<p>I am having a hard time in my psycholog course this semester, and was wondering if anyone has some good study tips. My grade is based is off 4 exams total and the professor is cautiously optimistic we will get a curve. He does not get to decided because the section I'm in is a research study to see if online, or face to face is better. So it is up to the chair, and other the professors who are teaching these sections. For the first two exams I studied how he told us to which was re-read the chapters and make examples. </p>
<p>I always start off with reading the chapter, and taking notes before lecture. I print the powerpoints off, and bring them with me to lecture. So I essentially study using my book, notes, and lecture power points but I'm not doing very well. </p>
<p>Normally I would make flash cards but he specifically said do not make flash cards. I am feeling a little mad at myself for listening to him because now 50% of my grade is based on two bad tests while I know the online sections get to have quizzes every week, and exams so they have more opportunities to improve. The tests are all multiple choice.</p>
<p>Have you heard of Cornell Notes? It’s like regular note-taking but you make a left-hand margin, and in the margin you write yourself questions related to the material to the right.</p>
<p>Also, if you take notes during the lecture, I highly recommend typing them up at a later time.</p>
<p>If you have your own tried and true methods of studying, then stick to it! I love using flashcards. For certain types of people the visual quality of the flash cards will help a lot when you need to remember large amounts of specific data. </p>
<p>It is so hard to get used to different teaching methods as well and that is probably part of your problem. You can’t tell what the teacher will focus the test on at first and need to get through a few tests to understand what you need to focus on.</p>
<p>Do you rewrite your notes after class. Some people find the best way to remember something is to rewrite the info down. That could also work if you want to type the info down. If you are a visual person then add some color to your note taking. It might sound funny but if you use certain colors to keep track of different things it will help you to retrieve the data later.</p>
<p>It sounds like you are studying well but just might need to tweak things a little bit to get a better outcome.</p>
<p>Go talk to the professor! He can help you analyze the issue, and make suggestions. I have a problem with him saying that you “can’t” make flash cards, and he doesn’t know if there will be a curve. To me, that invalidates a comparison between online and face to face, as it isn’t a true picture of how a class would normally run.</p>
<p>I agree that you should go see your professor, and ask him how he suggest you study the material. Are the questions conceptual? He probably doesn’t want you making flash cards and memorizing the definition because he worries it won’t allow you to grasp the concepts. Questions that are conceptual can be tricky. One study tip is to be able to explain and give an example of the terms the exam covers. That way you not only learn the definition but you can also apply the concept to the real world.</p>
<p>Flash cards are such a nice way to keep rotate important data in our memories for a long time. Typing after lecture will also help in recall all the topics. But need to stick with the basics. You will definitely get a good result.</p>
<p>Do what will help you. I had a teacher that made me write many noted to study, what I need is just to sit down and learn. Do what you need to do and maybe you’ll get better grades :)</p>