Studying skills in Biology

1. Successful biology students study a minimum of 2 to 3 hours per day, 7 days a week, throughout the term.

2. Biology is hard work, so be aggressive. Take it as a challenge and give it your time and your energy.

3. Know and understand all your terminology. This is one of the keys to success in any field. This is the basis for many seemingly difficult terms. Study these roots. Make 3" x 5" flash cards to help you memorizse them and later do the same with your terminology.

4. Pay attention.

5. Make it a practice to read over the topic or chapter before going to your biology class.

6. Attend all classes and be an active listener. It is important to be alert and concentrate on what is said in class. Successful students take full and comprehensive notes, writing down about 66% of what is said in class, while failing students write half as much. It is most important to stay current. Do not allow yourself to miss classes and fall behind or the entire course will become an effort and a struggle for you.

7. After class go over the material as soon as possible and again 8 hours later. Studies have shown that you are more likely to remember the information later. Fill in all the missing words or incomplete explanations. Recite important concepts in your own words.

8. Always remember you have the right to ask questions before, during and after class. See your teachers during their office hours for help. Notice when you are beginning to get in trouble and seek help immediately.

9. Read and study all your textbook explanations. You may wish to use at least two or more books. These books are often available in the library. Each book has a different discussion and examples on your topic, and one of these is likely to be helpful to you.

10. Whenever possible explain aloud to another person what you are learning. Work with a classmate and explain terminology and concepts to each other.

11. Describe in your own words the similarities and differences between the different concepts you are learning. Do this aloud with someone else.

12. If biology is your most difficult subject, then always study it before all other subjects. You must study biology when you are most alert and fresh. Make sure to take 5 or 10 minute breaks every 20­40 minutes in order to clear your mind.

13. Write up summary sheets of biology terminology and concepts and review often. The more you review the more you'll remember. Also visually picture the terms in your minds eye. Visualising is a powerful technique for remembering terms. Break words into small chunks and picture each chunk until you can recall it. Then put the chunks together. Remember, the knowledge of roots can be extremely helpful.

14. Making up mnemonics memory techniques may be fun as well as beneficial. For example, if you need to remember the 12 cranial nerves you can take the first letter of each nerve and make up a sentence where each word begins with the first letter of each nerves.

15. Create sample tests for yourself and test yourself often.

16. Give yourself timed tests similar to those you expect in class. Time yourself with a kitchen timer or an alarm. Practice, practice, practice.

17. Review the types of errors you make and types of questions that cause you difficulty. Give yourself more practice in these areas of difficulty.

18. If possible, have a friend or family member quiz you on your notes and text information. Done regularly this commits more information to long­term memory.

Good luck.