How can you do well in this class?

I will not lie, your hard work and dedication will be crucial in achieving and maintaining high grades in this class.  The successful student will take good notes, complete the necessary assignments and readings, and study for tests.  While it is easy to say this, it is much more difficult to accomplish. 

Let's start with notetaking...Whether taking college lecture notes or class notes these tips will be of great help.
  • If the instructor writes something on the chalkboard/overhead or repeats an idea then it is usually a key point and you should write it down.
  • Try to use a three-ring binder, it allows for more flexibility in rearranging your notes and any handouts that you may receive.
  • Try to sit towards the front and center of the class where you'll be less distracted and can hear the professor the best and have a good angle on any visual aids that may be shown.
  • Don't rely on someone else's notes, you may not understand everything that they write down and you'll learn the best by taking your own notes and by writing in your own words.
  • If your instructor talks fast, it may help to bring an audio recorder and record the lecture while taking notes. After the lecture is over you can replay the lecture and fill in any parts that you missed in your notes.  This is also at the discression of the instructor and may not apply in all classes.
  • Do reading assignments or homework questions before class, it is easier to take notes when you know what the instructor is talking about.
  • Date your notes.
  • Add titles and subtitles when you move onto a new topic for easy referencing. Write down any terminology along with the definition that the instructor may present.
  • Make sure that you write legibly, if you can't read them later, they'll be useless.
  • If you have sloppy handwriting it may be wise to type your notes so that they are easier to read.
  • If you missed what the instructor said ask them to repeat it or go to the instructor after class and ask for clarification.
  • If you are in a rush, ask the instructor at the beginning of the next class or try to find the answer from a friend or the text. Compare notes with a classmate to make sure you didn't miss any important points

Cornell Notes also is a great option...
Picture

Other Tips

Remember EVERY day you will have homework.  It may or may not be formally assigned.  You will be required to complete the readings that correspond with each chapter.  The readings will include going over your notes everyday and you should attempt to create questions based on sections of the readings or your notes,  this will help you understand the material better and it will also help you in studying for the test.  Also, be sure to write note IN YOUR OWN WORDS.  Too often students write down what is either stated in the book or in the lecture notes but this is an incorrect way of notetaking.  Definitions are often written in a complex way and can be hard to understand.  If you write the complex definition down and don't understand it, you will not understand it when you look at it later on while studying.  You should also study a little each day.  Research has shown that you learn more and retain more while spacing out your studying (distributed practice) instead of cramming all at once (mass practice).  You should also find a place to study and ONLY study there.  Do not sleep there or eat there.  You might ask yourself... Why?  The answer is simple, research has shown that the environment gives you clues on how to act.  When you go into your bedroom your body is cued to sleep and when you go to the kitchen the environment makes you hungry.  Therefore find a good spot to study in that will not be associated with anything else.