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College
Hey! I'm in my first year of college, and I'm having trouble. It's honestly hard for me to pay attention in class. All teachers do is lecture, lecture, lecture, give a test, and repeat it all over again. I TRY to pay attention and take good notes, but it's never good enough. I've failed half of my tests so far. And since I have 4 more tests coming up within the next 3 weeks, I'm really nervous about those too. You HAVE to do good on tests, because really, that's all your grade is. A bunch of tests.
Does any one have any good study tips for college? It's also hard because they don't give study guides like they did in high school, so I never know what material to study. I really don't know if college is for me. The way I passed high school with As and Bs was..I'd do all the work given, do bad on the tests, and it'd average out to a B. I'm not used to studying. I try, but it doesn't work. Any advice? Thanks.
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sorry this is so late...but try recording your lessons and listen to them again later to study them.
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anonymous -
What I find that works for me is repetition. Constantly review your notes everyday, even if it's little tid-bits every single time. Also, recite your notes aloud as often as possible, and form study groups. In study groups, discuss notes and any misunderstandings you may have, and take turns teaching one another the material via chalkboard, or just notebook paper.
The way I find to really understand my notes is relate it to my life. Relate it to anything significant so it's easier to remember.
I hope this helps, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
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I find that for me, the only way I really suck in (in a matter of speaking) all the information, is if I talk about it with someone else or a group. My university has tutorials, which are smaller groups, where pretty much all you do is discuss and debate course material. You wouldn't believe the difference it makes to just discuss what's been said in lectures. Personally, I simply don't retain enough information to do well with studying alone (I think I am just not a study-person), I'm more of a sponge. Find a friend or someone else in your class, and have a conversation relating to what's going on in your course, or just talk through things with someone else. It even helps if you try explaining what you just learned about to someone who wasn't in the class, like you're teaching them.
The things you repeat and discuss are the things you often remember.
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If you talk to your teachers then they may be able to help you. If you explain to them that your not a good test taker, you study all the time, but your just not good under pressure, then they may be able to help you with extra credit.
Plus, not all teachers are like that. I have many classes that don't have any tests, just classwork, homework, projects, and short, easy quizzes. If you talk to teachers BEFORE you sign up for the classes, then you can get a feel for the way that they teach. If they seem like an all test giver kind of teacher, then go to the next teacher in that subject, and ask them.
Chances are, each subject will have at least one non-test giver kind of teacher. .
Also, try to find some tutors. They can really help you out with every subject. It will take some time, but, hey, all college does. You just ahve to try hard. You'll get the hang of the tests eventually.
I was talking to someone about a tutor they had. They said that the tutor gave them study guides, notes, etc. And made their class soo much easier for them.
A lot of people need to go to a tutor for certain subjects, so it's not like your alone in that aspect.
Lastly, you should spread your classes out a little bit. For instance, take an english class (which rarely has tests, just writing and projects) along with a math or science, which will always have some tests. Take an easy class, along with a hard class. Don't expect to take all of your hardest science and math classes in the same semester and be able to do good.
You might even want to try take a "fun" class with your hardest classes. Something that your already great at, but just think would be intersting. That way, you'll have a pleasant break in between the challenges.
good luck.
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Watch the teacher. It makes it not as boring because you are focused! Also, if the teacher will allow, tape record the parts of lectures that will be beneficial to the test. If you miss it, just say it into the recorder, quietly.
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take notes on the stuff you get lectured about. often times, writting things helps you remember. some colleges have class slides showing all the material they covered. my friends at Georgia Tech didnt even go to her first class of the day, she read the slides and passed so if that's an option for you, take advantage of it! hope this helps...sorry if its not much, i know what its like to be behind and in deep do do! <3
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well i think the best ways to study are how we studied back in elementary school with flashcards, games and rhymes although it sounds silly ive found it works best for me because i remeber how silly it was. i go to a college style highschool and we do basically the same thing there. i have my sister repeat things over and over to me till i finally get it. also maybe you have a slight learning disability. we learned about it in school. even honors kids can have then and doctors can help you find ways that help you study best.
best of luck
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Try different techniques for studying. For example, try flashcards, or try taping lectures so you can listen and repeat as much as you want. Just expirment and you will hopefully find a way to study that works for you. Best of luck!
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