The first class I’m going to discuss is my Introductory to Chemistry course. My study habits for this course are that during lecture I take notes on a separate sheet of paper so that in the moment I write down what I think is most important. I later go back and compare my notes to the PowerPoint and rewrite them in my chem notebook. I also often go over the learning checks and practice questions to reinforce what was learned during the lecture. For my Elementary Statistics class I download the notes to my computer so that I can look over them beforehand. During class, I work through the problems as the professor explains the steps in finding the solutions. Before test days I print the sample exam to get an idea of what the exam is going to be like and have an idea on what I need to focus on more. My history I go back and reread my notes after lecture. For Sociology I have been doing the extra credit assignments which require students to do the chapter reading and practice quiz beforehand and take notes as I read. Before quizzes I print the reviews and fill them out based on my notes. For Chem Lab I read the pre-lab instructions and take the pre-lab quizzes.

The class I feel I’m doing best in right now is Elementary Statistics. I feel I am doing best in the course because not only does my grade reflect it, but I am understanding the material that is being taught. In class I look over the notes the professor posts and I type certain portions of the notes on my notes app as we go over it and write out the problems in my Stats notebook. Before our tests I take the practice quiz to get a better understanding of what I may need to work on more. I feel that these steps help me reinforce what is learned and enjoy the course at the same time.

The course I feel I am doing the worst in is Interpreting the American Past. Some study techniques I am going to start using to understand the material better is to go over the study guide as we are going over the material so I can make sure I am understanding the most important concepts of the course. I plan to start studying at least 30 minutes a day for the course in the morning so that I can come to class prepared and get any questions I have answered. I should spend more time on the chapter readings to make sure I get a better understanding of the material. I study for a decent amount of time a week and write down notes as she speaks during the lectures. For our assigned project I took advantage of the research specialists that are in the library. I am struggling with motivation for this course. I usually enjoy my history courses, but I may not be used to the fast pace of the course. So far I haven’t had many confusions that I haven’t been able to figure out on my own, but if I did I would email the professor for help. While preparing for our first exam I printed the study guide and went over the slides se posted for the unit review and focused on the material I knew the least about. I shouldn’t just focus on the slides the professor posts and focus more on what she is saying.

One study technique I found helpful was the Studying Approach for Lecture, which is an assessment to help prioritize your time to keep you on track. Another handout I found helpful was the Test Anxiety Questionnaire. I also found the Studying for Exams handout helpful which gives you tips on how to prepare before an exam. Setting Goals is another helpful strategy to push yourself throughout the semester. The 10 Tips for Stress Management were also helpful. One technique I can use in class when taking notes is the Five R’s of note taking to be more concise with notes. One resource I can use outside of class is my success coach or the tutoring center. I can also attend the professors office hours or ask for a one-on-one appointment if possible.