My current study methods include creating study guides, notecards, and taking extra notes to study content I learn in class. Study guides are used for taking notes from the class’ textbook to learn concepts. I use notecards to memorize important terms and notes that are taken during class are added into study guides to provide any missed information while reading the textbook. In class, my notes are set in a basic header and bullet point list on each topic. When outside of class, I formulate my study guides in an outline format so that I am able to systematically cover all portions of each chapter learned. I use the notecards at home where it is easier to study them and I have more time to do so. Currently, I am doing well in my Introductory Chemistry class. I use study guides, notecards, and written notes to help myself do better in the class. With chemistry, and my other science based courses, there is a lot of terminology that has to be remembered along with specific concepts. The notecards and study guides help identify and provide a resource for me to look back on for future tests. I also take notes in class to reinforce ideas read in the textbook, especially if a concept is unclear. 

Nutritional Biochemistry and Introduction to Sociology are classes where I am currently experiencing difficulties. These courses deviate from what I am familiar with and have pushed me to exercise better studying methods to achieve a clearer understanding of the content. I will continue to use my own methods of studying in these courses, but I will also incorporate other methods into my study routine. Both of these classes offer practice tests for each chapter studied and I plan on utilizing them as another review source before quizzes and exams. I could also incorporate pictures and examples into my notecards to provide a more clear understanding of terms. This could also help provide a memory image to help link pictures with concepts or terminology during tests. I plan to study for at least an hour per course everyday, each week. This will include studying notecards and reviewing study guide for concepts, and even completing practice quizzes when test or exam times come near. More time should be spent reviewing terms since many of them relate to the concepts that I need to learn, so by recognizing and being able to readily define relevant terminology, it will improve my memory when it comes to course concepts. 

Being systematic when it comes to studying for the exam material comes from what I use to review course content and the process I use to prepare for exams. In my spare time, I make sure to study my notecards. Notecards are my most useful resource, which provide quick and essential information in a short period of time. I am also using resources provided by my teachers to help prepare for exams. I have not yet need the assistance of the Writing Center or the Math and Science Resource Center, but when midterm exam and final exam times come closer, I will definitely be using those resources to make sure I am able to achieve the best grade possible. Currently, I am still working with being able to balance my class schedule with my work schedule and being able to have fun outside of my responsibilities. Finding abundant time to study is hard when I am outside of class. Everyday between class, I do utilize the Perry Library where I create my study guides since there are a lot of resources available. I try to stay motivated and balance my time as best I can to have ample time to study. Since I work ahead of what we are currently studying in class to make sure that I do not fall behind, I pay close attention to the schedule many of my teachers have put on their Blackboard accounts. It’s hard to make sure that I am staying on track, but also staying ahead. These schedules help clear any confusions on what chapters I need to study when it comes to tests and dates. Confusions that remain include what teachers will dismiss as already learned concepts and how to study for linking past concepts to newly learned ones. 

Studying my notecards and completing the review quizzes made by my teachers have worked well in preparing for exams. The cards helped remember important terms and the quizzes allowed for a mock trial of my exams and gave an overview of what to expect on the tests. They clarified what topics to expect on the exams and how the questions were to be formatted and the level of difficulty to be expected. Instead of just looking over the study guides, I should re-read the relevant chapters of my textbooks, explanations, and reasonings behind concepts to ensure that my understandings of such concepts are clear. Questions relating concepts to examples were answered incorrectly. Not only understanding the concept is necessary, but also being able to apply what I have learned and being able to provide correct examples is important. My answers are not in depth enough to be the correct answer. Providing a more specific and detailed response will make it possible to earn full points on test questions. Confusions that still need to be clarified are in what instance will my answers be too much information. 

I reviewed Virginia Tech’s Time Management Strategies, Strategies for Improving Concentration and Memory, and Improving Test Performance academic resources. I also reviewed Penn State’s Reading Comprehension and Test Taking academic resources. While reading though Penn State’s Reading Comprehension, I discovered a systematic approach to taking effective notes to increase reading comprehension. It involves creating an organized system to take notes and continuously asking questions throughout the note-taking process to ensure that you are understanding the content. These questions function as a reading check for each individual. This could be a useful technique that could be used during classes to help better understand the material. Virginia Tech’s Strategies for Improving Concentration and Memory would be a great resource to use outside of class to help better understand the course material. These strategies include finding a distraction free study space and setting realistic goals. It connects concentration and memory together to enhance both abilities when it comes to learning content.