CAS Semester Toolkit

The CAS Semester Toolkit will help you organize your time, engage in your classes, and get the most out of your studying. Tap into these tools to help you implement the CAS Study Cycle and excel in your courses all semester long!

CAS Study Cycle

Organize

Plan for success

Semesterly

At the start of the semester, check your course syllabi. Then, fill in your class organizer and semester calendar.

Final Exam Planner
Final Exam Planner

Examples

Example Class Organizer and Semester Calendar

Example Weekly Planner and Master To-Do

Weekly

Use a weekly calendar to plan your time. Then, use a master to-do list to identify your tasks for the week.

Master To-Do List

Master To-Do List (PDF)
Accessible Version

Weekly Calendars

Weekly Schedule (PDF)
Accessible Version

Weekly Planner (PDF)

Engage

Get the most out of class

Study Cycle Handout

Preview: Before Class

Get the big picture. Do the following to prepare for class:

Check your syllabus
Preview material to be discussed
- Watch videos
- Review vocab, graphs, table of contents and learning objectives
- Use textbook learning objectives to create an outline for your notes
Read upcoming class materials actively
Form questions

Use this template to organize and focus for problem-based/STEM classes:

Preview Template
Accessible Version

Attend: During Class

Stay on track. Focus on the following strategies to get the most out of class time:

Reduce distractions
Take meaningful notes
Listen to understand
- Focus on the why and how
Engage with the professor
- Ask questions
- Participate in class discussion

Use this handout for more tips for effective note taking in problem-based/STEM classes:

Taking Notes Handout

Review: After Class

Reflect on the class session. This is your chance to form questions that you need to answer in your study sessions. As soon as possible after class, review your notes:

Fill in gaps
Annotate
- Highlight important notes
- Mark the muddiest points
- Underline key terms/formulas
Connect course notes to learning objectives.
Identify questions to be answered and concepts to master while studying

Study

Build your knowledge

Focused Study Session
Flowchart

Study Group Tips

Study Group Agenda

Peer Learning Activities

Understand Concepts

First, build understanding of basic concepts to establish a good foundation for your learning.

Review concepts:

Watch videos
Review notes
Make flashcards

Actively read course materials:

Paraphrase concepts and take notes
Answer embedded questions
Identify and define new vocabulary

Active Reading Handout
Accessible Version

Identify problem areas and get help
if needed:
(Note: keep log of questions)

Faculty Office Hours
CAS Content Support Services
Form a study group

Interact with the Material

Then, interact with the material to deepen your knowledge and achieve higher levels of learning.

Ask why, how, and what if questions while using active strategies:

Combine notes from class, textbook, etc
Rework example problems/questions
Complete homework assignments
Make connections with concept mapping, outlining, etc.

Concept Mapping Handout
Accessible Version

Graphic Organizer Handout
Accessible Version

Active Study Strategies Handout

Rework/Review areas that were unclear, including:

Incorrectly answered homework problems
Additional practice questions

Check for Mastery

Finally, Test your recall ability, depth of knowledge, and understanding without using resources.

Create your own tests or use practice tests:

Test for memorization by using Quizlet or flashcards (ask who, what, when, where)
Use why, how, and what if questions to get to higher levels of learning
Use supplemental publisher or textbook resources for additional practice
Track missed items – try to find patterns for missed items

Simulate the testing environment:

How long is the test?
What are the materials you can use?
Is it online or on paper?

Determine if you can teach the material. If not, figure out what areas you still need to work on.

CAS Content Support Services

Supplemental Instruction Tutoring

CAS Course Study Cycles

Biology 1201 Study Cycle

How to study efficiently in your Biology 1201 course.

Math 1550 Study Cycle

How to study efficiently in your Math 1550 course.

Chemistry 1201 Study Cycle

How to study efficiently in your Chemistry 1201 course.

Study Cycle for Problem-Based Courses

How to get the most out of in-class time and structure your out-of-class time for problem-based courses.

Chemistry Resources by JoVE

LSU Libraries purchased two new products from the JoVE Science Education Video Collection. The purchase includes Chemistry and Core Biology content. Educators and students use the video collections to better teach and learn key concepts and fundamental techniques at the undergraduate course level.