Working as a chemistry tutor has taught me a few tips and tricks for taking science classes. Reading a science textbook is much different from other books you have read before. Knowing how and when to use a tutor can also be a challenge for students. Today we are going to look at how to read a science textbook and when to seek a tutor.
Science is different: Science is different from other subjects because memorization is not enough. In science, we need to remember what we learn but also understand it. Memorization and understanding are not the same thing.
Why we study science: Science is a hard subject. There is no other way to succeed at science than to work hard to understand it. Science classes are often the first time students are truly challenged to develop strong study skills. These skills will help you succeed in college, especially if you want to go into a science career.
Textbook reading strategy: In order to truly understand science you will most likely need to read the chapter or section 3 times.
- The first time skim over the text to understand the big picture. It is best to do this before class.
- The second time read it thoroughly to understand the details. At the end of each page, summarize what you have just read as if you are telling it to someone else. I recommend having a notebook where you can write down questions you may have while reading.
- The third time review and answer questions. If there are still confusing sections make sure you note them to review with a tutor later.
When to seek a tutor: As stated earlier, when you identify complicated sections of the text and are unable to understand them on your own, it would be helpful to seek out a tutor, fellow student, or professor for help. Remember, tutors cannot teach you an entire semester’s worth of content in one session. It is best to seek out help as soon as you recognize a need for it. Other times seeking a tutor would be helpful are before an exam–to review important topics and after an exam–to understand what you missed. Sciences tend to build on themselves. Do not simply brush off topics you struggle with. Doing so will cause you greater confusion the further you get in the course.
Other Helpful articles: Here are several articles that discuss effective study tips. Experiment with different study tips to find out what works best for you.
Happy Studying!
– Kate
Quick formatting suggestion before I begin reading, the first three paragraphs could use a space between.
An interesting take on the challenge of science, I would argue that is only challenging to those who don’t have the aptitude and or patience for it. This is typically true regardless of the subject material, but I would argue truer for science.
The reason I would confidently make such a claim is, science is a hands-on subject, which dry text reading only provides minimal context. Thus, using the rule of three for memorization can only go so far with giving clarity on whichever scientific study one is pursuing (still a good rule for the most part).
Now obviously there will be extensive paperwork involved when in a STEM profession/study but cramming a bunch of information from texts that you may or very likely rarely if ever use isn’t exactly the most impactful way for a STEM pursuit. The sciences in school have started to incorporate a more interactive approach, but it still greatly pales to the level it should be.
I would throw in the suggestion for STEM study to combine the text memorization with praxis, there are many freely available simulators out there. Put that technology to work for you. The important takeaway is the knowledge, not where/how you obtained it.
Hi Chad,
I agree with what you are saying. I recognize that I should have explained in the article that these tips should be applied when a student NEEDS to read a textbook. I agree that not all STEM courses require a thorough textbook reading. In some cases, it acts like a reference book.
As a Tutor, I work with both high school and undergraduate students. Many of them are not majoring in STEM and simply want to pass the class. However, a problem I continually come across is that students do not even know the basic vocabulary or terminology despite being months into the semester. These are the cases in which I encourage students to use an active reading strategy so they are more likely to understand the content and terminology.
As a tutor, I do utilize many simulators and hands-on learning tools. But, I can only help students as much as they are willing to work. Depending on the specific subject and course I recommend personalized plans for students.
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. You obviously have a lot of knowledge regarding the STEM field which can be useful to others!
-Kate
I know I’m probably going to get some hate for this but I reached the point where I just don’t have the mental capacity to read much anymore. I just listen to audio book conversions using the speechify app. I just can’t keep track of my work sometimes and I get lost. So I use audiobooks instead and pause in between notes and it works out better for me this way.
That is great advice, Ian. To be honest, my blog post is more of a blanket statement that may not apply to all students. One of my challenges in writing a blog post from a tutor’s perspective is that I cannot tailor it to each individual student’s needs. There are definitely students whom I would recommend using a different strategy. This strategy is best used for students who are new to the subject. I also work with high school students so some of my content applies better to them. I think the best advice I would give to all students is to play around and find what study techniques work best for you! Do not let what one student does for one class make you feel bad about your own study habits.
I myself do not even read this intensely at times. I also use audiobooks for some of my classes (it has been a lifesaver). The more we know about our own study needs; the more we can succeed in our unique study habits.
One of my big challenges as a tutor is to get some students to any kind of studying in the first place 😅
– Kate