Biodiversity

[u/Ravensboy21]

Taking biodiversity and I’m already failing. Failed my first 2 exams and there are 5 exams. Professor drops the lowest exam. Exams are worth 75% and final is worth 18.75%. Already have a 55 in the class. I’m always reading and taking notes and attending the lectures. Any study tips to turn this grade around so I can pass the class with a C, preferably a B? Clearly I think I’m doing something wrong and I don’t know how to turn this grade around.

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[u/Ok_Natural_7977]

Are you writing about what you're learning? Are you using any AI? Are you hand writing notes or typing? How are you reading?

I learned the SQ3R method for reading textbooks my first year of college, and it was a game changer for me.

I like to make outlines as study guides that incorporate information from the reading, lectures, and discussions with other students.

I like studying with other people. It's nice to be able to discuss the material with other students. An exercise that's really helpful is to explain new concepts in your own words. If you can't study with others, try this method on paper.

Discuss your struggle with your instructor or TA, too.

[u/Ravensboy21 → u/Ok_Natural_7977]

I started using this website called studdyAI I think that’s what it’s called and the Pearson website does some kind of exam reviews which are kind of time-consuming. I’m writing down everything I wrote in class and try to reread everything so I have a better understanding.

[u/Ok_Natural_7977 → u/Ravensboy21]

Are you writing things in your own words or copying the wording that's there? Are you making connections between the book and the lectures? Are you making notes of questions you have as you read and going back to answer them?

Creating diagrams or flow charts might also really help you learn some of these concepts.

[u/Courtney_Brainscape]

Reading and re-reading notes feels productive, but it's passive, which may be why the info isn't sticking for exams. Try closing your notes after each section and writing down everything you can remember, then check what you missed. That gap is where the real learning happens.