HDFS 005, Human
Development
Study Tips
First, review all the resources and suggestions on the Syllabus, including the sections on
Purposes of the Course, Study Questions for the Unit, and "Where Are We
Going?" Consult the resources and follow the suggestions.
Studying:
The Exams cover all the reading and all the lecture material, with
approximately equal emphasis. Anything that is covered in both
lecture and the text should stand out.
There is much too much material in the text to memorize. Skim
each reading assignment to see how the material is organized.
Read the summary at the end and the Linkups, Preview, Outline, and
Guideposts at the beginning. Then read the chapter. Highlight
points that sound important and make a note in the margin whenever
something in the text relates to a point made in lecture. When
you finish reading the chapter, go back and skim it again.
You probably can't take notes on the entire text without giving up on
having a life. USE your text: underline, highlight, write
in it. Then when you review, you'll have your thoughts available
in it. Don't worry about the re-sale value; it's your text and
deserves to be used.
With your study group, go over the study questions, and try to
make up questions that you think we might ask on the exam.
Try to explain the concepts to someone who isn’t in the course.
You will be
able to hear yourself and begin to understand the gaps in your own
understanding.
Find examples to illustrate a concept or principle. Finding real
life examples for an abstract concept can be helpful.
Preparing
to Take an Exam:
Keep up throughout the unit. Catch up quickly if you fall
behind. Listen to the recordings of any lectures you miss or that
covered any material you don't seem to understand well.
Spend serious, productive focused time with your study group.
Attend the review sessions and ask all the questions you can think of
about the material in the text and the lectures.
Don't stay up late cramming the night before the exam.
In general, live a healthy, well-organized, orderly life.
Eat a good breakfast and lunch before the exam.
Take a walk, meditate, or nap just before the exam.
Taking the
Exam:
Take your time.
Read each question to yourself. Read all the multiple choice
options before you select one.
After you finish, go back through each question and check your answer
on the answer sheet.
Make sure you understand the terminology in the questions. Ask,
if you are not sure.
Break down each essay question into its parts. For example, if you are
trying to answer the question “can biological development be speeded up
or slowed down” break it down. First think about what would
influence biological development and then consider whether it can be
speeded up or slowed down. Then explain how and give
examples. Make sure you address each part of the question.
After you finish the essays, go back and read what you wrote, slowly to
yourself. Correct the grammar and spelling. Make sure you
understand what you are saying. Elaborate so your answer is as
full and complete as possible.
Turn in all parts of the exam with your name on each part.
Leave the room and pat yourself on the back for having done a good job.