Shannon's Semester Success Guide

A little about me _____________________________

Shannon/Ms.Moist • I grew up in Winnipeg and moved out here in high school • I have a BSc from the University of Alberta and a BEd from SFU • I’m currently in my second semester of my MLIS degree, so now I’m a teacher and a student

I am a huge nerd • I love reading, travelling, pomegranates, The Walking Dead, and (downhill) bike rides • I have 2 cats and a dog who are all much too cute for their own good and very distracting

How to make this semester awesome _____________________________

First of all… • someone is paying for you to be here, so appreciate that and take advantage of the opportunity!

Really easy ways to do well… • come to class • be on time • pay attention in class • review regularly • do your homework • ask for help if you need it • be proactive!

Advice from previous students • “Do the Hebden questions. They actually help.” • “Ask Shannon for help when you need it, not right before the test.” • “If you come to class and do the homework, there’s literally no way you can’t do well in this class.” • “Make sure you come to class and if you can’t, tell Shannon.” • “Ms.Moist wants to help you but she can’t if you don’t ask.” • “Make sure you understand the basic concepts. The big ideas are a lot harder if you don’t.”

More advice from previous students • “Don’t miss a single class. There’s lots of material to cover and getting caught up after the class has moved on is very difficult.” • “Make full use of class time given to work on homework.” • “Go through the notes at least once when you go home.” • “Do lots of practice questions. The concepts can be difficult and repetition will help solidify base ideas.” • “Don’t be lazy, come to class.” • “Come to class, listen, and take notes.” • “Try to understand all the little concepts because in tests they are combined into more complex questions.”

The Golden Rule…

Being proactive • I’m here to do everything I can to help you succeed but, ultimately, YOU are responsible for YOUR success • Be your own advocate! • Stay on top of things – we’ll be moving through material pretty quickly so try not to fall behind! • Make Google and the library your friend • There are tons of resources out there!

Really easy ways to annoy me… • cheating – we’ll talk about this more later but don’t do it • talking while I’m teaching • I’m not a fan of doing it but I will move disruptive students • answering your cell phone in class – seriously, never do this

falling prey to the “exception” school of thought… • If I ask everyone to be quiet, I mean you • If I ask you not to write on a certain hand out, I mean you • If I ask everyone to clean up after themselves, I mean you • If I say I will take off late marks, I mean I will take late marks off of YOUR work if it is late • basically, there are few exceptions in the class and I decide them (not you!)

Classroom stuff • I get here pretty early BUT usually have things to prep, etc in the AM – when the classroom door is open, you’re free to come in • When I’m at my desk, please hold any questions (unless it’s really urgent) • If you borrow any supplies, please write your name and the supply on the board • Return the supply DIRECTLY TO ME (I will erase your name off the board) • Please be sure to return supplies – they’re limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone :o(

Classroom Stuff • Extra notes and handouts can be found in the labeled boxes on the side of the class • I print enough for the class so please don’t take extras • if you need an extra (or can’t find one in the box), print one off the website • When you come in, check the back table for new notes/worksheets/handouts • Hand in work to be marked into the box at the back

Classroom Stuff • Pick up marked work periodically from the appropriate boxes (side of class). • Please treat the classroom with respect – I don’t really want to clean up after you so…trash in the trash, paper in the recycling, push chairs in when you leave, etc • When collecting marked work or finding a worksheet/notes you are missing, put everything BACK WHERE YOU FOUND IT! • Please do not leave papers all over the counter

Classroom Stuff • Sometimes, we’ll be done class early, sometimes we won’t • Class is 2.5 hours long and I can use that entire time • If I give you time in class to work on assignments, I expect you to use it • I will let you know when we’re done class so there’s no need for you to ask!

Class Websites and Email • Chemistry • http://moistschem12.wikispaces.com/ • Physics 12 • http://moistsphysics12.wikispaces.com/ • Foundations of Mathematics 11 • Pre-Calculus 11 • http://moistsprecalculus11.wikispaces.com/ • My email: • moist_s@surreyschools.ca

Email • If you email me, I will respond • That means, if you don’t get a response, I didn’t get the email and you need to contact me in another way • If you don’t have access to email, you can always call the school

Homework, Problem Sets, & Labs • The course load will sometimes seem heavy in these courses but I try very hard to keep it reasonable to the material • The homework and quizzes I assign are not to fill/waste time (or to torture you), they’re to help you learn the material and to help ME see how you’re progressing • They also help you identify any problem areas you might have and get extra help

Homework, Labs, & Problem Sets • I fully encourage you to get to know your classmates and to use each other for help • I also think it’s great if you want to work together on homework and assignments • BUT if you are working as a group and get disruptive, I will ask you to separate • copying homework/assignments from someone else completely negates the reason for doing them • I give them to you to help you practice skills and concepts that you need to learn the material

If you’re late • If you’re late and the door is closed… • Please wait outside quietly (in view of the window) • Quietly means: don’t knock! • I will see you and let you in at a convenient time • If you’re in the class, don’t worry about the people outside; I will see them and let them in

If you’re late (cont’d)… • If you’re late for/miss a group quiz, you will write that quiz alone (even if other people are late or absent, too!)

If you miss a class (or classes)… • be responsible for yourself! • let me know (just shoot me an email) • check the website • pick up any missed handouts from the HO box • talk to a friend in the class • come back to class prepared and ready to continue • if you have questions, please talk to me outside of class time about missed work

If you miss a class (cont’d)… • Coming to see me after missing a class/classes without having been to the website and expecting me to catch you up on what you missed is not acceptable • The website is a tool, so use it!

If you miss a quiz/test • Email me • Come speak to me so we can fill out a “missed quiz/test” form • I will usually set one or two times per week where students can make up missed quizzes/test • If you don’t show up for a rescheduled quiz/test and don’t contact me, you may not be able to write it at all

Quizzes & Tests • Don’t ask me what’s on the quiz/test! • I will tell you the section and maybe some rough guidelines but beyond that, I’ll just pretend these questions don’t happen • Also, don’t ask how many questions there will be (or what type of questions) • Come see me when you start struggling with a concept, not the morning before a test or quiz!

Quizzes & Tests (Cont’d) • I will let you know at least one class in advance of any quizzes/tests coming up (usually at least a week for tests) • concept and “partner” quizzes can be without warning • I obviously will not stop you but I very much prefer that there are no bathroom breaks during quizzes & tests

Quizzes & Tests (Cont’d) • scrap paper and formula sheets are available for tests • please DON’T WRITE on the formula sheets (you’ll have your own copy for that)  if you have a formula sheet with writing on it, please give it to me • all scrap paper should be handed in with quizzes/tests • if you use your own loose leaf as scrap paper, I will check it for writing during the quiz/test

Quizzes & Tests (Cont’d) • