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Regents Biology is a
demanding course which requires effort and perseverance.
The following is a list of recommendations to help you to do your best in
this course.
1.
Come to class (and be on time and
attentive!) A great deal of work is done each day.
You cannot afford to miss class, especially labs.
Try not to schedule appointments during biology.
Pay attention and do not doodle, do other work, or write notes to friends
during class.
2.
Keep up with your labs and your assignments Do your work as it
is assigned. Do not let it build
up. Answer lab questions and write
your conclusions right after you do the lab. Place labs into lab folder promptly to prevent losing them.
3.
Stay organized and bring materials
to class Organization is
a key component of success. Keep
your handouts and notes organized in a three ring binder.
Bring your covered text, binder and handouts, lab
folder, pen and pencil to class each day.
4.
Use effective study strategies
The following are some suggestions for increasing the quality of your
studying.
·
Study
in small quantities over time
Review your notes for 15
minutes each night (M,T,W,Th, and once during the weekend) even when you do not
have a test or quiz the next day.
Information will get into your long term memory and you will learn
much better. You will not have to
try to learn everything in one night. Cramming
is the worst way to study.
·
Be
active when studying
Studying is not a passive process. You
cannot just “go over your notes” and expect to know the information.
You must take charge and work with the subject.
Make flash cards, study with a friend, ask a parent or sibling to
“quiz” you, make charts, graphs, concept maps, draw pictures and try to
label parts, color the diagrams in your notes, reorganize your notes, write
questions and then test yourself, do practice Regents questions….Be
active!!!
·
Use
all of your senses
You will understand and remember the subject better if you use all of your
senses when studying. Talk aloud
while studying, try to visualize processes in your mind – make a mental
picture, underline key points, write the definitions and make drawings…..
·
Ask
questions
The best students are those who are able to identify the things that they do
not understand and ask questions. Write
down things that you do not understand when you are doing your homework or
studying. I would prefer that you
ask questions during class time so other students can benefit from your
questions. However, feel free to
talk to me before or after class, or make an appointment to work with me during
a free period.
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