It is undeniable, science class is an unavoidable scourge for most students, whether they are still in high school or university. Want to improve your performance in science class? Don't worry, try to establish an effective study routine and increase class participation. If your science class includes practical classes, make sure you also do everything you can to give your best performance in the lab!
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Method 1 of 3: Establishing an Effective Study Routine
Step 1. Find a quiet study location
As much as possible, find a quiet, distraction-free study location, such as a bedroom or library. Understand what you need to increase learning effectiveness.
- If your focus is often distracted by the view outside the window, make sure you choose a study location that has no windows (or try studying against a wall).
- Study by wearing headphones or earplugs to prevent your focus from being distracted by the sounds around you.
- Try turning on the fan and pointing it at the wall. The sound produced by the fan (also known as white noise) is believed to be able to "cover" the sounds that disturb the peace of one's study.
Step 2. Don't study non-stop
Studying one material for hours without taking a break is prone to make you bored, tired, and lose focus. Instead, intersperse your study with short breaks; while resting, leave your desk, do some light stretching, or take a walk around the room.
- Set an alarm to sound 45-60 minutes after you study; the alarm serves as a reminder for you to rest.
- Set another alarm to sound 10-15 minutes after you rest; the alarm serves as a reminder for you to return to study.
Step 3. Make clear, concise, and tidy notes
You can read and study these notes again in between class changes. Remember, don't write down everything your teacher says or explains. Instead, listen carefully to your teacher's explanation and briefly summarize the key points you think will come up on the exam.
- Some educational institutions provide note-taking assistance for students with learning disabilities. If you need this help, try asking the academics at your institution for availability.
- Try recording the teacher's explanation in class. Usually, smartphones have a built-in recording app; if not, you can also download a recorder app which is available for free. You can listen to the recording whenever you want.
Step 4. Reread your notes after class
If there is information that you think is wrong or confusing, clarify the truth with your classmate or teacher.
- Don't ignore your notes for too long; chances are, you will forget some important information and have a harder time understanding it.
- Try summarizing your notes. This method is able to assess the extent to which you understand the material being recorded.
Step 5. Refer to different sources
When studying material, don't just read books or text materials given to you by your teacher; also use the internet to find additional information that can complete your understanding. There are times when a material is better explained by additional sources not provided by your teacher. For example, Khan Academy provides various scientific topics that you can access for free.
- You can also use these additional references as a tool when doing science practice.
- Interesting tools such as visual information, graphic information, and powerful videos help you understand the teacher's explanations better.
- If additional information you find conflicts with information you learn in class, take note of the information carefully and discuss it with your teacher. This can also serve as additional material for discussion with your teacher.
Step 6. Understand the reasons behind the facts
Science is a collection of facts based on the question "Why?". If you want to master science, learn to question everything and find the reason behind everything; surely, you will be helped to logically things that are learned in science class.
- For example, what comes to your mind when you imagine a cannon being fired? Most likely the answer is Newton's Third Law, namely the law of action and reaction which reads, "For every action, there will always be an equal and opposite reaction". But what does this law mean? What is the reason behind the realization of this law?
- A cannon, which is, of course, bigger than a cannonball, exerts a force on the bullet (and fires the bullet in a certain direction and distance). But at the same time, the bullet also exerted a repulsive force against the cannon, so the cannon would be pushed a few inches in the opposite direction. This is the true meaning of Newton's Third Law.
Step 7. Understand the internationally approved metric or decimal system of measurement
The metric system uses a scale of ten and is used to measure length, mass, and time.
- For example, 10 mm. equivalent to 1 cm., 10 cm. equivalent to 1 dm., 10 dm. equivalent to 1 m.; it is the basic unit of measurement of length in the metric system.
- In America, the more commonly used system is called the Imperial system; but actually, American scientists also use the metric system when working.
Step 8. Try explaining the material to others
If you think you understand the material well, try explaining it to someone else. Teaching others (such as your classmates) is the best method for assessing your understanding and knowledge of the material you have studied.
- If you were a teacher, what kind of questions would you like to ask?
- Try to find new examples based on your knowledge or personal experience.
Step 9. Find the most effective study technique for you
Everyone has a different learning technique. For Person A, memorizing material using illustrated information cards may be easier and more effective. Meanwhile for Person B, memorizing material through songs or short stories is much more effective. Find the most effective study technique for you!
- If you feel more comfortable studying in groups, try creating a study group with some of your classmates. Be careful, make sure you use the time together to study, not gossip.
- If you're more comfortable studying alone, make sure you do everything you can to stay focused and able to ignore distractions.
Method 2 of 3: Participate in Science Class
Step 1. Read the requested material
When your teacher asks you to read material from a particular book or site, make sure you read it before taking a class. If your time is very limited, at least try to understand the gist of the material and the subject matter.
