Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering, 4th ed.c

2.3 Daily Studying and Preparation 33

basic concepts, you will not do well on the exams, and you will be at a disadvantage later in your

other classes and in life when you practice engineering.

Take good legible notes so that you can go back to them later if you need to refresh your

memory before exam time. Most of today’s engineering textbooks provide a blank margin on the

left and right side of each sheet. Don’t be afraid to write in these margins as you study your book.

Keep all your engineering books; don’t sell them back to the bookstore — some day you may

need them. If you have a computer, you may want to type up a summary sheet of all important

concepts. Later, you can use theFindcommand to look up selected terms and concepts. You may

wish to insert links between related concepts in your notes. Digital notes may take some extra

time to type, but they can save you time in the long run when you search for information.

Select a Good Study Place You may already know that you should study in a comfortable place

with good lighting. You do not want any distractions while you are studying. For example, you

do not want to study in front of a TV while watching your favorite situation comedy. A library

is certainly a good place for studying, but you can make your dorm room or your apartment

room into a good place for studying. Talk to your roommate(s) about your study habits and study

time. Explain to them that you prefer to study in your own room and appreciate not being dis-

turbed while studying. If possible, find a roommate with a declared engineering major, who is

likely to be more understanding of your study needs. Remember that a bad place for studying is

in your girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s lap or arms (or any other acceptable engineering configuration).

Another useful idea is to keep your desk clean and avoid having a picture of your sweetheart in

front of you. You don’t want to daydream as you are studying. There is plenty of time for that later.

Form Study Groups Your professor will be the first person to tell you that the best way to learn

something is to teach it. In order to teach something, though, you have to first understand the

basic concepts. You need to study on your own first and then get together with your classmates

Not a good way to study!

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