Science Study Skills for Adult Education
Learning Strategies to Develop a Better Understanding of Science
Science study skills for learners in adult education focus on more reading, problem solving, and critical thinking than on previous experiences they may have encountered. Adult students quickly learn that not completing reading or homework assignments places them in danger of failing quickly. Attention to detail, organization, time management, reading comprehension, and test preparation is essential to success in college science courses.
Learning strategies must focus on the general emphasis of each individual science course. Biology and geology place more emphasis on key words and concepts. Physics, astronomy, and chemistry or the physical sciences emphasize measurement and mathematics. Science study skills must adapt to these different focal areas, because college science courses cover an entire year of high school in one semester or quarter.
Physics and Chemistry: Physical Sciences Reading and Problem Solving
Learning new vocabulary introduced in physics and chemistry is extremely important. In adult education physical science courses vocabulary is cumulative, which means terms and definitions are used later to define other new terms. Therefore, it is important to learn new terms as they are encountered and review old terms before reading new assignments. Keeping flash cards, running lists, and notes of terms and definitions to review periodically is essential.
Understanding Relationships – in science making connections is very important. Do not learn physics and chemistry as a collection of isolated facts. Organizing facts in the form of concept maps helps make connections between science facts easier.
Running Concepts Lists – are used to organize reading materials. Terms, formulas, symbols, or names are written in the left-hand column of the page. Associated definitions, equations, meanings, and contributions are recorded in the right-hand column.
Mathematical Problems – are heavily emphasized in physics and chemistry courses. It is vital to focus on sample problems in the readings. Each problem usually has some feature that is not present in previous problems and these physical science problems gradually build on each other. Adult learners must have the ability to solve a wider and wider range of problem types.
Practice Solving Problems – when reading a chapter or supplemental reading material attempt to solve problems encountered in the materials. Use the following strategies when mathematical problems are encountered:
- Cover the lower part of a problem and attempt to predict the next step in the problem.
- If predictions are wrong, then reread surrounding material or look at past problems to analyze confusing points.
- Once a problem is understood, practice solving similar problems. Continue practicing problems throughout the entire semester or quarter.
Flow Charts – steps for solving chemistry problems, such as balancing equations, are best summarized using flow charts.
Biology and Geology: Key Words and Concepts
Biology and geology requires a complete and accurate set of notes focusing on key words and concepts. In adult education courses many instructors generate most of their test questions directly from lecture notes, so to succeed on tests note taking science study skills are essential. Note taking strategies include:
Focus on Details – biology and geology instructors expect a complete definition of terms, people and their contributions, and supporting facts. Do not generalize information on tests or other assignments, specifics are required to earn a good grade.
Completeness and Accuracy – instructors often lecture quickly and developing good note taking skills is essential. The first step in this process is pre-reading assigned materials prior to class, take notes in class, and then compare notes taken during class with assigned reading materials.
Organization of Notes – using the Cornell Method or other two column note taking strategies during class. This style is one of these easiest to review after class.
Illustrations and Examples – focus on biology and geology illustrations and examples discussed in class. Make a copy of these illustrations or examples prior to attending class, leaving room around the edges for notes and explanations. Illustrations and examples can be used to make to make photo flash cards. These are similar to flash cards, except there is a photo on one side with specific key words on the back.
Previewing Reading Materials – use a pencil to take notes in the margins the first time reading biology and geology materials. After class, highlight important key words and concepts discussed in class. These items are more likely to appear on tests.
Making Connections: Science Study Skills and Success in Science Courses
Developing and honing the right science study skills is crucial to passing adult education science courses. Adult students need to find learning strategies in science that blend well with their learning style, similar to those discussed. These steps are critical along with developing appropriate note taking strategies during science classes. Success in science is based on hard work, practice, review, organization, and time management.
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