Monday, December 10, 2007

Study Group # 5

As the semester has come to a close, our study group chose to meet one last time on December 5, 2007. This study group was strictly all about Biology. The Biology exam will be for this Friday, at 10 a.m. DNA, genes and dominant and recessive genes were the main topics of discussion and review. Our study period lasted for approximately two hours; starting at 12:00 noon and ending at 2:00 p.m.

Study Group #4

For a good refresher and review, our study group joined together on November 29th, 2007. We reviewed Chapters four and five. These chapters discussed compounds and thier bonds, as well as reactions. The study group was again held in the library.

Group Study #3

On November 28, 2007 our study group was finally able to meet again. This was a very important study group, due to the upcoming exam for Chemistry. We reviewed Chapters three through nine. The main topics that were discussed were as follows: Atoms, elements and nuclear reactions. Our study time lasted for about two hours; 1:00 p.m. till 3:00p.m.

Study Group #1

Today, October 29, 2007 was my first group study that I attended. Our group study was from 10:15 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. All members of our study group have an up coming Biology test. Our group reviewed Glycolysis for the test. The group meeting was very beneficial for me. I was able to generate questions to help me have a better understanding. In the group many of my unanswered questions were answered.

Study Group #2

On November 1st, 2007, we had our first study group meeting. The group congregated in the library. There was a good attendance for the study group. During our study period we discussed Mitosis and Cellular respiration. Topics were reviewed for approximately an hour and a half to two hours. We all have a test on these topics tomorrow in Biology at 10 a.m., Kieth Bruce is the instructor. This meeting was a tremendous help for studying. I hope to meet in room C, in the library again.

Multiple Learning Strategies (Option)

1. A brief description of how, when and for which course you implemented this sequence of
learning strategies.

For this Multiple Learning Strategies assignment I chose to use this technique For Chemistry class, on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 for review of an upcoming test on Tuesday, December 4th, 2007. Preparing for this assignment I reviewed the topics that were covered throughout the semester. By already completing the assignment on reading (Chapter nine), I was able to apply the skills I learned for this task. Document Reduction and the Cornell technique were extremely useful for this particular study. My pre-class preparation also allowed me to have my textbook marked on predominant topics. With calculator, textbook, pen, pencil, highlighters, notebook and a good nights sleep, I was adequately prepared. During review class, I used my attentive listening skills while jotting down required information. Using the Cornel Note Taking method, I was able to produce insightful study notes that helped me in my studies. After class, I recalled the information as required. I applied the Mind Mapping procedure to recall the information. Mind Mapping was able to help me in obtaining a visual perspective of the subject. I found by recalling promptly after class was particularly beneficial. Due to such a positive response to my understanding because of recalling information, I chose to continue with this method for my Biology studies as well. Reviewing my notes within twenty four hours I was able to generate appropriate test questions that would prepare me for the upcoming test. During the duration of the week, I continued in my review of my notes and continued to create possible question and problems that I might possibly be tested on.

2. Your evaluation of this effectiveness, for you, of this process.

By preparing myself for class and doing the appropriate steps that needed to be taken; I was very successful. The process was not tedious. The process allowed me to use the skills I had learned throughout this entire course. Learning to Learn textbook has been a excellent guide to overcoming a lot of my difficulties that I have faced as a student. By applying this method, I was able to have a higher quality of understanding of the review and text for the test. The importance of the five steps that I followed was shown to me through this assignment. I plan to apply the next five steps as follows: Pre-class preparation, active listening and focused note-taking during class, post-class immediate recall, review of notes within 24 hours and anticipation of test question; throughout the rest of my studies at college.

3. Your plans for the future use of this process.

I plan to use the five step process throughout my entire stay at college. This system was unbelievably successful for my studying. I would recommend or even show this technique to anyone, as it has helped me tremendously. Using the five step method appropriately, I know will make success easily obtainable.

Reading Textbooks (Option)

1. A brief summary of what I learned by reading Chapter 9, Improving Your Reading.

Chapter nine consisted of a lot of key points. Chapter nine described the components of a book. Components such as: front matter, bibliography, authors, index, glossary and preface. Chapter nine also explains different ways content and substance of a book are understood. There are two ways that can be expressed, expository text and narrative text. Expository texts focus on conveying information, whereas narrative texts tell a story. Explanations of strategies to help internalize what you are reading are helpful. Some helpful hints are as follows: Marking up your text book, write summaries of what you are reading, develop mental images of the text you are reading and make questions and predictions about the text as you read. Mind Mapping, a technique which had been discussed in the previous chapter, is also an essential tool to use for reading. By making a map what you are reading, this will help you to remember what you just read and will further your comprehension of the chapter.

2. A description of the chapter you selected to evaluate the Document Reduction method.

The chapter I chose to use the Document Reduction method on is Biology concepts and connections textbook, the chapter was named, The Molecular Biology of a Gene. Topics that were covered are as follow: DNA, RNA, Transcription, Translation and Translocation. There was also memorization of key words such as: Polypeptide, codon, anticondon, RNA polymerase, initiation, elongation, termination and amino acid.

3. A personal evaluation of the Document Reduction method as a tool for reading textbooks and as a tool for studying from textbook.

