Visualizing Environmental Science

PROCESS DIAGRA

M

Successful 21st century Students Study Smarter, not Harder 11

Pathway to success process diagram • Figure 0.5
✓✓THE PLAnnEr

• Make a to-do list, update it often, and keep it handy at all times by using the notes application tool
  on your phone.


• Plan ahead and use a calendar to avoid forgetting assignments and exams. Schedule specific study
  times and commit to keeping those appointments.


• Before you begin to study, set out a specific, achievable goal for that study session. Choose an
  appropriate number of pages to read or a set number of problems to do and do not end your study
  session until your goal is reached. This will help keep your studies focused as well as give you
  a sense of accomplishment at the end.
  
  
  • Review the material everyday, even if it’s for just a few minutes.
  
  
  • Get your visual and olfactory senses more involved by writing your notes in a wide array of
    colors and pleasant scents.
  
  
  • Download unlabeled, colorless diagrams of important anatomical structures and physiological
    processes from WileyPLUS. Then color in the lines with pencils or markers and practice labeling
    the structures.
  
  
  • Eliminate distractions. Friends, music, TV, phones, email, and social networking sites decrease
    your ability to efficiently focus, thus increasing the amount of study time needed to accomplish
    your goals.
  
  
  • Utilize sunlight to help you learn. Studies have shown that humans learn and retain information
    best in natural day lighting.
  
  
  • Make your own colorful flashcards and take them with you wherever you go for quick,
    impromptu study.
  
  
  • Make up your own short mnemonic word or phrase to help you easily recall long lists of
    information.
  
  
  • Take a break! It is more productive to take breaks than it is to continue to push through fatigue.
    Schedule short breaks every 20 minutes and do something physically active. Taking 5 minutes to
    walk outside, close your eyes, stretch, or do some pushups can help you quickly regain focus
    and energy.
  
  
  
  

Get organized

Utilize study time wisely

Just before an exam

• Use the questions at the end of each chapter to check your knowledge and begin to train your test-
  taking muscles.


• Create your own exams based on your notes. Often you will come up with the same questions as
  your instructor, and, of course, you will already know the answer on exam day.


• Eat well. The quality of fuel you put in your body is directly correlated to the level of performance
  you get out. Your brain and your body need the best fuel possible in order to perform at their peak.


• While you are studying and before the exam, give your body quality, fresh proteins,
  carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Try to keep the artificial stimulants, like caffeine, to a minimum
  to help increase your concentration and decrease nervousness.

Learn from your mistakes

Review questions you answered incorrectly on the exam and, most importantly, ask for help! Visit

your instructor during office hours and utilize the student resources on campus.