Science Educator Journal

Science Educator Journal

Science Educator Journal

Science study skills for learners in adult education focus on more reading, problem solving, and critical thinking than on previous experiences they may have encountered. Adult students quickly learn that not completing reading or homework assignments places them in danger of failing quickly. Attention to detail, organization, time management, reading comprehension, and test preparation is essential to success in college science courses.

Learning strategies must focus on the general emphasis of each individual science course. Biology and geology place more emphasis on key words and concepts. Physics, astronomy, and chemistry or the physical sciences emphasize measurement and mathematics. Science study skills must adapt to these different focal areas, because college science courses cover an entire year of high school in one semester or quarter.

Physics and Chemistry: Physical Sciences Reading and Problem Solving

Learning new vocabulary introduced in physics and chemistry is extremely important. In adult education physical science courses vocabulary is cumulative, which means terms and definitions are used later to define other new terms. Therefore, it is important to learn new terms as they are encountered and review old terms before reading new assignments. Keeping flash cards, running lists, and notes of terms and definitions to review periodically is essential.