- Online learning generally puts more responsibility on each student to follow along.
(I have taught online classes before, so I know this from experience.)
- For online work, the burden is greater upon you to take responsibility for your own work!
A Confucian proverb says,
"A teacher can open the door to learning, but you must enter on your own."
This is especially true for online courses.
- Remember that in most courses the majority of your grade rests on the exams,
so study seriously and don't leave anything for the last minute. Study early, and study often!
- Do the assigned readings in the text before class, then repeatedly, paying special attention to the
boldface terms (you can look them up online
or in the book's glossary) and the illustrations (and their captions).
You can pay better attention in class (and learn better) if the terms listed in boldface are already familiar to you.
Remember that boldface terms are likely to show up on exams.
- Reread each chapter thoroughly for the details.
Pay close attention to the illustrations and captions.
Also familiarize yourself IN ADVANCE with the boldface glossary terms and their meanings.
- When you read through the text, stop at the end of each sentence or each paragraph
and ask yourself, "What did I just read?" "Can I summarize it?" "How could
an exam question on this information be worded?" Once you get into the habit
of anticipating exam questions, most of the questions that do show up will be among the questions that you anticipated and planned for.
- Go over the outlines (and illustrations), repeatedly.
When reviewing for exams, also go over the study guides (carefully, repeatedly).
- Take advantage of all other information posted online, including advice about exams, samples of questions from prior exams, etc.
- Email me if anything is unclear, or if you need additional help.
FURTHER ADVICE
- For an online course like this one, a lot more responsibility falls to the student.
You can set your own pace, but the online format also makes it easier for a lazy student to slack off and fall way behind and
not get noticed until a failing grade appears on an exam. Always keep up with the work, including the textbook readings and online aids.
- Attend class regularly, and pay attention in class. Students who repeatedly miss classes always do poorly.
- After class, reread the book thoroughly for the details.
Much of biology is visual, so pay close attention to illustrations and captions.
- Many students find it helpful to print out the lecture outlines in advance and take their notes right on the same page; it helps to organize things and it saves time by not having to write down what is already there.
Use the outlines at the start of each chapter; they are also posted online at https://biologytrending.routledge.com/
- I consider it my responsibility to make sure that students who keep up with the work
learn a lot, get good grades, and have fun along the way. Don't hesitate to ask for help or advice if you need it, or if anything is unclear.
— — Dr. Minkoff
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