SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR (ENGINEERING) COLLEGE STUDENTS

By Dr. Hong Zhang

Classroom skills

Prepare for Class

The night before, read Corresponding chapter of the textbook Handout Notes from previous lectures Other recommended reading

Write down any questions you wanted to ask

Rest well

Prepare for Class

Eat breakfast Leave early and be on time Briefly review your notes

In Class

Avoid distractions Cell phone, text messaging, iPod, etc. Hunger Windows & doors Friends (esp. noisy friends) Restroom needs

In Class

Focus & Concentrate Strategy for common tune off situations

Heard it before -> what’s new here Day dreaming -> deep breath and focus Difficult topic -> preview and review Different opinions -> similarity and

diffferences Question yourself and instructor

Listening Skills

Full attention Listen the full sentence Think after listening Get the main idea Pay attention to beginning, end, and

repeated words. Ask questions Relate to your prior knowledge

Thinking is Fast

Thinking is much faster (4x) than talking. Listening can go further with thinking

Hearing: the words Understanding: the meaning Judging: the reasoning

Note Taking

Lecture is an active, learning process Listen Think Record Review Grasp the key ideas, numbers, and concepts Use structures, headings, divides, highlights,

underlines, arrows, etc. Summarize words to tables, charts, diagrams Use abbreviation

Note Taking ≠ Speech to Text

Compare Freshman Engineering Clinic meets 2 days a

week at Monday from 8:25am to 9:15am and Tuesday from 8:00am to 10:40am.

Fr. ClinicM 8:25 – 9:15 amT 8:00 – 10:40 am

References in Note

Reference books & articles can save you time in classroom

Use hand-outs as note companion Write down questions for in-lecture or

after class communication Generously leave spaces

After Class

Review notes ASAP Compare notes with

Your peers References Previous class notes

Note Processing

Getting thicker – Enrich notes with more content, different format, highlights, personal thoughts, etc.

Getting organized – Number pages, use dividers, digitize notes

Getting thinner – Summarize notes to 1 page

Math in Class

These can be found in textbook Definitions Theorems Derivations

These should put in notes Examples Ways of analysis Tricks and tips

Group Study

Small group (2~4) Dedicated time and location Be serious Someone acts as organizer Compare notes, brainstorm solutions,

ask questions, but NOT copy answers

Test taking skills

Study for test

Go over examples and homework problems

Review methods and strategies to solve problems, not the numbers

Select a few problems to solve from start to finish

Brainstorm possible problems or questions

Prepare for Test

A crib sheet (either open or closed-book) Enough rest Eat an hour before test Dual alarm clock (and away from your

reach) Back up transportation Pack your bag before going to bed

Before the Test

Don’t panic! Arrive early and familiarize the room Ready yourself

Relax Re-check the tools (pencil, eraser, calculator,

etc. ) Re-check the notes, books, crib sheets, and

handbooks if they are allowed

Taking the Test

Read the entire exam first Choose from easy to difficult Read the problem/question carefully,

and make sure you answer what was asked.

Budget your time

Taking a Test

Show your work Keep your work legible Think partial credit If you have a question, then ASK. Check and re-check if time allows Hand-in your paper when time is called

After a Test

Review your paper Find where and why you made mistake Redo the problem and grade yourself