How to Succeed in this Course
Below, I outline a procedure that, if followed, is likely to result in your learning the material in this course and receiving a course grade of A.
- Schedule 4 weekly, fixed times to read each of the 4 chapters covered each week (or use those times to study for the mid-quarter examination). Each such time should be at least 1 hour in duration, probably more. Avoid places where you would be distracted by other sensory input.
- Study each chapter before the lecture period associated with that material.
- Respect the material: Just reading the book is not enough. Actively study it, continually asking yourself questions about what you just read.
- Immediately after you finish studying the chapter, do the Self-Review exercises.
- Do some exercises in the back of the chapter, including at least 1 programming exercise. By far, the best way to learn an aspect of Java is to use it in a program. These exercises can be done during your laboratory section.
- If you have a question about something (e.g., how a particular language feature works), it is most valuable for you to formulate a Java program whose execution will answer your question. This process builds in you the ability to learn on your own, which will be an invaluable asset for the rest of your life.
- Think of a program as a work of art. It should not merely work. It should be a joy to look at and appreciate. Look for beauty in other people's computer programs. As your understanding of design deepens, your notion of beauty evolves. Strive to create beauty.