Basic Skills in Science?!Kim-Leiloni T. Nguyen, MD, MPH

Professor of Anatomy & PhysiologyMt. San Antonio College

Los Angeles, CA

The problem globally: shortage in future talents in STEM

The problem locally:high drop-out rates

Overview

Observation:Science is usually content-densevery different from other disciplines

Logic:Success in Science courses will require different skills than other disciplines, skills that many students don’t have

Overview

Possible Solution:Teach students these necessary skills

Basic Skills in Science

*oxymoron because Basic Skill Initiative does not include Science but it does include study skills

Overview

0.5 unit course Credit or no credit Portfolio assignment 8-9 hrs Built on neuroscience research on learning and logic

Overview

What to do before first day of class What to do before lecture What to do during lecture What to do after lecture What to do before exam What to do during exam What to do after exam

Curriculum

Start a similar class on your campus Improve student success in the Sciences

Outcome

Mt San Antonio CollegeEast Los Angeles County, CA60,000 studentslargest one-college district

Biological SciencesAnatomy & Physiology

Introduction

Time-Management Learning Style* Right vs. Left Brain* Selecting appropriate course

time & day Contacting professors for syllabus Registering for course Positive thinking* Must attend first day to add/succeed*

What to do before first day of class

First exposure to content* Reading techniques

process content while reading* Goal: become familiar w/ content Expect to struggle but still try

not understand everythingtakes time

Study environment, time, duration, frequency* Break time, activities, duration, frequency*

What to do before lecture

Where to sit* Note-taking techniques Goal: listen* (not multi-task)

What to do during lecture

Ebbinhaus memory curve How the brain remembers Inputting techniques

Memorization strategiesCreative flashcardsStudy groups (tutoring, SI)

Goal: get correct info into the brain Sleep & nutrition & emotions*

What to do after lecture

Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve

% retention

Outputting/Review techniquesTeaching others (Study groups)BrainstormingPractice testLabeling

Goal: practice retrieving content* Sleep & nutrition & positive thinking* Buy supplies

What to do before exam

Paper exam vs. practicum Test-taking techniques Goal: remain calm

Avoid last-minute crammers & crammingAccept you don’t know everythingPositive thinking

What to do during exam

Post-Test Analysis Learning from the past to improve the future

What to do after exam

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Correct Wrongerror type

Topic Study Method Topic Study Method#

2 years 250+ students All have felt this was worthwhile Success stories

Results

Contact info:knguyen@mtsac.edu

Follow-up