7suggestions

These tips assume that you have followed the weekly instructions. Thus, I don't need to remind you to answer the questions in the Study Guide, check out the class forum, etc.! The tips that follow are aimed at helping you understand and memorize the material in biology. If you have a technique that you have found useful but isn't on my tips list, let me know!

Flash Cards : Make flash cards for each new biology term or concept you encounter. On one side of the card put the new term; on the other side a definition and/or example. Although the goal is to understand and be able to use the vocabulary of biology, the first step is to commit the term to memory.
Pay attention to the diagrams and illustrations in the textbook. Biology is a very visual field of study. This will help make the material more "real". Remember, the goal is to understand the material.
Explain a new concept to a friend. One of the best ways to learn is to teach someone else. As you try to explain a topic, you get a chance to practice all that new vocabulary while simultaneously demonstrating that you understand the material.
So what if you don't have such a patient friend? Practice writing the material and then checking your work.
If you've done all your weekly work, and you're still having trouble with a topic, contact me so we can discuss where you're having trouble. Often a brief discussion works wonders. Sometimes students come to my ELI office if the problem is larger.

5 MORE TIPS FOR SUCCESS!