Take Control of homework

So it doesn’t control you

Part 3

Take advantage of any free time

If you have s study period or a long bus ride use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class or start your homework. Flash cards are a great learning tool. They are easy to make easy to handle and are a marvelous tool to help you learn and remember anything. Punch a hole in the left corner of each index card and connect the stack of your flashcards with a ring. Then the cards are bound like this act like a small book with pages. You can even have separate ringed stacks for each subject. WHATEVER YOU WANT TO REMEMBER PUT IT ON A CARD.

Study with a friend

Get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other compare notes and predict test questions. Consider joining a study group.

Communicate

If you have concerns about the amount or type of homework you have you may want to talk to your family teachers or counselor. They can help you understand how time you need to allot for homework and to manage your tasks.

Celebrate your achievements

Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.

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Note taking strategies

Part 2

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

During class

One approach that has been proven effective is called the Cornell note taking system. Here are some of its methods. Start by using the main section of your page to take down your notes during class. Be sure to leave space on the left side of the page and the bottom. Things to keep in mind:

·       Get the speakers main point. Don’t write every word you hear.

·       Leave blanks in your notes to add explanations later.

·       Organize as you write. Pay attention to cues such as repetition and emphasis.

·       Indicate main and supporting points as you go.

·       Jot down key vocabulary important facts or formulas.

·       Ask questions. If you’re confused it’s better to ask while the material is fresh in your mind.

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Distance education: Is a virtual classroom for you?

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the written word

Most of the communication as well as the course work I distance learning classes is written. That’s a plus because the focus on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a writer – and strong written skills are essential to academic success. However if writing is a serious weakness for you virtual learning may not be the best educational option until you improve your skills. Yes most of distance education is the written word; therefore you need to be a good reader love to read and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent spelling great sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access with reliable equipment. If you r internet communications at home isn’t working you can’t do online education from home and will need to go someplace where you do have access to the internet.

Decide whether it’s right for you

Distance education isn’t for everyone but it just might be for you. You really should seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love with distance education. While distance education might may be the perfect alternative for some students, it’s not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interests and give distance education a try; then decide if it’s right for you. 

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Distance education: Is a Virtual Classroom for you?

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/47337.html

You may want to take a class that your high school doesn’t offer. Under some circumstances you can still enroll in the class—through distance learning. Distances education means taking a class without being physically present where it is being taught. Internal- based technology lets students participate in lectures and class sessions online from almost anywhere. Some high schools agree to recognize distance learning credits when they don’t have the resources to offer a course themselves. Distance education is often used to increase options in rural areas and for AP courses. For you, it might mean doing self tutorial at home in the evening, or participating in a class that is 1,000 miles away, along with other high school students. Check with your school counselor to see what available.

Choose the right!!!

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Selecting your Courses

Part 6

Success in AP can also help you in other ways. AP helps you stand out in the admission process and offers the opportunity to learn from some of the most inspiring teachers in the world. Learn more about the AP program.

For more help in choosing courses

Use College search to look up the specific college’s academic requirements to be sure you are on track to attend the college of your choice.

If you have concerns about your class schedule or progress in school, set up a meeting with your school counselor, teacher or adviser. There are many resources to help you with this process and with achieving your personal college and career goals. Without goals you meander all sorts of directions. Goals give you purpose, direction, enthusiasm and passion for that which you really desire. Define your goals deliberately evaluate your goals often and make changes as necessary, work hard to achieve your goals and continue working hard until you actually do reach your goals. 

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Selecting your courses

Part 5

The arts

Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns discern differences and similarities and exercise your mind in unique ways often outside a traditional classroom setting.

Many colleges require or recommended one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music and drama. Many students have talents and extraordinary abilities in the arts. Students should look within their own repertoire of talents and identify their artistic abilities and take college classes to develop their talents.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

To be sure you are ready to take on college level work, enroll in the most challenging courses you can in high school such as honors or AP courses. Research consistently shows that students who score a 3.0 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success and college graduation rates than students who don’t take AP.

Work hard in your righteous pursuits, and you will reap the benefits of self-fulfillment and job satisfaction. Don’t take short cuts just to “get by” instead, take challenging and difficult roads (coursers) and reach higher mountain peaks of achievement.

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Selecting your courses

Part 4

Social studies

You can better understand local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Here is a suggested course plan:

·         U.S history (two semesters)

·         U.S government (one semester)

·         World history or geography (one semester)

·         One additional semester in the above or other areas

Foreign languages

Solid foreign language study shows college you’re willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least two years of study in the same foreign language, and some prefer more.

Learning a foreign language can be a challenge but is exciting. Repetition is the key to learning a language and having conversations with others speaking the same language is the best way to learn this new language. Repetition in a fun way will build your skills thoroughly as you seek to master new languages.

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Selecting your courses

Part 3

Science

Science teaches you to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Colleges want to see that you’ve taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes two semesters of each of the following sciences:

·         Biology

·         Chemistry or physics

·         Earth/ space science

More competitive schools expect you to take four years of lab science courses. You can add two semesters in one of the following subjects:

·         Chemistry or physics(The science you didn’t already study)

·         Advanced biology

·         Advanced chemistry

·         Advanced physics

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Selecting your Courses

Part 2

The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a four-year or two-year College.

