How to do well in Econ 212:
A checklist of questions to ask yourself
--Suggested by Kenneth Elzinga, University of Virginia

How much time do you allocate to Econ 212?

An average student, not naturally gifted in economics, who earns a grade of B or better will allocate about 12 hours a week.

Do you attend the lecture and review sessions?

You should. You'll learn something no matter how good or bad the lecture or review session is that particular day. And it is hard to assess what you missed if you are absent.

Do you keep on top of the reading?

Stay current. For example: if you are studying Chapter 4 when the lecture is on material in Chapter 6, your reading can't inform the lecture or vice versa. Do the best you can in your textbook and Study Guide reading to stay with the lectures.

How do you study?

Study by doing. That means working problems. Go back and forth between (1) the problems in the Study Guide, (2) the examples in the lecture, (3) the quiz questions on the textbook website, (4) the questions on the CD-Rom that came packaged with your textbook (if you have a computer), (5) the textbook problems suggested in the syllabus, and the material in the textbook.

Do you work for understanding?

When you get the answer to a problem right (by trial and error, if necessary) go back over the problem to see why the method you employed worked.

Can you explain Econ 212 to others?

If possible, study with others. Explain the material to them. Most teachers are no more intelligent than their students. They know the material because they've had to explain it to someone else.

Do you take tests under good conditions?

When taking the test, read the question carefully before you begin writing a response. Make sure you know what is being asked (and what isn't being asked). You are responsible only for answering the question asked -- nothing else. You'd be surprised how many correct answers are given to a question that wasn't asked. Some students do well on tests even though they are exhausted. Most don't. Try to get rest before a test.
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