survival skills for (engineering) college students by dr. hong zhang
TRANSCRIPT
Prepare for Class
The night before, read Corresponding chapter of the textbook Handout Notes from previous lectures Other recommended reading
Write down any questions you wanted to ask
Rest well
In Class
Avoid distractions Cell phone, text messaging, iPod, etc. Hunger Windows & doors Friends (esp. noisy friends) Restroom needs
In Class
Focus & Concentrate Strategy for common tune off situations
Heard it before -> what’s new here Day dreaming -> deep breath and focus Difficult topic -> preview and review Different opinions -> similarity and
diffferences Question yourself and instructor
Listening Skills
Full attention Listen the full sentence Think after listening Get the main idea Pay attention to beginning, end, and
repeated words. Ask questions Relate to your prior knowledge
Thinking is Fast
Thinking is much faster (4x) than talking. Listening can go further with thinking
Hearing: the words Understanding: the meaning Judging: the reasoning
Note Taking
Lecture is an active, learning process Listen Think Record Review Grasp the key ideas, numbers, and concepts Use structures, headings, divides, highlights,
underlines, arrows, etc. Summarize words to tables, charts, diagrams Use abbreviation
Note Taking ≠ Speech to Text
Compare Freshman Engineering Clinic meets 2 days a
week at Monday from 8:25am to 9:15am and Tuesday from 8:00am to 10:40am.
Fr. ClinicM 8:25 – 9:15 amT 8:00 – 10:40 am
References in Note
Reference books & articles can save you time in classroom
Use hand-outs as note companion Write down questions for in-lecture or
after class communication Generously leave spaces
Note Processing
Getting thicker – Enrich notes with more content, different format, highlights, personal thoughts, etc.
Getting organized – Number pages, use dividers, digitize notes
Getting thinner – Summarize notes to 1 page
Math in Class
These can be found in textbook Definitions Theorems Derivations
These should put in notes Examples Ways of analysis Tricks and tips
Group Study
Small group (2~4) Dedicated time and location Be serious Someone acts as organizer Compare notes, brainstorm solutions,
ask questions, but NOT copy answers
Study for test
Go over examples and homework problems
Review methods and strategies to solve problems, not the numbers
Select a few problems to solve from start to finish
Brainstorm possible problems or questions
Prepare for Test
A crib sheet (either open or closed-book) Enough rest Eat an hour before test Dual alarm clock (and away from your
reach) Back up transportation Pack your bag before going to bed
Before the Test
Don’t panic! Arrive early and familiarize the room Ready yourself
Relax Re-check the tools (pencil, eraser, calculator,
etc. ) Re-check the notes, books, crib sheets, and
handbooks if they are allowed
Taking the Test
Read the entire exam first Choose from easy to difficult Read the problem/question carefully,
and make sure you answer what was asked.
Budget your time
Taking a Test
Show your work Keep your work legible Think partial credit If you have a question, then ASK. Check and re-check if time allows Hand-in your paper when time is called