English (Language Arts)

Take English every year. Traditional courses such as American and English literature help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Math

You need algebra and geometry to succeed on college entrance exams and in college math classes—and in many careers. Take them early on. That way, you’ll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school, and show colleges you’re ready for higher level work.

Most colleges look for students who have taken three years of math in high school. The more competitive ones require or recommended 4 years. Each school has its own program, but some of the courses typically offered are:

·        Algebra I

·        Algebra II

·        Geometry

·        Trigonometry

·        Calculus

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The power of study groups

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/50432.html

Part 2

The benefits of study groups

Group study offers other advantages in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of class material. These include the opportunity to: reinforce note- taking. If your AP biology notes are unclear you can ask a member of your study group to tell you to fill the gaps. Share talents. Each person brings different strengths such as organization skills the ability to stick to a task or a capacity for memorization.

Cover more ground. Members may be able to solve calculus problem together that none would have solved alone. Benefit from a support system. Members often have common goals, such as good grades. Each person’s work affects the other members, which result in making members supportive of one another. Socialize. It’s more fun to study with others; the give and take makes it more interesting. And because it’s more fun you spend more time studying.

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The power of study groups

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/50432.html  

Part 1

Working together helps everyone

You may have noticed that when you’re explaining something you’ve learned to a friend, you begin to understand it better yourself. This happens because, when you explain an idea, you need to think more deeply about it. The same principle makes study groups useful. Studying with others in a small group is helpful because you:

·       Think out loud

·       Share ideas

·       Learn from one another

In an effective study group you and other students hash out lesson materials together – explaining concepts arguing about them, figuring out why one person’s answer differs from another’s – and in the process, you most likely learn more than you would have studying by yourself.

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How to take on a college studying

Part 3

Do the reading

You need to do more than just read the chapters you are assigned—you’re expected to understand them thoroughly. Here are some tips:

·      Don’t skim. Read all the material carefully.

·      Break up difficult assignments into sections you can digest—chapters subsections or even paragraphs.

·      Look up any words that you don’t understand.

·      Pause to think about whether you don’t understand.

·      Pause to think about whether you understand the material; ask questions in class about anything that is unclear.

·      Take notes instead of highlighting—this makes you think through and rephrase the key points.

·      Create a summary sheet of what you learned from each assignment you read.

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Profile of a Successful Student

Part 1

http://www.plymouth.edu/office/online-education/online -learning/profile-of-a-successful-student/

a successful student. . .

. . . takes responsibility for his/her own learning                                                                                                            online learning can be powerful, stimulating, engaging experience for the student who can work and think independently, however, since most – if not all- of the learning takes place on your own time, you will not have the kind of direct supervision you would in a classroom. Online learning therefore requires a significant commitment from you. Al education comes down to what you’re willing to invest in the experience- this is particularly true in the online environment. Commitment, self- discipline and self-motivation are all key qualities to ensuring success in an online course!                                                         

                                            . . . is comfortable and confident with written communication                 reading and writing are the basis of most online courses, so it’s critical that you feel comfortable with this form  of communication. While some courses contain modules that include video or other activities, all of the m requires significant amounts of reading. And nearly all of your communication with your classmates and your instructor will be in writing. If these are weak areas for you, you will want to address those issues prior to enrolling or while enrolled in an online course. The PSU WRITING CENTER is available to assist you.

. . . is willing to be a member of an online community

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Successful students

10

10. . . . successful students are good time managers. Successful students do not procrastinate. They have learned that time control is life control and have consciously chosen to be in control of their life.

       An elemental truth: You will either control time or be controlled by it! It’s your choice: you can lead or be led, establish control or relinquish control, steer your own course or follow others. Failure to take control of their own time is probably the no. 1 study skills problem for college students. It ultimately causes many students to become non- students. Procrastinators are good excuse makers. Don’t make academic harder on yourself than it already it has to be. And don’t wait until tomorrow to do it!

The 10 items listened above are paraphrased from an article by Larry M Ludewig called ten commandments for effective study skills which appeared in the Teaching Professor, December, 1992.

“Learning Technologies and Online Education”

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Successful students

9

9 . . . . Don’t cram for exams. Successful students know that divided periods of study method are more effective than cram sessions, and they practice it.

          If there is one thing that study skills specialist agree on, it is that distributed study is better than massed, late-night, last-ditched efforts known as cramming. You’ll learn more remember more and earn higher grade by studying in four hours straight on Thursday night. Short, concentrated preparatory efforts are more efficient and rewarding than wasteful, inattentive, last moment marathons. Yet, so many students fail to learn this lesson and end up repeating it over and over again until it becomes a wasteful habit. Not too clever huh?

When you cram you are taking the shortcut, and shortcuts never produce any real worthwhile results. Also, when you take shortcuts, you feel rather rotten knowing that you could have done better but didn’t. Shortcuts cut you short. You can’t plant watermelon seeds and harvest fresh watermelons the next day. It takes time. Cramming for a test or a project and expecting to make it a high score the next day is like planting watermelons seed and expecting to harvest and eat fresh watermelon the next day. Plus cramming for a test and project doesn’t help you academically, so why even do it. Plan ahead, prepare ahead. Give yourself plenty of days and weeks to prepare for upcoming accountability opportunities.

