Check all statements that apply to you:

1. Check all statements that apply to you: • I sometimes do not know what questions to ask in class. • I have a hard time remembering information when I read a text book. • When I have to write a paper, I don’t even know where to start. • I think I could do a better job of taking notes and using my notes to study for tests. • I don’t take tests very well. I think I know the information, but I’m often disappointed with my scores.

2. 100% of all shots not taken . . . are missed. Questions have a lot to do with study skills!

3. How does your brain work? • Like a file cabinet • Information—short-term memory —long-term memory • Short-term memory: small, jumbled, unorganized drawer that fills quickly and dumps every 24 hours • To transfer to your long-term memory you must review information again once within 24 hours and periodically later on.

4. How does your brain work? • Long-term memory- information in filed folders where you can retrieve later (hopefully when you take your test) • Asking questions helps you to process information and connect the new information to the things you already know. • Asking questions helps file information away in your long-term memory.

5. Interacting with Teachers • I teach 79 students on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other teachers teach more students. • I need your help. I need to know what you understand. • You must distinguish yourself, in a positive way! • Raise your hand and wait to be called upon. • Ask questions with respect.

6. Homework- Online Reading Comprehension Test • www.readingsoft.com • Read excerpt to determine words per minute (wpm). • Take test to determine percent of reading comprehension. • Write both wpm and the % of reading comprehension on a piece of paper to turn. • Use the correct heading (name, date, reading comp. test). • Due Thursday, 11/14

7. Why bother? • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. • I love helping you! I want to help you. • However, you have to be interested in succeeding. • Ask pertinent questions that are relevant to understanding the material. • Respectful, high-inspiring students stand out.

8. How can talking to my teachers help my grades? • Asking questions and talking to teachers show your teachers that you are diligent. They will give you the benefit of the doubt for small mistakes. • Asking questions shows the teacher what to explain more so that all the students can understand. • Positive relationships with teachers are helpful when you need a letter of recommendation.

9. What can help me focus and stay awake during class? • Get a good night’s sleep. • Eat a nutritious breakfast and lunch. • Walk around between class to get your blood pumping. • Adjust your posture. Improve it by • Straightening your shoulders, • Uncrossing your legs, • Sitting up straight, • Leaning slight forward, and • Smiling.

10. What can help me focus and stay awake during class? • Take some deep breaths. • Stretch you arms and legs as much as possible without disturbing class. • Stretch your eye muscles: • 1. Close your eyes. • 2. Gently massage your eyelids for 10-20 seconds. • 3. Roll your eyeballs up towards the inside of your head, holding them in place for 10 seconds. • 4. Roll your eyeballs down like you’re trying to see your teeth, holding them in place for 10 seconds. • 5. Roll your eyes up so that they are facing forward. • 6. Finally, open your eyes.

11. The “T” Zone • Where you will catch your teacher’s attention • The best place to sit • p. 66

12. Reading Textbooks • Brain black-out: reading something for a long time and later having not recollection of what you read • Activity on p. 67 • Turn to p. 118 and look at the picture on that page for ONLY 5 seconds. Then move on to step 2. • Turn to p. 123 and answer as many questions as you can. • Turn back to the picture on p. 118 and check your answers. • Record the number of correct answers you had after your first attempt.

13. What’s the Point? • It would be easier to read the questions first. Then you would have a purpose when looking at the picture. • Knowing the questions helps you answer them more quickly and with less confusion. • This enhanced comprehension can come when you read!

14. Priming Your Brain • Prime your brain to increase your reading comprehension! • 5 steps • 1. Read all the pictures and graphs in the entire reading section (20 seconds for each one). They are there for a purpose! • 2. Read all the questions at the end of the chapter or reading selection. This will focus your brain on reading and encourage you to ask questions while you read.

15. Priming Your Brain Steps • 3. Begin reading the text. • As you read, turn headings into questions. • This keeps your brain focused, increases reading speed and comprehension, and helps your brain develop connections. • Associate the pictures with the text to help you understand and remember the content.

16. Time Saving Tip • Read your textbook before your teacher covers each section in class. • This will help you stay awake in class. • You will know what is going on in class. • This will allow you to ask educated questions and thereby enhance your learning and impress your teacher. • This will save study time by making the most of class time. • The more you are exposed to the material the more you will understand the material and the faster you will learn the information and thereby reduce study time at home.

