Tips for Academic Success
Class Attendance
Attending class is one of the primary ways to learn material. Few students who skip class on a regular basis are able to do well in a course. Reading material ahead of time and being prepared to ask questions often makes a class more interesting.
It is imperative that students study notes after each class and compare them with material in the text. Any discrepancies can be cleared up at the beginning of the next lecture. Students who do not keep up with the material resort to cramming. This results in poor understanding of the material and is usually reflected by poor grades on tests.
Study Time
When students are asked why they did poorly on a test, the most common answer is insufficient study time. Most students need to study 6-10 hours per week in each chemistry course to do well.
It is best to set aside specific time periods each week for studying. Working in small study groups on a regular basis has also proven to be effective. The best way to learn material is to answer as many questions at the end of a chapter and review old tests.
Study Aids
Textbooks are often accompanied by different types of learning aids, such as:
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Study guides
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Solution manuals
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CD-ROM or website link with self-test or practice problems with answers
Some faculty members will post old tests on a website or have printed copies available in the library. Students can use these to gauge how well they understand material.
Employment Workload
Working more than 15 hours per week at a job during a semester is not advised. The vast majority of students who withdraw from a course or receive poor grades attribute it to a heavy workload that cuts into their study time. Being a full-time student is a full-time job. If you must work more than 15 hours per week, consider taking less than 15 credit hours per semester.
Seeking Help
The instructor is the best resource for answering questions about course material. Instructors typically list their office hours on course syllabi or post them on their office doors. If you are unable to meet with an instructor during office hours, you may be able to arrange another time.
For students who need additional help, the university offers tutoring through the Learning Assistance Program.