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Successful Students

7-8

7. . . . understand that actions affect learning. Successful students know t their personal behavior affect their feelings and emotions which in turn can affect learning.

        If you act in a certain way that normally produces particular feelings, you will begin to experience those feelings. Act like you’re bored and you’ll become bored. Act like you’re disinterested. So the next time you have trouble concentrating in the classroom, “act” like an interested person: lean forward, place your feet flat on the floor, maintain eye contact with the professor, nod occasionally, take notes, and ask questions. Not only will you benefit directly from your actions, your classmates and professor might also get excited and enthusiastic.

8. . . . talk about what they’re learning. Successful students get to know something well enough that they can put it into words. Talking about something with friends or classmates is not only good for checking whether or not you know something, it’s a proven learning tool. Transferring ideas into words provides the most direct path for moving knowledge from short term to long term memory. You really don’t “Know” the material until you can put it into words. So, next time you study, don’t do it silently. Talk about notes, problems, reading etc. with friends, recite to a chair, organize an oral study group, and pretend you’re teaching your peers. “Talk learning” produces a whole host of memory trace that result in more learning.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

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Success students

5-6

5. Don’t sit in the back of the room. Successful student’s minimize classroom distractions that interfere with learning.

            Students want the best seat available for their entertainment dollars, but willingly seek the worst seat for their educational dollars. Students who sit in the back cannot possibly be their professors’ teammates (see no. 4). Why do they expose themselves to the temptations of inactive classroom experiences and distractions of the people between them and their instructor? Of course, we know they chose the back of the classroom because they seek invisibility or anonymity, both of which are antithetical to efficient and effective learning. If you are trying not to be part of the class, why, then, are you wasting your time? Push your hot buttons, is there something else you should be doing with your time?

6. . . . Take good notes. Successful students take good notes that are understandable and organized, and review them often.

            Why put something into your notes that you do not understand? Ask the questions now that are necessary to make your notes meaningful at some later time. A short review of your notes while the material is still fresh on your mind helps you to learn more. The more you learn then, the less you’ll have to learn later and the less time it will take because, you won’t have to include some deciphering time, also. The whole purpose of taking notes is to use them and to use them often. The more you use them, the more you improve.

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Successful students

 3-4

3 . . . . Ask questions. Successful students ask questions to provide the quickest route between ignorance and knowledge. In addition to securing knowledge you seek, asking questions has at least two other extremely important benefits. The process helps you pay attention to your professor and helps your professor pay attention to you! Think about it. If you want something, go after it. Get the answer now, or fail a question later. There are no foolish questions, only foolish silence. It’s your choice.

4 . . . . Learn that a student and a professor make a team. Most instructors want exactly what you want: they would like for you to learn the material in their respective classes and earn a good grade.

                        Successful students reflect well on the efforts of any teacher; if you have learned your material, the instructor takes some justifiable pride in teaching. Join forces with your instructor, they are not an enemy, you share the same interests, the same goals- in short, your teammates. Get to know your professor. You’re the most valuable player on the team. Your jobs are to work together for mutual success. Neither wishes to chalk up a losing season. Be a team player!

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Successful students

1-2

Successful students exhibit a combination of successful attitudes and behaviors as well as intellectual capacity. Successful students . . .

1)    . . . are responsible and active. Successful students get involved in their studies, accept responsibility for their own education, and are active participants in it! Responsibility means control. It’s the difference between leading and being led. Your own efforts control your grade you earn the glory and deserve the blame, you make the choice. Active classrooms participation improves grades without increasing study time. You can sit there, act bored, daydream, or sleep. Or, you can actively listen, think, question, and take notes like someone in charge of their learning experience. Either option costs one class period. However, the former method will require a larger degree of additional work outside of class to achieve the same degree of learning the latter proves at one sitting. The choice is yours.

2)    . . . have educational goals. Successful students have legitimate goals and are motivated by what they represent in terms of career aspirations and life’s desires.

Ask yourself these questions: What am I doing here? Why have I chosen to be sitting here now? Is there some better place I could be? What does my presence here mean to me? Answer these questions represent your “Hot Buttons” and are, without a doubt the most important factors in your success in college student. If your educational goals are truly yours, not someone else’s, they will motivate a vital and positive academic attitude. If you are familiar what these hot buttons represent and refer to them often, especially when  you tire of being a student, nothing can stop you; you aren’t and don’t, everything can and will!

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Study for Multiple Exams

Part 3

English, math, foreign language tips: Practice- - especially foreign language class if you are just showing and doing the work. But if you are in your room and look at objects and try to say them in the language you are learning it actually helps. Or if you send some simple text to a friend think about it, can you translate that to German or Spanish? These are the little things that will help.

 Here are my final words of wisdom for students who want to get better grades in college: Time management and organization are critical key factors to success in college. And never be afraid to go ask your teacher for help. They have office hours for a reason- use them!

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