My personal evaluation of the Document Reduction method is that it works. When reading for school, often times my mind is easily distracted by off topic thoughts. Due to wandering thoughts, after reading a chapter I may not remember anything about the chapter. To diminish the amount of wandering or distraction while reading, document reduction helps reduce the distractions by suggesting that I take notes as I read. This will ensure that I, as a reader, am attentive to what I am reading. Developing visuals of the text as I read is a continual help to me. I am a visual learner, so by having a picture to apply the text to is very beneficial for my success in learning the subject matter. Studying with the Document Reduction method places a visual concept to the topic studied. Data is easily and readily available for a student to obtain; by studying in the Document Reduction method. Document Reduction allows for productive studying. This technique purges the amount of unnecessary material studied and reduces the quantity of time wasted.

4. An explanation of the reading approaches you plan to use from this time forward.

From this time forward I plan to use the Document reduction method for reading material. This technique has helped me to condense a chapter reading into valuable knowledge. Using Document Reduction will allow me to fully grasp the text topic, without wandering, off topic thoughts. I plan to jot notes as I read to abolish the wandering and distracting thoughts, which cause a lack of understanding of the material. While using the Document Reduction method I will be able to obtain information quickly and efficiently. I will apply this reading method throughout my entire school experience and into the work force as well.

Note Taking

1. Brief Summary of Chapter 8.

Chapter eight gave clear instructions on how to properly take notes. Some helpful hints were as follows: Paying attention to what the professor is saying, write notes in own words, do not write full paragraphs or sentences use the jot note method for important points, write notes neatly so you will be able to understand them later, review notes after class and organize your notes in a neat and tidy fashion.

2. Description of the class chosen to evaluate the note taking method.

The class I chose to evaluate for note taking was Biology. The professor for Biology is Keith Bruce. Topics that I chose to evaluate the note taking method were for our final test in that course. Meiosis and DNA were the topics that I chose to cover.

3. Personal evaluation of the Cornell Note Taking method as a tool for note taking
and as a tool for studying.

This method eliminated an enormous amount of confusion in my understanding of
my note taking. Quite often I would try and write down all the professor was
trying to say. This led to very frustrating circumstances when I would try and read
my notes for studying. My notes now are organized appropriately. I am now able
to generate efficient notes by jotting down only the necessary and important
information. The Cornell Note Taking method is the cause for a better
understanding of Meiosis and DNA. While reviewing my notes for study, I
understood in my terms what each step and method meant. Due to my improved
note taking method I was able to achieve a higher grade and peace of mind during
the test. After completion of the Cornell Note Taking method, during study I was
able to acquire the information needed in a efficient manner, as never before. My
readable and organized notes where the stepping stones for success. Studying time
was exceptionally effective. I have learned that note taking can be the cause for
poor study sessions. With the Cornell Method, my time for studying is now used
wisely and successfully. What a great method to have learned.

4. Personal evaluation of the Mind Mapping method as a tool for summarizing
information and as a tool for studying.

The Mind Mapping method is a grand tool to learn and know. Mind Mapping is a
general builder for condensing information. By condensing information in this
technique you are able to see the sections and pieces of information that join
together appropriately. For instance, mind mapping would be very beneficial
when studying for Prophase; the most important part of Meiosis. Prophase can be
mind mapped by placing Meiosis as the top, second would be prophase and than
the four most important components of Prophase would follow. Mind Mapping
your notes give you a picture like method for studying. This method is especially useful for visual learners.

5. Explanation of the note taking approaches I plan to use from this time forward.

From this time forward I plan to use chapter eight as a guide on note taking. Note taking is a very crucial part of school. Note taking, if not completed properly, may be the cause for difficultly in understanding the course material and unsuccessful study sessions. By using the Cornel Note Taking method and Mind Mapping technique, I feel there will be an elimination of frustration and a gain of comprehension for all appropriate courses

Journal Entry for Conclusions and Future Plans

1. Description of areas that have improved.

An area that has showed improvement is note taking. Learning to learn reading guided me in the right direction. It was the basis for my knowledge of how to take notes that would be useful to me after class. As a rule, I would always try and write down everything the professor was saying. This often led to frustration as he/she would quickly move on to another topic, before I could finish writing everything down. I now have learned to jot down key points that I felt were significant. In a case where I was unsure of certain material, taking initiative and asking the professor to clarify on a certain topic was exceptionally useful.

2. Description of areas that need further growth.

An area that needs further growth is time management. By fault, I am a trueprocrastinator. Quite frequently cramming is a method that I use often. Cramming for
exams and assignments have led to anxiety on numerous occasions. Leaving
assignments and study till the last possible minute has been the cause for forgotten
deadlines, for other courses. Although there has been great tips in the textbook, learning to learn, reading and applying the methods to overcome time management is
all together different. Good intentions never worked for anybody. Purchasing a day
timer or organizer would be in my favor. Starting projects, assignments and studying before the due date, could also be beneficial. Another option might be seeing a professor or a guidance counselor for some insight or direction as to overcoming time management delinquent.


3. Explanation of the insight I have gained about learning and things I will carry
forward to other courses.

The greatest insight gained has been areas of note taking and learning beneficial methods on how to study productively. Learning to take notes by jotting down key points that are required, instead of furiously trying to write down “word for word” what the professor was saying; has been a great insight. Beneficial methods of study I have learned are as follows: Find a quiet environment, play no music with lyrics, take necessary breaks to eliminate information overload, highlighting only key points that are needed and pacing study time over a period of approximately a week. Here are just a few of the things I will be carrying forward to other courses: A good attitude, coming prepared to class, getting the required amount of sleep so I am alert and attentive to what is going on during class, note taking method, appropriate studying habits, communication among professors and peers and focusing on areas of needed growth.