17. Brain Priming Steps • 4. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter or reading selection. • To reinforce what you just learned • To recognize what is important about what you just read • Include visuals where possible to increase retention. • You do not need to write out these answers unless the questions are assigned. • Do not just find the answers! Read the material before you answer the questions. You might miss material if you just find the answers. Some teachers test over the textbook (even parts that were NOT taught in class).

18. Prime your Brain • This will increase your total reading speed and comprehension. • The more you read the faster you will read and the more you will understand and remember. • This process allows you to make connections and file information into your long-term memory. • Learn the information the first time instead of studying, relearning, and memorizing later.

19. Helpful Hint • Eliminate glare by placing a colored transparency over the top of the page as you read it.

20. Writing Papers • Questions help with writing papers. • To explore the topic • To arrange information

21. Steps to Writing • 1. Brainstorm a list of questions that the writing assignment should answer. • 2. Create categories by grouping similar categories together. • 3. Start writing by answering your questions.

22. Practice • Come up with questions for the remaining categories on p. 72 (Location & Setting, Salary [Compensation], Closing paragraph). • Example on p. 73 • 3-D Research Report Organizer- keeps notes, thoughts, and memos in logical order.

23. 3-D Research Report Organizer • We will assemble these on Tuesday, 11/27. • Homework: Please bring the following to class on Tuesday, 11/27: • 1 file folder • 2. 3 to 4 envelopes (size 6: 3 5/8 x 6 ½ inch) • 12-30 3x5 cards • Glue stick • Pen or marker • Scissors

24. Writing the 1st Draft • 1. Write the opening paragraph. • Overview of the paper • Can be written last • Introduces the topic • Ends with a thesis statement (purpose for writing, point trying to prove, main idea of the paper) • 2. Categorize information. • 3. Arrange information in logical order.

25. Writing the 1st Draft • 4. Write you main paragraphs using you newly categorized and ordered information. • 5. Write a closing paragraph. • Summarizes the paper. • Restates the thesis. • May contain your personal thoughts (for some assignments) • Connects to the 1st paragraph

26. Writing the 1st Draft • 6. Revise your paper. • Make sure your paper “sounds” good. • Perhaps read it aloud to hear mistakes • Do your sentences flow together and make sense? • Did you transition from paragraph to paragraph? • Perhaps use a revision checklist • 7. Edit your paper. • Check spelling and grammar. • Don’t simply rely on the computer. • Double-check!

27. Computerized 3-D Research Report Organizer • For longer papers • 1 document folder for the paper • Computer documents for question envelope pockets • Type information (answers to questions) in each question document. • Print the “question documents” to use when typing your paper.

28. Chapter 11: Taking and Studying Notes • Taking notes is not simply about writing down information. You must also pay attention and try to understand what the teacher is talking about. • Don’t write down so many little details that you miss the big picture.

29. Purpose for Note-Taking • Prime you brain so that information sticks in your mind. • Read your textbook before class! This gives the background information necessary for you to understand the teacher, focus on the class, and ask intelligent questions. • Keep your textbook open while taking notes. • Look at the pictures. • Get correct spelling. • Allow your brain to see the information as well as hear it.

30. Purpose for Note-Taking • Ask yourself, “How does this information relate to the main topic?”- this aids connections • The above steps will enable you to read quickly, prepare you to take notes, and cut your study time by 50% or more.

31. Taking Notes • Look at the format on pp. 85-87. • Please know the note formats for the test. • Date every page. • Fold the left 1/3 of the paper. • Write summary questions (or possible test questions) in the left 1/3 of the paper. • Take notes when the teacher clues in you in!

32. Taking Notes • Leave the back of the page empty for extra information. • Draw visuals with possible. • Indicate where you missed information and get those notes later. • Keep your notes short. Abbreviate. • Leave space for notes to yourself.

33. When You Should Take Notes • When the teacher says, “This will be on the test.” (put a * next to it) • When the teacher says, “This is important.” • When the teacher writes on the board. • When the teacher repeats information. • When the teacher slows down. • When the teacher talks with his/her hands. • When the teacher over-explains • When the teacher says, “This is not in you textbook, but it is important.”

