1.
Go
to class (and be there on
time!) and try to stay focused during the class. Active LISTENING is a learned skill.
2. Take
your own notes during class (even if lecture outlines/PowerPoints are
provided).
3.
Do the
required reading BEFORE the class in which that topic will be
discussed. Make notes as you read about
how the material is relevant to you/your life, or questions that you have.
4. Ask
questions during the class if you have questions about the material being
presented.
5. Spend
some time during the week reviewing your notes and class materials. It is
always a good idea to do a first review
AS SOON AFTER THE CLASS as
possible.
That way you can clarify things when they are fresh in your mind. You
should do a few reviews each week to keep
the material current. As much as you
can, put notes in your own words and try to link the theories/terms to examples
that are meaningful to you.
6. If a
study guide is provided, review the study guide questions for each chapter
BEFORE you read that chapter. Make notes
on the study guide as to where the information is located in the chapter. It never hurts to write out answers to the
questions on a study guide. The more you
work with the information, the easier it will be for you to remember it. It may seem tedious, but just the act of
writing/re-writing your notes or answers can help to imprint the information in
your mind. Think of all the songs that
you know ALL the words to…in order to memorize all the lyrics, you have to
listen to the song over and over. It’s
the same principle.
7. You
may find it helpful to make flash cards for review. Write the term, person, theory, etc. on one
side of the card (index cards are good to use) with the definition, description
or significance of the person on the back.
Carry them with you and do little mini-reviews whenever you find
yourself with some time on your hands!
More and more textbooks are including online resources like flash cards.
8. Utilize
all resources provided for you in a class.
This includes your textbook, study guides, outlines, handouts,
PowerPoints, online activities/exercises, practice quizzes, etc. Your instructor is also a resource. Always ask questions if you don’t understand
something!
9.
Utilize
the Academic Support Center. This is a
wonderful FREE resource for students.
The ASC can provide tutoring in various subjects (sociology included),
specific information regarding things like:
effectively reading a college textbook, taking good notes, how to study
for a test, relieving test anxiety, etc.
10. Take
responsibility as a student. For those of you new to college, you are
considered an adult and you have responsibility to do your work and put the
time and effort necessary into preparation and completion of assignments. It is not (nor should it be) EASY to get a
high grade in a class. It does take time
and effort and preparation. Anything worth
having in life is worth working for. If
you want to get a good grade in a class, put in the work necessary to achieve
your goal and always be proud of your accomplishments!
