Biology is the study of all living things. Though shunned by many as a boring subject, one cannot undermine its importance. For good reasons, it is an essential part of school curriculum. Agree with me or not, there is no escape from the tentacles of biology.
An important life science
When I tell you that learning biology is extremely important, I can see many frowning faces in my mind. Believe me, kids. The first thing required for becoming a master in any subject, is to understand its significance. Biology tells you about the intricacies of life forms. It helps you learn about the amazing thing called life. Ever wondered about the innumerable living things on earth, each of which has its own distinct characteristics? Don’t you feel excited to learn about them? Let us start off.
Are these your troubles?
I know most of you will have an unending list of complaints about learning biology. Let me list them out here for your sake.
- Difficult terminology:
Yes, I agree with you. Terms like ‘medulla oblongata’ and ‘Coelenterata’ are really taxing for the brain. Forget about learning, even pronouncing them properly is a herculean task. I have myself wondered many times why biology terms had to be so gigantic.
- Too many topics:
Children, you are not learning about just one cell. When studying the entire structure of living organisms, number of topics is bound to be more. There is no way to skip them.
- Mugging up is the only way:
I often keep hearing from students how they ‘mug up’ biology topics. Personally, I detest this usage. When you simply cram your mind with facts without understanding, it is called mugging up. What is required is to understand lessons and learn them by heart.
- Too boring:
This is an other oft-repeated excuse. Everything that you learn can’t be interesting and exciting. It is up to you to decide how to handle it.
- Diagram trouble:
Biology means lots of diagrams and charts. Not everyone is an expert in drawing.
Let us decide to get the better of all difficulties and ace in the coming biology exams. Let me help you with this.
Eight ways to learn biology smartly
- Get familiar with terminology:
This might seem to be a tedious task. But children, there is no alternate solution to be offered here. Write down the terms on paper and practise many times. Once you are thorough with the foreign terms, study becomes easier. Unless you are good with terminology, actual study of processes is not going to make head or tail to you.
- Establish a learning pattern:
Every student is unique in his method of learning. Some are more into text book learning while some go online and search websites like ours for help with studies. Some like to study independently whereas others like to study in groups. Identify what pattern works best for you and follow that. Clearly, chart out a schedule for studies. Strictly adhere to your schedule. Above all, befriend your text books. So far as biology topics are concerned, there is no better option than the actual course text. Apart from text, you can refer to our site for extra help.
- Practise diagrams:
Diagrams, though tough to crack, can actually fetch you good scores, if done correctly. You don’t need to be an artist to draw biology diagrams correctly. Educators do understand the lack of drawing skills in some students. All you need is to get the concept and the markings correct. Make sure the examiner will come to understand that you have drawn and labelled everything correctly. Don’t break your head over diagrams. Just give your best efforts and results will follow.
- Love your lab sessions:
Lab work is a quintessential part of biology studies. Prepare well before lab sessions. Read what is going to be done before classes so that you are prepared to do well. Read all safety precautions. If the activity is to be done in groups, select good partners. Bear in mind; a lab works well done can go a long way in fetching you decent grades.
- Do regular home studies:
No amount of learning at school can replace studies at home. You may have practised at school or with your friends. But regular study at home is a must. Prepare for the lessons in advance. As the saying goes, ‘early bird catches the worm’. So be the early bird and start from today. Set aside specific time and place for studying. Stick to the regular pattern. Train your brain to follow the routine.
- Frame charts and acronyms:
Making charts is a very effective way to memorise difficult concepts. Visual presentation appeals more to brain and helps to retain the topics efficiently. Another way is to form acronyms with the first letters. This is especially useful in learning lengthy processes to be remembered in order. Coin short forms according to what interests you. It is guaranteed that you are not going to forget.
- Ask questions and listen to questions:
There is no need to underline the importance of being attentive in class. Also, clear all your doubts as and when they crop up in your mind. Don’t be petrified of asking doubts, even though they might look silly. It is better to have silly doubts than to have no doubts at all. Another point is to listen to the questions raised by others. Don’t let your mind stray away when others are clearing their doubts. You might get them as well.
- Take help of study aids:
In today’s competitive world, no amount of preparation can make you fully equipped to deal with exam pressure. I am not saying this to discourage students, but to encourage you to take external help wherever required. Study help websites like ours offer lots of options whereby you can prepare and practise well. Make them a part of your study, and surely you will reap benefits.
It is not with biology only that students find difficulties. Other science subjects like physics and chemistry are also problem creators. For troubleshooting on these, you can refer to ‘Seven ways to easily learn classical physics’.
Follow these methods meticulously, and success will knock at your door.
