HOW TO STUDY GUIDE

To help students develop successful problem-solving strategies, here are the stages "A" students go through to correctly solve problems. The 5 stages in problem solving (TIPS-C) are very useful in diagnosing problem-solving difficulties and what assistance (if any) is needed.
Stage 1: Translation This is the 1st stage in understanding a problem. This entails:

a. Understanding what is given (givens) in the problem.
b. Understanding what is to be found (get to's).
c. Understanding the vocabulary in the problem.

A problem is understood when students can restate the "givens" and "get to's" in their own words and understand the vocabulary.

Stage 2: Integration There are 3 separate processes in this stage:

a. Identify the type of problem it is (name the type).
b. Decide what prerequisite information is needed to solve the problem and reach a correct solution (formulas, equations, math knowledge, etc.).
c. Draw a visual representation of the problem in the form of a flow chart, factor labeling, diagram, or table.

Stage 3: Plan & Monitor a Solution As a solution is developed step-by-step, check to see if each step is reasonable and in the units asked for. Without the correct units, an answer will not be logical.

Stage 4: Solve the Problem In this stage, the learner does the necessary mathematical calculations to reach a correct answer. A calculator may be needed here.

Stage 5: Check the Answer It is important to check the answer as feedback on whether the solution was done properly. If the answer was not correct, each step in the solution must be rechecked and retried until the correct answer has been achieved. Students may need to consult lecture notes, textbooks, workbooks, solutions manuals, etc. for guidance.

To help remember each stage in this 5-stage model, notice that the 1st letter of each stage in order can be combined to spell the word mnemonic "TIPS-C." Mnemonics are aids that help students remember steps in problem solving.

Copyright © Liseth Soldevilla. Miami Regional University, Miami, FL 33166.

Email: [email protected]

Statistics Theory 1 & 2, Derivative Markets & Pricing

1. Do not get behind

• Everything builds on itself a lot and fast.

2. Why vs. how

• Learn why a problem is solved the way it is rather than focusing on how it was done. Completely understand the theory/concept of why a step was taken and not just what the step is.

3.Practice

• Practice a lot of problems to get exposure and rework them until you are confident with the theory behind the problems.

4.Study Partner.

• Study with others, preferably 1-2 study partners – more than that tends to be inefficient. This allows you to focus on your work, and if you get completely stuck (which will happen) the other person may know it or you can work together to figure out the theory/concept.

5.Notes.

• Make sure to write everything the teacher does. If you do not take in what is said and are merely writing what the teacher did, then you will need to rework/rewrite notes and understand what the professor was teaching (*this can take longer than the lecture itself was).

6.Textbooks.

• This can depend on the class and teacher. For actuarial classes, textbooks are a must for concepts and practice problems (i.e. Stat Theory 1-2, Theory of Interest, Intro to Derivative Markets, and Derivative Pricing). For Managerial Accounting, read the textbook, as well as make flashcards.

7.Professors.

• Teachers are very helpful – visit them during office hours and develop a relationship with them.

8.Concepts vs. Steps.

• If the actual concept is not grasped, it doesn't matter how many practice problems you do; the professor won't give you exact replicas of the problems assigned. Course of action: read and reread the chapters. It might not be the most exciting thing to read a math textbook but sometimes you have no choice.

9.Stat Theory 1-2.

• Copy down everything the professor writes on the board as test material is likely to come from notes and worked problems in the lecture (and textbook). Applied concepts from the notes/problems as well as proofs are also probable test material.

10.Derivate Markets/Pricing.

• Completely understand basics of what a call/put is as everything builds off this. Read the textbook and apply it to problems afterward.

1. Read the concepts to be discussed BEFORE you attend to class.

• Your ability to comprehend the material will be easier if you have familiarized yourself with the material in advance. Even if you did not understand the material when you first read, hearing it again in class will assist in final comprehension of the concept.

2. Don’t try to write down everything your professor says word for word

• Jot down the main significant points, formulas, broad concepts, etc. You can find the minor concepts in your textbook for further explanation.

3. Use diagrams to show what you know.

• When learning about certain concepts, drawing diagrams of what is going on gives you a better idea of why and how something happens. This is a great way to test yourself on how well you know something. If you can explain it in your own words, then you should feel confident about your abilities. This is especially useful for learning about cycles and patterns of events, like eclipses and the life cycle of a star.

4. Go to class every single day.

• You will never be able to make up for lost lecture time. Being able to hear and react to the professor’s explanation of the material can assist greatly in understand the concepts. You can’t get voice inflections and additional information provided from a power point.

5. Manage your time.

• Astronomy is a course where you must be involved in the material every day. Whether it is re-reading a section of the textbook, re-copying notes, participating in a tutoring/SI session, make flashcards, etc. this allows you brain to be in Astronomy mode.

6. Make flashcards for vocabulary words and general concepts.

• The can be especially useful with understanding types of planets and the parts of the atmosphere. Repetition is the key. The more you familiarize yourself with the content you will be able to identify it on a test.

7. Use the tools given to you.

• If you have Course Compass available, use it! It’s a great tool complete with interactive tutorials and flashcards. These items reflect what is in the book and can be a great asset when studying for a test or working on a concept you don’t understand. Don’t have Course Compass? Search online for astronomy help. There are plenty of sites, like Encarta, that have astronomical loads of information about this subject.

8. Form a study group

• with other students who are as interested in succeeding in the class. Find those students who attend class every day, take notes in class every day, and who have set high academic goals. These are the students to study with – like students breed like results.

9.Visit the Library Hub

• for the semester peer tutoring, supplemental instruction (SI), and academic success workshop series schedule.

1. Make flashcards

• for vocabulary words and formulas. Repetition is the key. The more you familiarize yourself with the content you will be able to identify it on a test.

2. Read the concepts to be discussed BEFORE you attend to class.

• Your ability to comprehend the material will be easier if you have familiarized yourself with the material in advance. Even if you did not understand the material when you first read, hearing it again in class will assist in final comprehension of the concept.

3. Don’t try to write down everything your professor says word for word.

• Jot down the main significant points, formulas, broad concepts, etc. You can find the minor concepts in your textbook for further explanation.

4. Look over you notes from the previous lectures once a day.

• Biology concepts build on one another. Having a strong sense of the previous day’s lectures notes can assist in understanding next steps.

5. Do not procrastinate chapter reading.

• This is one class where you must read the chapters, highlight key concepts, take notes on what you read, and combine textbook information with class notes. You don’t want to be reading four chapters in Biology the night before a test.

6. Stop and ask the professor if you don’t understand a concept that is being explained in class.

• If it doesn’t make sense now, chances are good it will not make sense tomorrow either. Sometimes you just need to hear the material again.

7. Form a study group

• with other students who are as interested in succeeding in the class. Find those students who attend class every day, take notes in class every day, and who have set high academic goals. These are the students to study with – like students breed like results.

8. Mark or highlight concepts

• that are giving you trouble so you can have a reference point in asking the professor or a tutor/SI leader for further clarification.

9. Make reading the textbook, completing homework, re-writing your notes, and SARC a part of your daily academic routine.

10. Visit the Library Hub for the semester peer tutoring, supplemental instruction (SI), and academic success workshop series schedule.

Directions: Create a study plan for the next two weeks. At the end of each day, write down the tasks that you completed. At the end of the two weeks, reflect on how realistic your study plan was and think about what obstacles prevented you from following your plan.