How to Get Good Grades in Biology Class
If you are currently struggling in biology class, the tips in this article can help you out right away. Even if your previous grades have been lower than average, there are four simple things that you can do, starting today, to improve your grade and feel better about your personal performance.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Study word origins and meanings. Bios, from the Greek, means "life" while Logos, also from the Greek, means "the study of." Thus the word "Biology" literally means "the study of life." So what? Many of the terms that you will be exposed to in your biology course are also composed from Greek or Latin roots. Once you have learned the root meanings of these terms, it will be much easier to understand the subject itself. Animal classifications, (genus, phylum and species) are generally easy words to decipher once you have improved your knowledge of word origin.
-
2
Know your learning style. Do you retain information better when you see it, hear it, or when you are able to actually do something physical with it? If you are an audio learner (someone who learns best by hearing the information) you will benefit from taping courses and lectures and listening to them often (in the car or before going to bed at night). Audio learners also benefit from reading notes and text information out loud. They can boost their ability to remember by creating songs or short rhymes from the materials they need to learn. If you are a visual learner (someone who learns best by seeing information) try using graphs, charts or diagrams in your notes, to increase your ability to remember the material. Visual learners can also benefit from making "mental pictures" of the materials they are learning. Associate each term with a picture symbol and organize the symbols in your mind (or on paper) so that they form one visual image. Recalling this image, then reviewing each of the elements in your mental picture, can help you recall all of the information easily. Kinetic (hands on) learners need to find ways to experience the materials they are learning, and to apply them to real life situations. Biology offers a whole realm of opportunities for the hands-on learner. Develop and work on your own labs, not just the ones the course tells you to create. Also look for opportunities to participate in hands on Biology lessons. Some ideas include volunteering with your local fish and wildlife department, DNR office or at State and National Parks etc. See the Resource section for information on the SeaGrant Program, and the Wildlife Volunteer Corps; both of these programs offer excellent opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience in Biology. You may also try offering to teach someone else what you are learning. Give a speech, or present a series of experiments to a group of younger children.
-
-
3
Evaluate your study habits. Everyone has their own way of studying, but there are certain key principles that separate good students from so-so ones. Students who consistently score well in school usually have a set time and location for studying. They develop a routine around studying which they follow everyday. Study areas are private, and distractions are kept to a minimum. As much as you might think it doesn't do any harm, there is good evidence to suggest that listening to your favorite cd, or watching television while you study, does not help you learn. Give your work your undivided attention. Choose a spot where you feel comfortable, but you know that you won't be disturbed. Go to that spot every day, at the same time, to work on homework, or study for your class. Once you have a routine set up, good habits will soon replace the not so good ones.
-
4
Go the extra mile. Good grades are really dependant on the amount of time and energy that you are willing to put into them. Doing extra credit work, while it may seem time consuming and unnessecary, is actually designed to help you better understand what you are learning in class. By doing extra credit work you can also earn additional points, that will help you if you don't do so well on an assignment, or get a lower grade on a test. Any time there is an opportunity to do extra work, then, you should take it. If your teacher doesn't mention it, then you can also go to him or her and ask if there is any available. You can make suggestions as well, such as if you participate in a public bird count or volunteer to help with the National Parks wildlife program, could you earn extra credit in class.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be organized and keep accurate notes.
If you miss a class or lesson, be sure to ask to make up the work.
Decide to do well; challenge yourself, and prove to yourself that you can make the grade.