34. Studying Notes • Review all new notes within 24 hours of class. • To move information from the short-term to the long-term memory • Review all the unit’s notes daily. • Record any extra information or visuals that you missed in class. • Highlight information you don’t understand and later ask the teacher.

35. Studying Notes • Create questions to summarize important notes. • Think of possible test questions. • Review your notes out loud. By using more senses, your brain has a better chance of remember the information.

36. Studying Math Notes • Math notes come from homework. • You must do your homework regularly and pay attention in class. • You must also correct any mistakes and talk to the teacher about material you don’t understand. • Know the math note format on p. 91!

37. Studying Math Notes • Always put the page numbers and problem numbers at the top of the page. • Leave enough space to neatly do your work. • Write legibly. • Remain calm. If you can’t get a problem, move on and later come back to the question, perhaps with help. • Ask questions about your homework. • Redo homework questions that you missed when you review for the test.

38. Conclusion • Learn the material before the night before the test. • Don’t cram!

39. “Chapter 12: Taking Tests” • Do you ever get nervous when taking a test? • Does the thought of studying for tests ever feel overwhelming? • Have you ever been disappointed with your score on a test after you worked hard to prepare for it? • Do you ever feel like there has to be a better way to prepare for and perform on tests?

40. A Better Way • Take the Test test on pp. 93-94. • Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper or on the back of your handout. • Don’t look at the answers.

41. Test Taking Tips • Read directions thoroughly and follow them explicitly! • Most, some, few, etc. usually indicate a true answer. • All and none usually indicate a false answer. • Old notes, quizzes, and tests are valuable study guides for exams. Don’t throw them away. • Also, if the teacher made a mistake grading or recording the grade • File old notes, quizzes, and tests in your home-filing system.

42. Test Taking Tips • Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast and lunch on the days you take tests. • This will prevent “stupid” mistakes and keep you alert. • If you are undecided about answer, go with your first instinct. A subconscious memory may be helping you. • Doing the test fast does not mean you got an A.

43. Test Taking Tips • Thoroughly check your test. • Answer every question! Please at least write an educated guess! • Follow specific instructions. • Teachers like to cram a lot of information into questions. Anytime you see more than one option combined together, such as all of the above or both B and C, that answer is likely correct (Unless it is one of my tests!)

44. Test Taking Tips • If you have no clue what to answer, choose the longest answer. It is usually correct. • Use any study guides or review days to help prepare for a test, but don’t rely completely on them. • If you have prepared by paying attention, doing our homework, reviewing your notes daily, you should only need 30-60 minutes of study time the night before the test.

45. Test Taking Tips • If possible, quiz yourself out loud the night before the test. • Study corrected quizzes and tests to prepare for exams. • Prepare daily to take tests! Don’t do all your studying the night before the test! • Pace yourself during a test. • Preview the test and budget enough time for each question.

46. Test Taking Tips • Occasionally look at the clock. • Look for clues to question answers in other questions. • Star and skip questions you don’t know and go back to them later. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. • When your first receive a test, immediately write down specific information that you needed to memorize, such as formulas, specific dates, names, etc.

47. Multiple Choice Questions • Try to answer the question before you read the choices. Sometimes choices will simply confuse you. • Read all choices before you make your choice. One choice may sound good, but another choice may be the best answer. • Cross out choices that are wrong and choose from the remaining options. • Never leave a multiple choice question blank.

48. Matching • Read directions carefully and look for clues such as answers will be used once, more than once, or not at all. • Cross out used answers as you go along. • Never leave a matching question blank! Guess!

49. Fill in the Blank Questions • Look for clues. An is before vowel sounds; a is before consonant sounds. Is the answer singular or plural. • Look at the length and/or number of blanks for a hint. • Once you write your answer, read the enter statement to see if it sounds correct.

50. Essay Questions • Write a brief outline of the points you want to include. This outline may give you partial credit if you don’t have time to finish the test. • Begin with a thesis statement. This statement will often be the answer to the main question or a restating of the question. Get to the point quickly. • Write neatly. If the teacher can’t read it or has trouble reading, he/she will most likely mark it wrong.