Your Hand Has A Memory: Study Tips for STEM

Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and today we’re diving into the topic "Your Hand Has A Memory: Study Tips for STEM." This episode is inspired by a blog post I wrote, which delves into the importance of hands-on learning and how actively engaging with your study material can enhance your memory and understanding, particularly in STEM fields.

Introduction to the Topic:

• Importance of hands-on learning and how physically engaging with material can improve retention and comprehension.

Conversation with My Niece:

• Text exchange with my niece at Morgan State University about her study strategies for midterms.
• Advice on focusing study time on the most challenging subjects.

Study Tips for Science:

• Drawing diagrams for processes and labeling each step.
• Writing out what happens in each step and including key vocabulary.
• Using diagrams and flowcharts to understand and remember sequences.

Writing and Drawing for Memory:

• Importance of writing and drawing to reinforce learning.

Math Study Tips:

• Working through problems step-by-step and writing out each step.
• Covering up solutions and attempting to solve problems independently.
• Importance of understanding the process, not just the final answer.

Showing Work in Mathematics:

• Importance of documenting each step in problem-solving.
• Helps teachers identify and correct mistakes, potentially earning partial credit.
• Written steps clarify your thought process and provide a clear path for improvement.

Digital Literacy and Application Software:

• Tips for mastering software like Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Making your own instruction manual with screenshots and step-by-step guides.

Importance of Active Engagement:

• Rewriting notes to ensure legibility and fill in gaps.
• Hands-on practice with software and tools to reinforce learning.

Science Study Techniques:

• Using visual aids and diagrams to understand complex processes.
• Beyond definitions, comprehend the entire process: inputs, sequences, and outputs.
• Self-created diagrams and notes reinforce memory more effectively than passive observation.

Utilizing Available Resources:

• Leverage all class materials, syllabus guidelines, and online learning management systems.
• Explore additional resources like recommended websites and videos.
• Proactively seek help from professors, teaching assistants, classmates, and tutoring services.

Prioritizing Study Efforts:

• Focus on the most challenging subjects first.
• Schedule hardest exams first if possible, to alleviate stress and allow more relaxed preparation for easier subjects.
• Major-specific courses deserve extra attention.

Final Thoughts:

• Encouragement to use hands-on learning techniques for better retention and understanding.
• Importance of actively engaging with study material, especially in STEM subjects.
• Reminder to treat study notes as dynamic tools that evolve with your understanding.