Feeling Anxious About My First Bio Test
Hey everyone! I recently returned to college at 22 and enrolled in a local community college. So far, things have been going well, but now that we’re about five weeks in, my first tests and major assignments are approaching.
I’m in a 100-level biology class with a teacher who is… well, let’s just say he’s a bit unconventional. I’ve heard that several students have dropped his class, and he doesn’t have the best reputation. I wasn’t too concerned initially since the drop period is long gone, but I’ve run into some issues lately.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t managed to upload anything to our online portal except for our lab materials. It seems the college has only recently switched to this platform, but my other courses are running smoothly without any issues. We still don’t have access to our textbook, and although he promised to upload slides and other resources after each class, so far that hasn’t happened.
To make matters more challenging, he rushes through slides during lectures, refuses to go back to previous ones because he’s on a tight schedule, and sometimes mocks us for lacking knowledge. I’m left trying to study with incomplete notes and no textbook, despite having paid $70 for it along with my tuition.
Am I overreacting here, or does anyone have advice on how to handle this situation?
It sounds like you’re in a really tough situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel worried. First off, you’re not overreacting. Having incomplete notes and no textbook makes it extra challenging to prepare for your first bio test, especially in a class that’s already known for being difficult.
Here are some steps you can take to help you study effectively:
Reach Out to Classmates: Form a study group or reach out to classmates who seem to be on the same page. Sharing notes or discussing the material can help fill in the gaps and provide different perspectives on what you’re learning.
Communicate with Your Professor: Don’t hesitate to express your concerns to your professor. You could politely ask if he can provide any additional resources or if there’s a way to access the missing materials. Sometimes, teachers don’t realize how their methods affect students.
Use External Resources: There are plenty of online resources available for biology, like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, or even YouTube channels dedicated to biology topics. These can help reinforce what you learn in class.
Focus on Key Concepts: Try to identify the main topics covered in class. If you can remember any specific themes or chapters from past lectures, search for relevant content online to study.
Practice with Past Papers/Quizzes: If your professor has provided any quizzes or tests from previous semesters, try to find them. Practicing with these can help you understand the format and the type of questions that might come up on your test.
Talk to Academic Advisors: If you feel overwhelmed, it might also be worthwhile to speak with an academic advisor. They may have additional support resources or advice specific to your situation.
You’re taking a big step by returning to college, and it’s normal to face challenges along the way. Just remember to reach out for support when you need it, and you’re not alone in this! Good luck with your test!