the base units and the

prefixes Know relation to English units Be able to convert within the metric

system and between metric and English Feel confident with the system

Building Strong Foundation Science classes continually build on

prior knowledge Be sure to master key information as

presented during the semester Professors will expect you to perform at

higher and higher levels as you progress along your academic path

Words of Wisdom from Successful Students

“Read every chapter twice” “Make complete study guides” “Read ahead – don’t wait until last minute to study” “The only thing i did was to listen to you during the

lectures and try to interract, answering your questions and trying to come up with my own questions which would help me to understand the subject better. Rereading the material after the lecture helps a lot as well. i downloaded the lectures online and put in on my phone. and i was listening to the lectures on my way to class. it was taking me about 35 minutes to get to Lake Nona campus and it added up a lot. and explaining the material to my classmates is a great way to remember.”

Words of Wisdom from Successful Students “Five rules for success”

My first rule for success is to set and complete both short and long term goals.

My second rule for success is be dedicated and well prepared.

Thirdly, a consistent systematic approach to life whether it be studying for school, training in sport, or developing a healthy relationship is essential to being successful.

Fourth, and I cannot stress the importance of this rule enough; you are only as successful as your level of responsibility.

My final rule for success is to always remain humble.

Acknowledgments Get Ready for Biology, Adapted from Get

Ready for A&P by Lori Garrett Wins, Losses, and Lessons by Lou Holtz Valencia faculty Valencia students