What are good studying strategies for a math or science course?

Question

I'm currently taking Calculas 1 and General Chemistry and I have trouble on my tests because I have a weak study habits. What are good methods for these type of classes? So far the only system I have worked out is doing multiple problems but while this does help, it is time consuming and I often forget how to do the problems because there is so much information.

Answer 1

First, make sure there are no distractions that can steal your attention away: loud music, the TV, video games, friends calling every 3 minutes, and Instant Messaging "bleeps".
Second, try to look at the book examples first and see how the problems are solved. When you do this, don't just memorize the steps.If you just memorize the steps (or formulas) you will end up forgetting them, because almost no one remembers something so complicated. I took Calculus and Gen Chem long ago, and I can tell you I have forgotten a number of complicated formulas. You will eventually forget them too unless you go into a field like math or chemistry. But there is still a way to remember doing problems. What you do is you try to understand the concept. A concept is an idea that is essentially "common sense" when you break it down into the most simple parts. I'll give you an example from Physics because Physics is great for using common sense approaches, but it can still apply to Calculus or Chem.

You have probably heard of Voltage, Resistance, and Current(aka "amps"). The general formula is that Current= Voltage/Resistance. If you try to memorize this, you'll probably get the numerator or denominator messed up. But if you try to understand the concept, the idea, it will make a lot more sense.Basically, what this formula says is that the current will be proportional to voltage, but the resistance reduces it. More voltage, more current. More resistance, less current.

Calculus is probably the hardest thing to grapple with for the first time, and sometimes it's very hard to understand the concept (aka"what the heck does this mean?"). The reason concepts don't always become clear is because it would take a long time to explain them (and many times your own teacher can't explain them either).The quadratic formula, for example,is a formula that you are expected to memorize because it is used very frequently, but few people take the time to understand or even explain just why the formula is the way it is. In mathematics, a "proof"is used to explain a very complicated formula or idea on the basis of a lot of simpler concepts. Almost any complicated idea, even E=MC^2, can be explained given enough time. But your teachers will just tell you "do this" because it's much quicker.

So what do you do to make the stuff "stick"? Practice, practice practice. I know it really sucks, because you probably have other things to do, but unless you practice by doing practice problems you will forget everything.

So step-by-step:
1.Make sure you are in a quiet place with no distractions.
2. Read the book or your notes and try to understand the concepts, that is, what they really mean. Sometimes the concept is hard to understand(you can also ask your teacher).
3. Practice by doing the textbook problems. You don't have to do all of them, but do the ones that represent the ideas that you cover in class. See if your answers match up with the book answers.

Answer 2

Who are the best students in each class? See if they are available to review material with you daily. On weekends you review by yourself just so you do not forget. Study 7 days a week and do not cram for any tests. The brain can only take in so much information.By reviewing the material 7 days a week, you will not need to pull an all nighter,the night before an exam and you will still go to bed on time and get the rest you need!

Answer 3

Not only should you learn how to do the problems but why you need to do it that way (conceptual understanding). If you understand 'why' and not just 'how', you can remember it better during the tests and when you learn new things that are related, you can grasp it better.

Creating a concept map may help, especially if you are visual learner. Also, writing down questions about what you don't understand can help you to get a deeper understanding when you try to ask them (and when you meet with the professor). It is also another way to test yourself. If you work with a study group, try to 'teach' the concept to someone else. You will be forced to organize what you know. Also, when they ask questions you didn't think of, searching for those answers will strengthen your understanding.

Answer 4

try previous questions asked in that type of examinations...also stick to the basics and memorise the fundamental formulas