|
Keys to
Success in Dr. Johnson's Classes (and in other courses)
Here are a few suggestions for doing
well in Dr. Johnson's classes. These methods helped him when he was a
student, and hopefully they will help you as well.
1. Come to Class: This
should seem obvious, but many students forget about it. If you're not
in class, you are going to miss important information that the
professor will not repeat for you. And, a lot of information in the
lectures is not in the book. Even if you get the information from
another student, it may not be correct. (Have you ever played the
game where one person whispers a phrase into the ear of another
person, that person then whispers to the next person, and so on down
the line, until the last person says what he heard? Usually it is not
what the original phrase was.) Also, coming to class will help you
focus on the course. Be sure to sit as close to the front of the
class as you can and don't sleep in class. The classroom isn't a
bedroom, so if you want to sleep, then stay at home (but then you'll
miss the lecture!). Come prepared to class as well. Read the relevant
chapters or sections in the book before class. Know the topic the
professor will discuss before he starts lecturing on it. And
remember, few things annoy a professor more than hearing "I
missed your class without a valid excuse, so please repeat your
lecture for me."
2. Make Friends in the Class: This
is important. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses. This way
if you miss a lecture, you can get the information first from your
friend. Then if you have problems or don't quite understand, you may
visit the professor to get more help.
3. Don't Cheat: Another
obvious one! If you cheat, you learn nothing. These classes are not
about a grade. Yes, you need good grades to get into graduate school,
get a job, and for other purposes, but grades aren't everything. And
what does a grade mean if you cheated? Nothing! If you get an A in
mathematics and a company hires you because of it, you will have a
problem there if you cheated on your tests. You won't be able to do
the work. Do not allow others to get you to help them cheat, either.
That's just as bad. It is not "helping" them, it is harming
you, the other person, and every other student in the class. Also, do
not make illegal copies of the textbooks. It is illegal and immoral.
Have respect for the authors who worked hard to put all that
information together for you in the textbook.
4. Work Homework Problems: Work
all the homework problems the professor assigns. Make sure you do
them yourself and then check the answers. Really WORK the problems,
don't just look at them and say "Oh I know how to do that."
If you do, you are setting yourself up to fail. If you have problems,
see the professor immediately! He is there to help you.
5. Work More Problems Beyond the Homework:
Don't stop with the assigned problems. Work other problems in the
book. Find other problems on the internet. Ask the professor for
other problems. Make sure you learn the PROCESS of working the
problems. Do NOT just memorize answers!
6. Test Yourself: Now
that you've worked all the assigned problems and extra problems, make
quizzes for yourself. Get your friends to quiz you as well. (Remember
No. 2: Make friends in the class.) Again, do not memorize answers,
because that won't help you very much. Learn the process.
7. Get Plenty of Rest and Exercise: Mens
sana in corpore sano. This Latin phrase (ask my students,
they'll tell you I love to teach them useful Latin phrases) means
"A sound mind in a sound body." Your brain will not
function at its peak performance if you are lazy or only study. Take
regular breaks and at least walk around a bit. Playing sports,
exercising at the gym, long walks or runs, and the like can really
help you do better. And, you'll feel better, too!
8. Get Help As Soon as Possible: The
night before the exam is too late to get help from the professor.
The day grades are announced is also too late! AS SOON AS YOU
EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM, GO SEE THE PROFESSOR!!! Do not wait. Email to
set up an appointment, or just drop by and see if he is free. Don't
feel embarrassed.
9. Take Responsibility:
This is the most important point. You and only you are responsible
for your performance in the class. Don't blame the professor, the
school, or anyone else. Yes, circumstances happen that might cause
poor performance, such as getting a cold right before the exam.
Unfortunately this is life. Take responsibility for your own
learning, and you'll find you not only will likely get better grades,
but you'll learn more, too.
|
Note: If you are a student and want
to email Prof. Johnson, please use the email address listed on this
site to ensure that your email is received.
Looking for the SolBridge website? Click
here. |
