Studying for class is a necessary part of the experience. In order to prepare for class time, students should read all of the assigned materials, complete all of the assigned work, take time to think about the presented material and always consider the following questions:

• Why was the material selected?
• What conclusions are reached in the material?
• What facts are important enough to commit to memory?
• What needs clarification from the instructor?
• What do I agree with and why?
• What do I disagree with and why?
• What would be helpful to bring into the discussion of the material?
• Are there alternative perspectives?
• What makes the arguments presented valid or invalid?

Students should add to the list above as they are able and should share new questions with the class during discussion time.

Preparing for a quiz requires three different, simultaneous approaches. First, the student should ask himself/herself, “Which pieces of information are most important and impart the most understanding about the topic under study?” The answer to this first question should guide the student in rationing time properly. Secondly, the student should seek to understand what the overall goal of the material is, asking, “How does the information fit together?“ Finally, the student should examine the materials provided by the instructor and prepare (by memorization, etc.) those items noted.

Tests are cumulative. Information from all previous quizzes and the class periods immediately preceding the test will be required for success. First, study all previous quizzes. Make sure to obtain the correct answers for the quizzes and study the corrected information. Secondly, study the materials covered in class since the last quiz as though preparing for a quiz on those topics.