Study Tips

Our courses are designed to teach you GD&T and related topics in an easy-to-use, convenient online format; however, only you can ensure a successful understanding of these topics through proper goal-setting and initiative. We can lead you into the world of GD&T, but you must make a conscious effort to do the work required to successfully master the subject.

Because of our firm belief that success can be achieved through proper goal-setting and discipline, each course lists goals and objectives at the beginning of all of the lessons. Acquire an understanding of these goals, step by step, and you will soon have mastered the world of GD&T. However, you must also set some goals: for the best results, you should set aside a specific time each day for your coursework. Remember to also provide yourself with time to read handouts, study concepts, and practice the problems at the end of each lesson. The results of your hard work and discipline will be apparent when you successfully grasp each concept and topic. Best of all, you will soon realize the larger goal—an understanding of GD&T as a whole.

The Levels of Learning
Psychological studies on learning have discovered that there are several levels involved in the learning process. Many students try to learn by simply memorizing facts, without a thorough understanding of the topic at hand; however, these studies indicate that memorization alone will not properly prepare the student for tests or the application of any topic. Click here to read the levels of learning.

The "Ten Principles to Productive Study"
Educators utilize many different study methods to assist students in the learning process. In order to assist you in this course, I have adapted ten commonly known principles of productive study. These "Ten Principles" can assist you in successful goal-setting and can lead the way to a proper understanding of GD&T. Before beginning your GD&T course, take time to read these concepts and make an effort to apply them to your study plan. Click here to read the ten principles of productive study.

Your Commitment to Success
Although these principles can work for you, you alone can decide to commit the time and effort it will take to apply them. You must first commit yourself to allowing an adequate amount of time to your e-learning sessions. You should prepare for online sessions by reading the list of performance objectives beforehand. You should also read any text or handouts before logging on. Note key points and review handouts and text afterwards. You must do the assigned problems and study daily.

Remember, major geometric tolerancing topics are interrelated and build on one another, so after completing a lesson, review the performance objectives from the beginning to be sure you know the major points and the terminology involved. Can you explain these terms and concepts to someone else? Try it! A person who understands a topic can use the vocabulary needed to discuss that topic.

Preparing for the Quizzes and Tests
Taking tests can be stressful; however, the more prepared you are, the less stress you will feel. Work the problems and answer the questions at the end of each chapter. Don't waste time trying to guess what topics will or will not be included on exams. The exams are based on the performance objectives; study them and you'll do well. As the "Ten Principles" suggest, daily study, reading and rereading your topic, and trying practice problems assure successful study-and less stressful test-taking! Just as a marathon runner trains daily for an event, you should study daily for your "event." With enough preparation, a short review before the exam will be enough to guarantee successful results.

We hope you are encouraged enough to begin the hard work needed to successfully accomplish the task at hand; if so, you will be well rewarded. Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing is a complex and exciting subject; understanding its principles is rewarding and profitable. By creating these study tips and helpful suggestions, we've done everything possible to assist you in your studies—the rest of the work is up to you.