At the beginning of any term, teachers or professors will usually hand out a syllabus with the assignments and expectations for a class. Make sure you read the syllabus carefully to know exactly what you need to do to pass the course. Make sure to pay attention to the breakdown of how assignments, attendance, and exams factor in to your grade. This will help you prioritize how much you need to study, and where to focus your attention. If you have any questions on the syllabus, ask the professor. It's much better to ask a question at the beginning than plow on with no idea of what you're doing. You cannot successfully pass a class or exams if you do not attend the class. This will allow you to hear vital lectures and take notes, as well as help you understand your readings and assignments. Most exams are based on what is covered in class, so skipping class is never advisable. Some teachers will penalize absences, meaning you might not even pass the class if you skip. Teachers and professors usually discuss what is likely to be on an exam during classes, so if you aren't in class you can't get this crucial information. If you cannot attend class, let your professor know in advance. Ask her what you will miss in class and if there is anything you can do to make up for the absence and get the information. Don't ask your teacher or professor questions like "Did I miss anything in class yesterday?" The assumption is that all days give you valuable information, and questions like this come across as disrespectful of your teacher. Don't "zone out." Sometimes, it's tempting to play solitaire or check your phone during class instead of listening, especially if you're in a class you feel you understand pretty well. However, you might miss something important if you do this. Stay attentive for the whole class period. . Lectures and discussions are a key component to a class and contain information you will need to pass the exams. By paying attention and taking notes throughout the term, you will have a built in study aid that will help you effectively study without scrambling for additional information. Come prepared. Use a binder or notebook, and bring pens or pencils to class. If you will be discussing things from a book, bring a highlighter too. Teachers will often say things like, "This passage is very significant for understanding ____ in general" or "Make sure you understand the information in this sidebar." If your teacher notes something specific in class, mark it immediately. Taking notes is a delicate balancing act between getting too little and too much information. You don't want to write down everything a professor says, just the important information. For example, it's less important to know what type of planes bombed Dresden in February of 1945 than why the bombing was significant for World War II. Try using keywords instead of trying to copy out full sentences. Trying to take dictation from your professor could mean you don't get the essence of what's really important. Try using key phrases and words instead of full sentences. Take notes by hand. Studies have shown that people learn more by writing notes instead of typing them in to a computer or recording them on a device. Check out some note-taking systems. There are a bunch of systems for learning how to take notes. Cal Poly has information on several types, along with their pros and cons. Most professors and teachers will assign reading during the semester and then draw upon this as they write the exam. By doing the reading assignments, you will not only be able to participate in class discussions, but will also have the information you need to pass the exam. Make sure to take notes on the reading assignment as you read. Just like taking notes from lectures, you only need to write down the most important information. Skim back over your reading assignments every few weeks. You don't have to go through everything in-depth, but going back over the main points will help them "gel" in your memory, so you can access them later on the exam. Since class assignments are usually meant to help you learn a subject more thoroughly, it's important that you do them. They may even serve as practice for exam questions. The material you use and produce for any type of assignment may show up on an exam. Everything from math or scientific problems to short essays will help you be prepared and pass an exam. Participating in class discussions will also help you pass an exam because it gives you a chance to verbalize and work out your thoughts with other students and the professor.

Summary: Read the syllabus. Attend class regularly. Take notes Do all reading assignments. Do papers and other class assignments.

Set your oven to 325F (163C) and let it heat up. The process of seasoning cast iron involves coating it with a layer of oil and baking it. Seasoning, or curing, the pan will cover it with a non-stick surface, make the pan easier to clean, and protect it from rust. Most new cast iron pans come pre-seasoned, but you'll have to season any that haven't been cured by the manufacturer. You can still season a new pan if it comes pre-seasoned, and you should definitely season an old or second-hand cast iron pan before using it. Fill a sink with a small amount of hot, soapy water. Immerse a clean sponge in the soapy water, then wash the cast iron pan. Rinse the pan under hot water and dry it completely with a clean towel. You can also use a dish brush with stiff bristles to clean the pan. Most people recommend not washing cast iron with soap once it has been seasoned, because the soap can slowly remove the seasoning. However, because you're about to season the pan, use soap now to make sure the pan is clean. Dip a clean cloth or paper towel into some vegetable shortening. Rub the shortening over the inside and outside of the skillet to coat the pan with a thin and even layer. It's best to use a small amount of solid shortening for seasoning, because too much shortening or using liquid oil can leave a sticky residue on the pan. Place a cookie sheet or piece of foil on the bottom rack of the oven. Then place the skillet upside down on the middle rack. Bake the empty skillet for an hour. The baking sheet is important because it will catch any shortening that melts and drips off the pan. After an hour, turn off the oven. Leave the skillet in the oven as it cools, about one to two hours. Remove the pan from the oven once it's cool. Buff the pan by rubbing it with a paper towel or clean cloth to remove excess shortening. When you're finished, the pan should be a smooth and shiny black. Over time, this non-stick layer may wear away, especially if you use the pan to cook non-fatty foods. Repeat the seasoning process every few months, or when: The pan loses its luster and becomes dull The color changes from black to dark gray Food starts sticking to the pan
Summary: Preheat your oven. Wash and dry the skillet. Coat the skillet with shortening. Bake the skillet. Cool and clean the skillet. Repeat as necessary.