Welcome!
This site is designed to help you be as successful as possible in our course this year! Please check it frequently for reminders, updates, or extra handouts. However, this will not serve as a substitute for attending classes regularly. Any instructions, due dates, or assignments discussed in class supersede the information on this site.
Have a great year!
Ms. Grace
Have a great year!
Ms. Grace
TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THE CLASSROOM
Day to Day:
A.Take good notes. Very few students leave high school with this skill. Here are some suggestions and observations:
B.Be involved in your classes. Don't simply pretend you are a sponge, ready to soak up whatever the instructor says. You are there to learn, not to be taught.
C.Review your notes before class. This suggestion is one which we have all heard a thousand times. Unfortunately, most of us never really believe it until we actually try it. Spend 30 minutes or so each evening going over the notes from each class. There are at least three tremendous benefits to be gained from this discipline.
D.It is excellent policy to give high priority to new vocabulary. Language is the most fundamental tool of any subject, and it can seriously handicap you to fall behind in this.
E.Keep up on your reading. It is very easy to fall behind in your reading. Moreover, many of the in-class activities, assignments, discussions, or assessment pieces will be based off of the reading you were assigned. If you don't do your reading, this will reflect in your assessment and overall grade in the course.
source: http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/fancher/study.htm
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TIPS TO AVOID LAST MINUTE CRAMMING
Here are ten tips to try to help you study more effectively...
source: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/highschool/studyingtips.php
Day to Day:
A.Take good notes. Very few students leave high school with this skill. Here are some suggestions and observations:
- Always take the notes for a particular class in the same notebook. This way you only have to bring the one binder or notebook to class and you will be sure to have all the handouts and notes needed.
- Date each entry into your notebook. This will help you when studying to understand the progression of ideas and is also useful should your pages get out of order.
- It is usually best to keep the notes for different classes separate from each other. Notebooks with dividers are excellent for this purpose - these can be purchased or made.
- Your notes should contain as complete a record of what the teacher said as possible. Of course, you should not try to write every word spoken, but don't leave out ideas. When you study, your notes should call back to your mind the entire sequence of ideas presented. If you don't understand a term, word or idea - ASK!
- Anything the teacher writes on the board should appear in your notes. If they took the time to write it out, he or she considers it important. You should do the same.
- If possible, try to take your notes in some kind of outline form. The organization of ideas is as important as the content of those ideas, especially when it comes to learning the material for an exam.
- You might find it useful to have a second colour of pen or pencil available for highlighting important ideas or indicating vocabulary.
B.Be involved in your classes. Don't simply pretend you are a sponge, ready to soak up whatever the instructor says. You are there to learn, not to be taught.
- If the teacher is moving too rapidly for you, or if you don't understand what is being said, say something!
- Ask questions if you are confused. If you are confused, chances are many of your classmates are too, so don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
- If your class includes group activities, participate as fully as you can. Such exercises are done for your benefit, not to provide a break for the instructor. Some of these activities may also be evaluated by the teacher and could contribute to your overall course assessment and grade.
C.Review your notes before class. This suggestion is one which we have all heard a thousand times. Unfortunately, most of us never really believe it until we actually try it. Spend 30 minutes or so each evening going over the notes from each class. There are at least three tremendous benefits to be gained from this discipline.
- Research has shown that reviewing new material within 24 hours of hearing it increases your retention of that material by about 60%. This means that you will be 60% ahead of the game the next time you walk into class. If you want to significantly reduce the time necessary to prepare for exams, this is the way to do it!
- Reviewing material before the next class period enables you to identify points of confusion or omission in your notes, which prepares you to ask the questions you need to ask before the next lecture. Again, confusion is your worst enemy.
- This will also help to remind you of any homework or preparation you were asked to do for the following class, and could help your grade!
D.It is excellent policy to give high priority to new vocabulary. Language is the most fundamental tool of any subject, and it can seriously handicap you to fall behind in this.
E.Keep up on your reading. It is very easy to fall behind in your reading. Moreover, many of the in-class activities, assignments, discussions, or assessment pieces will be based off of the reading you were assigned. If you don't do your reading, this will reflect in your assessment and overall grade in the course.
source: http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/fancher/study.htm
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TIPS TO AVOID LAST MINUTE CRAMMING
Here are ten tips to try to help you study more effectively...
- Establish a routine
Set aside a particular time each day for study and revision and stick to it. - Create a study environment
This should be away from interruptions and household noise, such as the television. Ensure there is adequate lighting and ventilation, a comfortable chair and appropriate desk. - Set a timetable
With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organised way, allotting the appropriate time for each without becoming overwhelmed. - Look after yourself
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy foods. Keep sugary foods to a minimum. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Regular physical exercise makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at least fit in some regular exercise as often as you can. - Reward yourself for studying
Watch your favourite television program, spend time with your friends, walk to the park and play sport throughout the week. - Have variety in your study program
Study different subjects each day and do different types of work and revision in each study session. - Avoid interrupting your concentration
Have all the appropriate materials with you before you start a session of study to minimise distractions. - Test yourself on what you have studied
Ask your parents or family members to quiz you on what you have learnt, use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers. - Don't panic at exam time
If you have followed a study routine and have been revising your class work, there should be no need to worry. Try to keep yourself calm, positive and confident. - Ask your teachers for guidance
Especially if you're having trouble - whether it's grasping a new concept or understanding something you learnt earlier in the year. They will be happy to help.
source: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/highschool/studyingtips.php