CLASSROOM PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES

Transcription

1 CLASSROOM PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS Get a good nights sleep. Eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of fluids. Come prepared to learn (attitude matters) TAKING NOTES Get organized Have all necessary material Sit in front and center Listen for: Test clues Word clues Repetition Voice emphasis Introductory Summary information Instructions Good Questions Related to previous lecture Related to textbook assignment Personal life Look for what the teacher writes down or draws Look for anything the teacher points out in the textbook Look for body language Put notes in outline form Put notes in paragraph mind maps Date all notes Number all pages Use phrases and incomplete sentences

2 Use complete sentences for: Precise definition Direct quote Emphasized point Use abbreviations Develop graphic signals Leave white spaces Avoid tape recorders Only use other student s notes in emergency Review notes within 24 hours Edit your notes: Illegible words Spelling Writes key words in margin Use highlighter Organize with graphic signals Review weekly GETTING ORGANIZED TO STUDY Organize material Study spot: sets the stage for concentration Home or away from home? Enough space? Well stocked? Fairly uncluttered? Formal or informal design? Good lighting? Even, comfortable temperature? Comfortable sound level? Materials 3-ring binder Divide into sections Include teacher handouts Add, subtract, rearrange materials

3 Zippered supplies case Pens Pencils with erasers Highlighters Calculators Other course requirements Organize time Use a planner Daily assignments Appointments, meetings Make a study schedule Fill in pre-scheduled activities Find ½ to 2-hour block for study time Make habits work for you Organize for the next day Items needed for the next day s activities Clothing to be worn Children s clothing, book bags, lunch etc. Prioritize daily tasks List what needs to be accomplished during the day Use list and notes READING A TEXTBOOK EFFECTIVELY Purpose of reading For pleasure For information Causes of poor comprehension Passive reading style Poor concentration Get ready to read Go to your study spot Eliminate distractions Take a short break once per hour Preview the material

4 Previewing the book Table of contents Introduction, preface Glossary Index Previewing the chapter Chapter headings Chapter introduction Subheadings Illustrations Tables, graphs, charts, diagrams Special features Lists Key words Bold Words Words in Italics Chapter summary Study questions Focus your reading Preview Read Probe Write Skimming and scanning When appropriate, read faster to gather information more quickly Skimming = reading quickly for general information Scanning = reading quickly for specific information If you own the textbook Mark it up! Highlight sparingly Highlight after reading the entire paragraph Avoid highlighted used books Use colored highlighters Put * in the margin for main or important points Place vertical lines in the margin for main points several lines long

5 Write key words and phrase in the margin Number lists, steps or sequences If you don t own the book Take notes: Label your notes Use modified outline form More page # s Use word and phrases, not sentences Write down key words, phrases and ideas Review for recall Smooth your mental pathway Skim the structure Reread your highlighting or notes Reread summary and / or write your own If you still don t understand Mark confusing topics in test or notes Find alternative reading materials Another textbook Encyclopedia Programmed learning materials Talk with a knowledgeable friend Ask the teacher TEST TAKING TECHNIQUES Develop good habits Keep up with your class work Find out what kind of test it will be Give yourself plenty of time to study Get a good nights sleep Eat a healthy meal Dress in layers Take needed tools Arrive early Avoid pretest chatter

6 Expect to do well Have a plan of attack Listen to your teacher Jot down notes Scan the entire test Read the instructions Budget your time Start with the easy ones Read questions carefully Ask for clarification Mark answers carefully Keep moving Use all the test time Review your test Matching Test Use flashcards to study Read direction carefully Check # of items per column Work down only one column Do easy matches first Cross off used answers True False Test Mark answers correctly Check details Turn statements into questions Look for clues Absolutes Qualifiers Judgments

7 Fill in the Blank Test Recall key terms and facts Look for clues # of blanks Length of blanks Grammar Sentence construction Read completed sentence Overanswer Guess Number Problems Test Work systematically Write numbers carefully Copy numbers accurately Write in columns Watch for units of measure Use a calculator if allowed Organize your work Use graphics Estimate Use all the information Reread the question Open Book Test Make a summary page of notes Number the pages of your notes and make a table of contents Tab important pages of the book Multiple Choice Test Read directions carefully Read questions carefully Answer before looking at choices Read all possible answers Eliminate implausible answers

8 Look for clues Absolutes Qualifiers Grammar Familiar phrases Similar answers Guess if necessary If answer seems obvious, have confidence in yourself Don t dawdle Be careful with answers like: All the above None of the above Always Never All and none Break down complicated long questions into several smaller questions Work quickly students who rapid fire do better than students who take their time even if they know the material. Give the answer the teacher wants Do change your answers if you have a hunch you should Don t go over the test till the test is finished Go back and reread the questions you had flagged for further investigation Then if your hunch is strong change it once. Essay Test Know major concepts Read directions carefully Is there a time limit How many points is the question worth Do you have a choice of questions or do you have to answer all How long should the answer be Look for key words in questions Jot down and organize information

9 Write the essay 3 parts Introduction Body Conclusion Always use complete sentences and paragraphs Outline if you run out of time Review if you have extra time Don t panic if you prepared for the wrong topics Keys terms used in essay questions: Analyze take apart a subject and highlight interrelationship of parts Compare draw out similarities Contrast draw out differences Critique analyze an idea in detail, the present your judgment Define explain the meaning Describe give overview and details Discuss give reasons, details, especially about two sides of an issue Evaluate look at both sides and state your view Explain state why and how something happens Illustrate give examples of how an idea works Interpret describe the subject s meaning and relate it to examples Justify explain why List itemize a set of concepts in brief form Outline sketch the main points showing the structure of the subject Prove present documented facts that support your view Relate draw connections between dissimilar ideas State use precise terms to describe rules, laws opinions Summarize give concise overview that preserves the meaning Trace give a historical progression or development