Don’t jump in to do the problems. Proceed in this order:
| 1. | The first thing, and maybe the hardest thing, to do is first sit down by your desk, with proper lighting, open the book, have paper and pencil ready. Then if you want, relax for a moment or so. It is important to relax when studying. The important thing is to first sit down and open the book, and then briefly relax. |
| 2. | Review your notes and the book to be sure you are clear on everything. |
| 3. | Go to the beginning of the chapter and look the theorems and such, which are usually colored in green or yellow. These are the tools you will need. You have to review the tools. Just as when you look at a Phillips screw, you need a Phillips screwdriver. Before you can work, you have to make sure you have the tools you need. Before you do the homework, you have to review the tools. Each chapter has usually only a very few tools. |
| 4. | The next step is to do the problems. Don't do the problems first. First review the material, then review the definitions and theorems. Only then do the problems. |
| 5. | It is important to do the problems, for this is how you understand how to apply the ideas. After doing each problem, you must check your work. |