I have a quiz on derivatives coming up and I really want to do well, but i'm not sure how to go about studying calc. i have no trouble studying for other subjects, but i'm doing poorly in calc and i need to make some changes in my study habits. any suggestions? i usually work problems and rewrite my notes, but this doesn't seem to be enough.

Check out all the test-taking sections in here to see if there's anything helpful:

http://www.studygs.net/ and http://www.how-to-study.com/

In here, take the self-assessment survey (bottom), and then explore the other sections:
http://www.pinkmonkey.com/electricdesk/elec-desk.asp

For me, working presolved problems was the most effective study method. Take a look at Schaum's Outline Series, College calculus...available at any college bookstore, or Barnes Noble. Take a look at them.

One thing to keep in mind when reading ideas about how to improve your studying: Don't try too many new things at once. Find only one idea (or maybe two ideas) to work on, and really make it good. Then you'll be able to do well in that one area. If you try too many things at once, you'll frustrate yourself.

The BEST study skills improvement plan is in the second link, but remember that it's really supposed to be sequential. After taking the self-assessment, you should work your way through the "Lessons" under Course Material -- and don't rush. Building good study skills and habits takes time and repetition.

It's great to hear that you're determined to improve your performance in calculus! Here are some suggestions to help you change your study habits and excel in your upcoming quiz on derivatives:

1. Understand the Theory: Make sure you have a solid grasp of the underlying concepts and theories. Read your textbook or lecture notes to thoroughly understand the definitions, formulas, and rules related to derivatives. Take the time to write down key definitions and concepts in your own words to reinforce your understanding.

2. Practice Regularly: Derivatives require practice to master. Solve as many derivative problems as you can to gain confidence in applying the rules and formulas. Start with simple problems and gradually move on to more complex ones. Use textbooks, online resources, or previous exams to find a variety of practice problems.

3. Seek Additional Resources: Consider utilizing extra learning resources such as online calculus tutorials, video lectures, or problem-solving websites. These resources often provide additional explanations and examples that can complement your textbook and class notes.

4. Join a Study Group: Collaborate with classmates who are also studying calculus. Discussing concepts, solving problems together, and explaining concepts to each other can enhance your understanding and expose you to different strategies for problem-solving. The group dynamic can also help you stay motivated and accountable.

5. Seek Help from Your Professor or Tutor: Don't hesitate to schedule a meeting with your professor or seek help from a tutor if you're struggling to understand specific concepts or have questions. They can provide individualized guidance and clarify any uncertainties you may have.

6. Challenge Yourself with Diverse Problems: Look for challenging problems that require multiple steps or combine different concepts. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the material and prepare you for a variety of problem types that may appear on your quiz.

7. Review and Reflect: As you work through problems, pay attention to your mistakes and areas of weakness. Review these topics again and try to identify patterns or common errors. Reflecting on your mistakes will help you avoid making the same errors in future problems.

8. Break It Down: Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. By breaking a problem into smaller parts, you can focus on each step individually, which can make it easier to find the solution. This approach also helps build a solid foundation for solving more complex derivative problems.

Remember that consistency and perseverance are key in studying calculus. Regular practice, understanding the theory, seeking additional resources, and seeking help will contribute to your success. Good luck with your quiz!