Page 161 - Keys To Community College Success

■ Listen to audio recordings of your text and other reading materials on your smart-
phone or computer.
■ Make hard-copy or electronic flash cards with a word or concept on one side
and a definition, examples, or other related information on the other. Test your-
self daily.
■ Quiz yourself, using the questions you raised in the Q-stage.
■ Discuss the concepts with a classmate or in a study group. Answer one another’s
Q-stage questions.
■ Ask your instructor for help with difficult material.
Refreshing your knowledge is easier and faster than learning it the first time. Make
a weekly review schedule and stick to it. A combination of short daily reviews in the
morning, between classes, or in the evening is far more effective than an all-night
cramming session before a test.

WHAT WILL HELP WITH SPECIFIC
subjects and formats?

If your college has general education requirements, you may have to take a wide
variety of courses to graduate. Knowing how to approach reading materials in different
academic areas will make learning easier. GENERAL EDUCATION

Math and Science Courses in a variety of
REQUIREMENTS
Math and science courses relate closely to one another, since almost all science courses the humanities, social sciences,
academic fields, including
require basic math knowledge. Mathematical and scientific strategies help you develop math, and science, that are
thinking and problem-solving skills. In a world transformed by new discoveries and required for graduation.
technologies, a strong math and science background prepares you for tomorrow’s jobs.
It also helps you create monthly budgets, choose auto insurance, understand illnesses,
and more.
Math and science textbooks move sequentially. That is, your understanding of Reading and Information Literacy
later material depends on how well you learned material in earlier chapters because the
topics build upon one another. Try the following strategies to get the most from your
textbooks, and get extra help right away when you are confused.

Interact with math material actively through writing. Math textbooks are made
up of problems and solutions. As you read, highlight important information and take
notes of examples. Work out any missing problem steps on your pad or in the book.
Draw sketches to help visualize the material. Try not to move on until you understand
example problems and how they relate to the central ideas. Write questions for your
instructor or fellow students.

Pay attention to formulas. Math and science texts are filled with formulas. Try to
learn the ideas behind each formula so that if you forget one, you can re-create it (this
is called “deriving” a formula). Always do the practice problems, using the formulas to
make sure your understanding sticks. FORMULAS

Use memory strategies to learn science. Science textbooks are packed with field- principles usually expressed
General facts, rules, or
specific vocabulary (for example, an environmental science text may refer to the green- in mathematical symbols.
house effect). Use mnemonic devices, test yourself with flash cards, and rehearse aloud
or silently.

Consider solving all sample problems. Risk a little extra work for the reward of
greater comprehension. The more problems you do, the more solid your understanding
will be.

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