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Extra Credit Assignment: Study Habits and Strategies for Anatomy and Physiology Lab Practical
Due Date: May 23rd, 2024 by 11:59 pm. 
Worth: 5 extra credit points
Instructions:
For this extra credit assignment, you will reflect on and share your study habits and strategies used to prepare for the Anatomy and Physiology lab practical. This reflection will not only help you analyze your own study techniques but also provide valuable insights to your classmates. Follow the guidelines below to complete the assignment.
Section 1: Personal Study Habits
Describe Your Study Routine:
What was your typical study schedule like leading up to the lab practical?
How many hours per week did you dedicate to studying for this course?
Did you study daily, or did you have specific days dedicated to studying?
Study Methods:
What specific methods did you use to study (e.g., flashcards, group study, visual aids, online resources)?
Were there any particular resources or materials that you found especially helpful?
Environment:
Where did you typically study (e.g., library, home, study groups)?
Did you find that the environment impacted your ability to study effectively? If so, how?
Section 2: Effective Study Strategies for Anatomy and Physiology
Recommended Strategies:
Based on your experience, list and describe three study strategies that you believe are effective for mastering Anatomy and Physiology.
Explain why you think these strategies are beneficial. Include any evidence or reasoning that supports their effectiveness.
Resource Recommendations:
Suggest any books, websites, apps, or other resources that you found valuable in your studies.
Provide a brief explanation of how each resource helped you.
Section 3: Timing of Lab Practical Questions
Question Timing Reflection:
Reflect on the timing allocated for each question during the lab practical.
Do you think 90 seconds per question is too long, just enough, or too short? Provide reasons for your answer.
Suggest any changes you believe could improve the timing or format of the lab practical.
Submission Guidelines:
Format: Typed, double-spaced
Length: Minimum 300 words
Submission: Upload your document to Canvas by Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 by 11:59 pm.
Additional Tips:
Be honest and detailed in your reflection. This assignment is designed to help you think critically about your study habits and how they can be improved.
Consider how your study habits evolved over the semester and what changes you made to improve your learning.
Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Evaluation:
This assignment will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Completeness: All sections are thoroughly addressed.
Clarity and Organization: The reflection is well-organized and clearly written.
Insightfulness: Demonstrates thoughtful reflection on study habits and strategies.
Practicality: Provides practical and useful study strategies for peers.
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REWRITE THE BOTTOM
Richard Ramirez Cruz 
Biology 40B Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab
Professor Garcia 
05/19/24
Extra Credit Assignment: Study Habits and Strategies for Anatomy and Physiology Lab Practical
Section 1: Personal Study Habits
Describe Your Study Routine:
I began studying about three weeks before the lab practical. I work 40 hours per week, so I typically study for one to two hours after work, focusing on memorizing terminology for structures and models covered in class, such as the brain, eyes, and ears.
I dedicated approximately 15-20 hours per week to studying the course material. I also dedicated time to studying during my vacation because passing the exam was very important to me.
For the lab practical, I studied daily. This consistent schedule helped me memorize terms effectively. Once I mastered a set of terms, I moved on to the next topic.
Study Methods:
I used online resources provided by the professor on Canvas, such as Youtube videos and histology slides. I also utilized handouts from the lab sessions, creating labels with terms to place on worksheets.
Yes, the handouts from Professor Garcia were particularly helpful as they provided a clearer idea of what to expect on the lab practical exam.
Environment:
I studied at work during lunch breaks and at home after work. Studying at home was more effective as I felt comfortable and could take breaks as needed. Due to my full-time job, I couldn’t join study groups with peers.
Studying in a distraction-free environment at home was very effective. It allowed me to focus without interruptions from surrounding noises.
Section 2: Effective Study Strategies for Anatomy and Physiology
Recommended Strategies:
1. Active Recall and Spaced Repetition: These methods enhance long-term retention. By repeatedly testing myself on key concepts at increasing intervals, I reinforced my memory.
2. Use of Visual Aids: Diagrams, models, and videos provided a clearer understanding of anatomical structures and their functions.  For instance, watching dissection videos helped me visualize and remember the spatial relationships between different organs.
3. Taking Breaks: Taking breaks helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed. Breaks served as rewards, and every time I memorized a specific subject, I gave myself a break.
Active recall and spaced repetition are effective memory retention approaches. Visual tools help visual learners understand complicated structures. Breaks reduce burnout and increase focus and productivity.
Resource Recommendations:
– “Kaplan Medical Anatomy Flashcards”: Excellent for visual learners and helped with quick recall of anatomical structures.
– YouTube:  Provided detailed explanations and visualizations of physiological processes.
– Quizlet: Useful for spaced repetition and active recall through customizable flashcards.
Section 3: Timing of Lab Practical Questions
Question Timing Reflection:
I think 90 seconds per question can be too short for some students who do not perform well under pressure. In addition to this complex questions might require more time, while simpler ones need less.
Suggestions for Improvement:
I would recommend allowing a set amount of overall time for the practical, giving students the flexibility to allocate their time as needed. This approach could reduce pressure and accommodate different pacing needs. Additionally, clarifying some of the questions to avoid ambiguity would help. For example, during the lab practical, some questions pointed to areas that could have more than one correct answer, which was challenging.