Step 1: Warm up your brain!
Start with familiar information before you introduce something new.
Read through the notes from your last two lectures. This shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
This targets three areas:
- Gets your brain “warmed up” and in a discipline-focused mindset.
- Helps you retain information and think about how prior and new concepts are connected.
- Reinforces what you’ve already learned as you practice retrieving information (this is also called retrieval practice).
Step 2: Know your purpose
What is the purpose of your reading or prep? Will you have quizzes? Is it for background information? Do you need to be able to contribute to a discussion? Or lead a discussion?
Know your purpose to be effective and efficient in your studying. Check-in with yourself: Am I checking a box, and not really processing the information? Figure out the best approach and strategy for you and for this class to make the best use of your time. A learning consultant can help!
Focus on Faculty
Review your syllabus and ensure that you have clearly stated the purpose of any pre-assigned or suggested reading or work. This transparency will help your students work more efficiently and come to class better prepared.
Next up: What should I do during class?
