How is Studying Different?
Responsibility.
You have to realize the following things when you begin your university/college transition.
You are responsible for your education.
You are responsible for what you do and what you don’t do, and the consequences of those decisions. You’re the only one looking after you.
You are responsible for making sure you read and understand the materials, especially since it’s assumed you did just that.
You are expected to learn the course syllabus and the dates that are on it.
Finally, you are responsible to be prepared for the class you’re taking.
Making the Adjustment
In order to succeed,the difference in structure between a high school and college course is needed to be thought of. Break it down in hourly chunks, if you can.
2-3 hours for each lecture you attend.
2-3 hours of studying for each lecture you attend.
5 classes a week
If you’re unsure about the difference between Lectures and Labs/Tutorials, look below.
Lectures
Large lecture theater or classroom.
Many students
Usually one professor.
Expected to take notes
Usually had before a lab/tutorial
Usually anywhere between 2-4 hours
Labs/Tutorials
Small groups, usually under 20 people.
1-2 hours.
Allows discussions and debates.
Emphasizes interaction with others.
Lecturers tend to be specialists in their fields, not teachers.
They may not follow the textbook during their lectures, but they’ll still expect you to.
They may lecture non-stop, with the expectation that you are identifying the key points.
They may not summarize or highlight what’s important, hence why good notes is important.
Lastly, it’s not enough to memorize the information. You have to apply what you know to know if you learned it.
Planning/Time Management
Have goals for yourself.
Set them and stick to them.
Be true to yourself.
Set your goals ahead of time so you can be prepared.
There’s not enough time in life, so plan ahead to fulfill course and degree requirements.
Pace Yourself.
Things happen quickly in college/university.
If you don’t plan for things ahead of time, things will creep up on you, especially since most courses are scheduled into 12-13 week blocks.
Plan for things early, but keep in mind that both your personal and school life can change.
Study specifically for evaluations/tests/midterms/exams
Testing of any sort sometimes tends to be infrequent and cover lots of material.
YOU need to prepare your notes for the test.
In order to avoid a ‘wake up call’ when it comes to your tests, prepare a lot for your first test.
If possible, get a hold of the previous years’ tests.
Know the breakdown of each test.
Multiple Choice and True/False
Concept recognition, understanding of the definitions, process of elimination, careful attention to question wording, etc.
Short Answer
Knowledge, understanding and application of the concepts. Problem solving, critical thinking.
Long Answer and Essay
Coherence and structure, combination of multiple concepts, drawing relationships, supporting conclusions with evidence.
Results Matter
Use practice exams to help you.
Learn your Learning Style.
Studying Alone
More efficient.
Less distracting
A good first step for studying in general.
Studying in Groups.
Talk through the materials.
Quiz one another.
Gains knowledge from others and solidifies your own.
Good for identifying gaps in your knowledge.
Some combination.
Other Sources are Available.
Office hours
Study groups
Study mediums.