Hello Math Majors,
We are now in the final week of classes for the Spring 2020 semester, which means we are wrapping up the strangest spring semester I have ever seen. I know that this semester and the events outside of classes have been difficult for everyone, so I am sure that everyone is glad that we are in the final week of classes. I know we can all finish the semester strong as long as we work and study together.
This is the week that I normally give you my tips for studying for and taking final exams. This semester, your final exams will be very different than in past semesters, so I recommend that you make sure you fully understand the expectations of your course instructors for their final exams. If you have any questions about the final exam, please be sure to contact your instructor.
Studying for a comprehensive final exam can be a difficult and overwhelming task. The best way to do it is to break the material into smaller chunks and to study for 1 to 2 hours at a time. For example, you could do the following:
Day 1 - Study the material on the first midterm exam.
Day 2 - Study the material on the second midterm exam.
Day 3 - Study the material on the third midterm exam or review all of the material if you didn't have 3 midterm exams.
Day 4 - Review all of the material from the course in a similar amount of time.
Day 5 - Review all of the material again more briefly and review any material that wasn't covered on a midterm exam.
Day 6 - Take the final exam.
This is just one way to study for a comprehensive final exam, but the worst way to study for a final exam or any exam is to cram the night before. This has been proven by people who study learning techniques and anecdotally by many students. The best way to study for a final exam or any exam is to break up the material in smaller chunks and review the material multiple times. It is also very helpful to get a full night sleep before you take the final exam or any exam.
Still struggling to set a study schedule in this online, remote instruction environment? I would be glad to help you create one that works for your individual circumstances.
Summer Courses and Updating your Schedule:
With the shift to remote learning only for summer, if you were planning to take classes this summer, those classes may have changed or may be cancelled. Departments should have made their final decisions and adjustments by now, so please be sure to check your summer schedule at the end of the week to confirm what you are enrolled in. If you have any questions, reach out to me.
@huskers.unl.edu Email Address
Starting this past summer, ALL University email messages are going to your @huskers.unl.edu email address regardless of your email preferences on MyRed. You MUST check your @huskers.unl.edu email address regularly to stay up-to-date with important announcements from the University. If you would like more information about this change, please visit https://its.unl.edu/helpcenter/student-email-migration/ and review the current student tab of information. All students will be expected to be reviewing their @huskers.unl.edu email address, so if you miss an important piece of information sent to this email, you will still be held responsible for it. If you know your fellow classmates haven't switched over to using their @huskers.unl.edu email address, PLEASE give them this information.
Thanks,
Doug
Doug's Spring 2020 Advising Hours
For the remainder of the semester, I will be advising remotely and by appointment only. You can schedule a meeting with me by using this link to MyPlan (click here for additional instructions about scheduling a meeting), by calling me at 402-472-4319, or by emailing me at dpellatz@unl.edu. There are two ways for us to meet virtually:
• Zoom (on-line video/audio or phone) – after you schedule your meeting, I will send you instructions for getting connected. You do not have to have a video and audio connection, but it would be ideal for the best communication including screen sharing. You can also call in using Zoom if you do not have access to a computer or device.
• E-mail – prior to our arranged appointment time, e-mail me your questions from your @huskers.edu account. I will respond to your initial questions, then we can exchange messages throughout our allotted time. If we run out of time, we can schedule a follow up. Continued emailing outside of your appointment time may have delayed response due to an increase in email traffic, but I will respond as quickly as possible.
Please specify in your meeting request what format you prefer for our meeting. I look forward to connecting and helping you navigate a successful end to Spring semester, plan for summer or fall classes, and stay on track for graduation. Stay current on UNL’s response to COVID-19 by regularly visiting https://covid19.unl.edu/students. Please practice the CDC recommendations for preventing illness: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html.
Dr. Ledder's Spring 2020 Advising Hours
Dr. Ledder is also happy to see students by appointment as well using email, telephone, Skype, or Zoom. You can schedule an appointment with him by emailing him at gledder@unl.edu.