Notes

There are several strategies that can be used for help to succeed in this course. Doing the readings for each chapter ahead of time is something that is essential. What reading before class actually does is prepare us for upcoming ideas in the lecture or lab. Even when we don't fully understand them, we are able to identify them at least and listen for further explanations that might answer our question or clear our doubts about a topic. It is also a helpful way to stay concentrated during lectures as knowing the material prior to class actually keeps us anticipating to reach each topic, especially those we did not understand that well during prior reading. Reading will always at least familiarize us with a topic, if not actually explain and give details about it.

Another strategy of success in this course is actually approaching information in different ways like explaining to people the lessons, taking notes or setting up diagrams. For note taking, we have to be smart and time-efficient when taking notes during lectures. Writing every word a professor says will not be effective for understanding nor the time available, that way, we would be more concentrating on catching all the words being said and we would more than likely be behind anyway. So, it would be wiser to take short, concise notes containing the most important and necessary words. Doing diagrams would also help greatly in memorizations of topics. Watching videos and tutorials is another good method for retaining information.

Devoting time for studying and reviewing notes, lecture slides and other materials at the end of the day or even the end of the week would actually help a lot in retaining information as information will be more likely to be memorized and stick to our minds after a review. We also have to keep in mind that we should have a plan or an outline set up for us to follow during the course timeline. This way we ensure that we do not fall behind. With a plan set, we are less likely to procrastinate as well because we are more tempted to finish what is planned rather than follow deadlines.

It is also important to talk to professors during office hours for clarification on certain subjects we have questions about or any help we need. It is also another chance to get to know our professors more.

It is essential to always attend lectures as sometimes, interactive ways of teaching would help us absorb information more efficiently. Attending lectures can also give you a sense of what topics are the most important and what details to concentrate on. We still do have to keep in mind however, that there are no shortcuts to success and the outcome always comes from the effort we put in. There is no "easy way" to succeed a course, we should rather concentrate on a "smart way" of success.