Nowadays, to do well in the Science subject, one can no longer rely on just a theory-based approach. They have to get fully involve in both theory and practical activities to fully expand their learning potential on the subject. I’m not saying that students should forgo the textbook, as it is where most of the basic information to build up their foundation can be found inside. If Science is under one of your current learning subjects, I’d like to take the opportunity to list down a few useful and recommended strategies for you to implement to improve on your Science subject:
Try to understand that there’s no definite right or wrong
For most subjects other than Science, schools presently teach that there’s an answer that’s definite and correct when students fill in their answer sheets. But things are slightly different here in Science, information is gathered from researchers who base their findings from viable theories and successful experiments; which are then approved by a certified body of scientists or authorities to certify that it is approved to share these pieces of information with the masses for learning purposes.
Thus, as a student, you must be open to answers that may seem unorthodox or one that’s not stated in your books. During a lab experiment, do not be to overly focused on getting that ‘expected’ answer; any of your experiments that yields some sort of reliable data is indeed a viable experiment. In fact, one’s mistakes may lead to a great discovery; some great discoveries in our time are the results of such mistakes.
Be more vocal in your learning group
You alone is not enough to learn this unique subject alone, and you’ll require the useful company of other students, from completing projects to lab experiments (you may not be used to this arrangement in the beginning, but you’ll see that it is very fruitful). Remember to make yourself be heard with utmost relevance and try not to keep quiet too often, as it will not bring you or your peers forward.
To ensure that you understand what your peers are saying, you can try out this neat technique by rephrasing what you just heard as a confirmation. Sometimes group dynamics can get tricky, each member have to do their part to make sure they can advance together and leave no one behind. If let’s say either member cannot get along due to various reasons, raise the concern promptly to your teacher for a new arrangement.
Class participation is always important
During a lecture, stop and ask relevant questions if you’re unsure and to prevent yourself from getting lost. It is easier to learn during the class itself when the teacher is presenting it, rather than spending double to effort to re-learn everything at home by yourself.
Engaging a tutor to clear after-class doubts
If group lessons aren’t enough for you, don’t be afraid to send a request to your teacher for a one-on-one tutoring session where you can clear all your doubts with 100% attention dedicated to you. At most, it may take up just an hour or so. For example, you can request a re-demonstration of an earlier experiment to drill in the fundamentals into your head without any distractions.
Making notes
Textbooks are great because they contain a large amount of information that’s beneficial to your learning. But sometimes it gets hard to know where to focus exactly, so try to make notes on a separate sheet or notebook to write down the necessary formulas and etc. Usually, your teacher will have their own set of focused information, so listen well!