- Having trouble understanding the material presented in class? At least understand the general idea.
- Most of the teaching materials and discussion materials in class are sourced from the reading materials provided. This means that if you are willing to take the time to read the material, you are more likely to be able to answer questions or engage in class discussions.
Step 2. Show your best ability and participation in class
Most likely, one of the factors that influenced your final grade was your class participation percentage. If you're an introvert, at least find ways to show your participation in other ways (eg, diligently submitting assignments).
- Repeat the words you hear to make sure you get the meaning right.
- If there is an explanation that you don't understand or don't understand, don't be shy about asking.
- If someone asks you a question you know the answer to, don't hesitate to raise your hand and try to answer it.
- If you work in a small group, be a good listener. Pay close attention to what your group mates have to say and convey your opinion without seeming domineering or demanding that they agree.
Step 3. Pay attention to the reading material your teacher recommends
If they recommend a particular online reading material, video, or site, make sure you access it before going to class. Read online notes sent by your teacher; Also read any lab reviews or other information that could improve your performance in science class.
- Review the notes before going to class; make these notes a guide for you when discussing in class.
- If your teacher often explains the same picture, try downloading or photocopying the picture so you can study it.
Step 4. Watch the science practice your teacher exemplifies in front of the class
Often times, this method is used by teachers in the hope that you will be able to imitate them in the future. If you want to improve your performance in science class, make sure you pay attention to any practices your teacher demonstrates in front of the class.
- Make sure your view is unobstructed. If your view is obstructed by the friend sitting in front of you, move your chair until you have a better viewing angle. If you feel the need to get up or change seats, ask your teacher for permission first.
- Sometimes, demonstrated science practice can get you overly excited and lose focus. Make sure you don't get carried away by the euphoria and stay focused.
Step 5. Learn effective methods for taking the exam
If you're taking a science exam, make sure you fully understand the problem before solving it. If necessary, you can draw a diagram or chart as a tool. After finishing writing the answers, check the answers again; make sure your answer makes sense and aligns with the question. If not, reconsider your approach and think of alternative answers.
- Try repeating the questions in your own language; this powerful method helps you to understand the problem better.
- Double-check your answers before submitting them. Make sure your answer makes sense and is in line with the question; Also make sure your writing is neat and easy to read.
Method 3 of 3: Improving Performance in the Laboratory
Step 1. Prepare yourself to do lab work
Most science classes require students to take practical classes in the laboratory; The goal is for students to have the opportunity to apply the theory they have learned into real practice. Usually, your final grades are also the accumulation of theoretical and practical grades; therefore, make sure you don't miss the practicum class.
- Practical classes are usually held at a different time and place from theory classes.
- In the laboratory, you will be asked to practice the material you have learned.
Step 2. Learn how to create a practicum report
Usually, the practice in the laboratory always ends with a practicum report. The structure and method of writing a report of course very much depends on the teacher's policy; but in general, your report should have a title, abstract, introduction, methodology, observations, discussion, and a list of references.
- The practicum report must be typed (although some schools still use a manual system) based on the citation format requested by your teacher.
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Step 3. Prepare a special book to record the results of practice in the laboratory
It's best not to use binders or similar books that can be disassembled. Remember, this notebook is a permanent record of your observations in the laboratory; Your practicum report also really depends on what you record in the book.
- Don't fill your notebook with unrelated material like accounting formulas, sound art theory, etc.
- Write your name, phone number, address, or other personal information on the cover of your notebook so that if the book is lost, the person who finds it can easily return it. Make sure you record the information using permanent ink that doesn't erase easily.
Do Well in Science Class Step 18 Step 4. Bring all your laboratory necessities
In addition to notebooks, you will also need pencils, pens, calculators, and other materials instructed by the teacher. You should also wear appropriate, clean, and comfortable clothing. Since you will be standing for long periods of time, it's a good idea to wear soft and comfortable shoes.
- You may need to wear laboratory goggles and gloves, an apron capable of protecting you from chemical splashes or spills, or other safety clothing.
- Some laboratories require you to wear closed shoes. Instead, avoid open footwear such as flip-flops or sandals.
- Usually, you will be asked to wear trousers in the laboratory.
Do Well in Science Class Step 19 Step 5. Work effectively in groups
Often, laboratory experiments require you to work in groups. This means that you will not be able to do everything alone and therefore, the results of the experiment are very dependent on group effort.
- Instead of just focusing on what you are doing, understand what your group mates are doing.
- Doing a powerful practicum trains your ability to work effectively in groups.
Tips
One of the best methods for improving grades in science class is not being shy or lazy to ask questions. A good student always knows when to ask for help from people who are more competent, such as a teacher or classmate who is more knowledgeable about the material. Before asking the teacher something you don't understand, make sure you have a piece of paper or a book ready to record the answer. Show your teacher that you are serious and that you are not wasting their time
