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"How can I do better in this class?"

 

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My Links:

My Econosports site on Forbes.com  

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Subgame Perfect Podcast

(with Biolsi, Wilson, Martin, & Me)

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​"How can I do better in this class?

I have no special formula for student success. The items that are listed below are suggestions that I have accumulated over time that have helped some (but not all) students.

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1. Come to class. Pay attention. Take useful notes.
Questions on exams come from things that I emphasize in class (as well as a few from reading material that I might not
explicitly discuss in class).  Try to get "in tune" with the things that I emphasize. If I talk at length about something, I'll almost certainly ask about it on an exam. If I have a powerpoint slide devoted to something, I'll frequently construct a question around it. Take notes that help you recall the details of a topic/example presented in class. Don't write down everything but enough that you can reconstruct the discussion. Some students print out the powerpoint slides and take their notes on them.

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2. Practice multiple choice questions related to the material from class discussions.

Sometimes the problem for a student is converting the material into a multiple choice framework. The practice questions are helpful in this regard, but they can become a hindrance if a student fixates on trying to

memorize all the answers from them. Memorizing some key facts/points is helpful, but the practice questions are there
as a supplement and aid. I intentionally try to incorporate questions that may not show up in the practice questions as an incentive and reward for coming to class. 

One suggestion is to play the role of the test-maker. Place yourself in the position of coming up with a multiple choice
question on a topic from class. In addition to the correct answer, try to come up with a couple of answers that might
appear enticing to someone not really informed on the topic or just guessing.

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3. Ask questions.

It's a big class, so it isn't easy for students to ask in class or it feels intimidating. There is always extra time after class, and I'm very willing to clarify items or discuss them at greater length. The teaching assistant is here and available after class or
in office hours. You can also stop by my office or make an appointment.

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4. Practice as we go along.
This might be the most useful but least taken advice because it requires self-discipline and consistency of effort (not just cramming before the exam). Read the assigned material before class. Go back over notes before the next class. During class, try to think of how this topic might appear as a multiple choice question. Students sometimes convince themselves that they are really giving an big effort in a class because "I studied until 3 AM last night for the exam." That kind of effort isn't nearly as productive as consistent effort along the way.  I've tried to help you with this somewhat by scheduling an exam every two weeks. Even then, for students for whom the material doesn't come easily, studying only the night before the exam is likely to be insufficient.

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When "how can I do better" isn't a question but a complaint:

 "I'm not doing as well as I would like, it is your (professor's) fault. Fix it"

 I never get any satisfaction from a student giving substantial effort and performing poorly. Sometimes, the material just doesn't "click" well. The suggestions above are intended to help, but, in the end, the student has to figure out what is coming on exams and how best to prepare for them.

 

Ultimately, performance in the class rests on the student's shoulders. It is a class where performing well is achievable.  There will be high "A" grades on every exam whether with raw grades or after an adjustment. Not all students can achieve an A but passing grades are achievable, but they may require consistent effort.  I can't supply that for you.

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