Ten Tips to Getting Good Grades.


1. Attend class regularly: Many teachers spend class time showing visual aids (slides, videos, overheads, demonstrations, and physical models. You need to attend class to take advantage of this teaching technique.  Make sure that you take notes about the main points.  This information generally shows up on exams. Yes something important is covered in every class.

2. Prepare Daily: (even Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Make no mistake about it, School is hard work. To be successful, you need to prepare before class and analyze information soon afterward.  Make sure you come to class prepared.

3. Take Detailed Notes: Try paraphrasing (taking notes in your own words). Don't just copy what is on the board - take copious notes on what was discussed, what slides were seen, what you learned from a video etc.  Leave room on your notes to add information from other sources, like the textbook.

4. Recopy your notes: (within 24 hours) Many students are convinced that this is the most effective technique. At the very least go over your notes nightly and use a magic marker to highlight the most important points.

5. Read the book: Especially the parts I emphasize. Mark in your book. This does not decrease the resale value of the book. . .tearing out pages does that. I suggest reading the book three times.

6. Use Flash Cards: List a key word on the front and write a definition or explain a process or concept on the back. They are great study aids at test prep time.  Punch a hole in a corner of the cards.  Put a ring or string through it. You can now flip through them when you are stuck in traffic and they won't get all over the place.

7. Tape record your flash cards or notes: Play the tape  at home when you go to bed (subliminal learning) Play it in your car going to or from school or work.

8. Earn extra credit: Take full advantage of these opportunities.  ( I allow them for students earning a C or better. ) No last ditch efforts. Extra credit points are added to your overall scores.  They may take you to the next highest grade.

9. Get a study buddy or a tutor: Tutors are free at the tutoring center. They are selected because they have demonstrated knowledge in your field of study.

10. Join or create a study group: Recent studies document the effectiveness of study groups. They work because yo have to explain concepts to someone else. If you do not know it, you can not explain it (it's that simple). I recommend meeting once a week to go over notes and to quiz each other

These tips do work .  Good luck with your studies.

Tom