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Last update
on
Monday, January 9, 2012
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Chemistry 153, Section 3 - Syllabus, page 4 - Learning Strategy & Resources
Learning
Chemistry |
You'll get best results if you listen
carefully and participate actively while you're in
class. The first
things you should expect to see on a test are the topics
that I cover in class and with questions being similar
to those which you have practiced.
Expect to spend 2-3 hours on focused studying for
each in-class hour. Read the chapter sections
listed in the syllabus before each lecture period and
try each of the textbook's "For Practice" problems.
Write these out and put them into your homework journal,
along with written solutions to each problem assigned
on Mastering Chemistry. If you have seen the material
once already prior to class, then your in-class comprehension
should improve and questions should come to you more
easily. Take excellent notes, especially on the things
I write on the board. Slide shows will be available
on lingnerchem.com, but I often stress important topics
with notes and examples on the board, so please make
an effort to copy everything I write on the board. Experience
has shown that if you understand the concepts while
you are sitting in the classroom, then the time prior
to exams can be devoted to studying, rather than learning,
and your exam scores will improve. Try it.
Take time to rewrite the notes you take in class within
one day of each class period: this helps you retain
and remember the material. When you're doing homework,
find and read the portion of the textbook relevant
to each problem. It is
often useful to work in groups so that you can challenge
and test each other, but make sure you are using the
group to enhance learning, rather than merely to generate
answers to problems.
The energy you invest to learn problem solving techniques
and chemical concepts will help make your future courses
easier and more meaningful. I hope and expect that
someday you'll look back and be glad you worked hard
this semester. Start now.
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PLNU
Support |
Point Loma Nazarene University has one of the best student support systems in the world. There are many people at PLNU who want very much for you to succeed in this class. Check the Student Services page on the Univerity website, the Tutorial Center, Academic Advising Center, Career Development, Counseling Center, Information Technology, the Library, the Wellness Center, International Student Services, ESL, LEAP, Associated Students, review sessions, and more.
Work with a classmate, or in groups, or with a tutor. Ask questions. Help others: it's the best way to help yourself. :) |
Instructor
Information |
I was
born in Maine and have made my way across the country
over the years, living in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania,
Indiana, and now California (since 1985). After
graduate school, I have worked at Scripps Institution
of Oceanography, Science Applications International
Corporation, Miramar College, and various other
environmental consulting firms and community colleges.
Currently, I am teaching another class at San Diego
Mesa College on T/Th afternoons. My wife and I
have lived in Rancho Penasquitos, a northern suburb
of the City of San Diego, for 25 years, where we
have been active volunteers for school bands, athletics,
science programs, newsletters. I've also been active
in website design and leadership for a neighborhood
youth basketball league, and for an International
organization of environmental professionals. Susan
and I have two sons (Matt and Scott), three cats,
and a dog. We are active members of St. Peter's
Episcopal Church in Del Mar.
My dad recently retired from more than 50 years
as a college geology and geography teacher in Worcester,
MA, and has been a church organist for more than
60 years. My mom was an expert in elementary and
early childhood education, loved cooking and quilting,
and raised five pretty good kids.
I teach because I love the
moment when students "get it." I want to give you confidence that you can understand chemistry and other complex concepts.
I also want very much to help you be prepared to
think analytically and to know
that you can learn more science as you move into
this rapidly changing world.
Most importantly, please be assured that I want
students to learn and to receive the good grades
they deserve. Please find me in the office or
elsewhere so I can help. |
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