STUDY SKILLS

Students can be successful at school but they need to learn the skills that will help them be successful.  The skills students need are mentioned below:

• Organization -  1) Students should use an assignment notebook or student planner to record assignments and due dates.  This is also a wonderful tool for keeping track of what was covered in class each day. 2) A different color folder for each class is excellent for storing current and returned assignments.  In addition, a sheet should be placed in each folder for recording all grades earned in that class.  3) Students should have a phone number for at least one person in each class.  You will then have someone to call if you should have a question about an assignment. 4) Students should get organized before they go to bed.  They should put all completed homework in the appropriate folders, and put everything needed for the next day in the same place each night.  If there is something they need to remember to do in the morning, they should leave a note with their books so they won't forget.

• Time Management - 1) Students should always use the time teachers give them in class to start on homework, ask questions, or get help.  2) A study plan should be created to keep the student on schedule.  At the end of each school day, determine how much time is available, look at how much homework needs completing, and then develop a plan.  An example would be:  3:00-5:00 - Band Practice, 5:00-6:00 Math homework, 7:00-8:00 Study for history quiz and do science review questions.

• Be Successful in Class - 1) Be in school, on time, every day.  When you miss school, you miss lectures, notes, class discussions, assignments, quizzes and tests.  You can never make up all of what you miss, even if it is for one day.  To get good grades, you must be in school every day.  2) Learn how to adapt to different teachers.  In the classroom, the teachers are in charge and they make the rules.  You might have one teacher who counts you tardy if you're not in your seat when the bell rings, and another teacher who considers you on time if you've got one foot inside the door.  It doesn't matter whether or not you agree with the first teacher's rule; it only matters that you are in your seat when the bell rings.  Part of your education is to learn how to adapt to different sets of rules, personalities, and teaching styles.  3) Be prepared for each class.  You need to have books, paper, pencils, etc. with you when you go to class.  You also need to have all of your homework done.  When you've done your homework, you get more out of the class, the lecture makes more sense, and you can participate in discussions.  4) Sit in the front of the class if possible.  It is easier to pay attention and to stay involved when you sit in the front of the classroom.  It's also easier to ask questions and to see the board, overhead, etc.  If you have problems paying attention, and you sit in the back of the class, ask your teacher if you can move closer to the front. 5) Always do your homework.  Don't look at homework as something you should do.  Think of it as something you must do.  Since a significant portion of your grade is usually based on homework, your grade drops every time you miss an assignment.  6) Participating in class makes it more interesting, and it helps keep your mind focused.  Many teachers give participation points, so participating not only makes class more interesting, it can also help you get a better grade. 7) Take responsibility for your grades.  Always do your own work.  You'll learn more, and your grades will be something that you can really be proud of.

• Take Good Notes - 1) Be an active Listener.  In order to take good notes, you must pay attention and actively listen to what your teacher is saying.  2) Taking notes helps you pay attention.  3) Taking notes helps you to recognize important information.  You can often hear a change in your teacher's voice when he/she is going to say something that's important for you to know.  Anything that your teacher writes on the board or overhead should also be considered very important.  Double underline or put a star beside any information that you think's important.  4) Get copies of class notes if you are absent.  When you are absent, it is your responsibility to ask your teacher for handouts and assignments.  It is also your responsibility to make up any work that you've missed.  Do not just assume that your teacher will tell you if there's something you need to know or do.

• Know How to Read a Textbook - 1) Scan - this simply means to read the title, the subtitles, and everything in bold and italic print.  Look at the pictures, graphs, and charts.  2) Read - Students should read "with a purpose".  This can be done by turning each boldfaced subtitle into a question  For example, you could turn the subtitle, The Beatles change their Image, into the question, "What did the Beatles do to change their image?"  Keep the question in mind as you read, and when you finish the section, see if you can answer the question. 3) Review - To review, ask yourself, "What is the main idea the author is trying to get across?"  This is a good way to check your comprehension of the material.

• Study Smart - 1) Find a good place to study.  The place should be well lit, have a surface for writing, and is comfortable.  In addition to paper, pens and pencils, your study area should be equipped with a calculator, dictionary, and thesaurus.  2) Get Started.  Don't put studying off until later, don't make excuses, and don't wait until you are "in the mood".

     From:  How to Get Good Grades, Woodburn Press, 1999.