How do you study for science classes?

[TexasSurgeon]

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Hey guys,

Is it just me or does anyone else feel that they don't understand the material fully in class until they read the textbook? Honestly, when I'm in my science classes, I feel like I'm just wasting my own time because I could just learn the material better by reading the chapter on my own?

But is this a bad thing? I mean it's really time consuming, but I've found it to be the best way for me. Are any of you guys also like this? How do you study, and is there any advice you guys have?

 

[Omppu27]

Some of my classes don't require you to read the book at all. If that's the case, I usually go into lecture and type almost every word the prof says. If it is required to read the book, which has only happened to me once, i would suggest reading it before lecture, take notes of the reading and write down any questions you have from the reading and then ask the prof after lecture. Some of your questions may be answered during lecture. Or you could go to lecture and read after if it had been working for you. Yeah it might be time consuming, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

When i study, i basically know the notes to the point where i could teach someone the material. If your class has a discussion board where students can go and ask questions, answer some of their questions there. It is good practice.

Note cards too!

EDIT: "knowing the notes" = being able to read the first few words of the section of the notes and then knowing what is going to come after. Or, looking at the heading of the notes and being able to explain everything before actually reading the notes.

 

[RedICEE]

Read chapters ahead of the class. Use the classes to focus on problems you encountered, review, and determining what key-points the professor is stressing. Depending on how far you proceed ahead, it could also give you some cushion room in case something pops up where you can't study or do assignments as you would otherwise need to.

 

[azhouse]

If the class has PowerPoint notes, I reviewed the slides before I went to class so I had an idea of what we were gonna cover that day. I went to lecture because for most of my science classes, buying a textbook was not necessary which saved me hundreds of books. During class I wrote down things that the professor said that I felt was an important. If the professor had key concept from the lecture, I would make sure to answer them after lecture. Other than that as Omppu27 stated, I would read the powers points and key concepts over and over until I could pretty much teach it to someone.

 

[Lamel]

I wait until the very last day to open the book. So you know, I actually face a challenge.


Seriously though, I stay up to pace with the material, so the exam studying isn't as difficult later on.

 

[aznsk91]

Everyone has their own methods of studying, so you just have to optimize the way you study. For example I have trouble focusing in lectures and similarly feel like i'm just wasting time. So, I actually found that not going to classes was the most efficient way I learned. I just learned straight from the book/power point slides and if i had any questions i would just go to office hours. But like others have posted the most important thing is probably keeping pace with the material. Anyways wanted to share my two cents, since were in the same boat