Study Tips

1. Before class begins, read the chapter. The lecture will help reinforce what you read.

2. Take notes as you read so you do not need to reread the chapter. Use the chapter outlines from the Internet and write in additional information you think is important on those chapter outlines. If the chapter is discussed in class, mark on the chapter outline the areas discussed.

3. Take notes on everything—lectures, films, and outside readings. Type your notes from class to reinforce the material.

4. Study both your class notes and chapter notes for an exam. Review chapter notes because the exam might have questions on material not covered in class.

5. Highlight your notes. Make important information stand out. For example, put a box around important words and then highlight their meanings.

6. Try to anticipate what the essay questions might be. Write out answers to possible essay questions and review that along with the class and chapter notes.

7. Do all the readings—the text, boxes in the text, appendices, and outside readings. If you do not understand something, find outside sources that can help you understand.

8. If I am trying to distinguish between different models, I will do a chart where I can compare the models side by side.

9. For hard to remember information, use acronyms or other pneumonic devices.

10. Start studying early. Review your notes weekly. Start studying notes daily at least one week before the exam. This helps you to become very familiar with the material.

11. Whenever a professor repeats something more than once or says "this is important" mark that in your notes with an *. The * will remind you that this is information the professor considers important. This information will probably be on an exam.

Professor Wattier's POL140 Course Syllabus (Spring 2003)