How do I study?

[ElementalPole]

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Im currently taking Bio 110, and I'm having a very hard time. I failed my first exam, because I don't know how to study. I've never really studied for anything. I was fine with floating by in high school. How do I study effectively? I'm pretty much just reading through my notes in order to try and memorize everything, but it just isn't helping.

 

[Fall_of_Dorian_Gray]

Reading through notes is a very passive form of study, as is highlighting and underlining. These give you a false sense of security that you've absorbed the material. Look up the many types of videos on youtube that cover this subject or, even better, your school should have a center that helps with study strategies. It's good that you're recognizing your lack of study skills now while you're still early on in your undergraduate career.

As for Bio, unfortunately, it is frontloaded with a lot of memorization. I would think maybe making/using Anki and going through as many questions as you can to check comprehension.

Edit: By youtube videos on "this subject," I meant strategies for active studying.

 

[djsbaseball2014]

@ElementalPole What I have found that works for pretty much every class, is learning the material on your own focusing on the understanding and application of concepts. Then turn around and teach everything you learned to friends or classmates. Its a way to reinforce material while also explaining concepts which is what you are usually tested on. You can also start to develop a thorough understanding of the topic so the questions where they ask if I change x, then what will happen to y become easier to handle. Watch AK Lectures for a sample of what I am talking about. The way he explains and teaches is what you should try to emulate

 

[ciestar]

Memorizing is superficial. Understanding concepts will help you get farther.

But yes, reading notes is passive and it won’t work most of the time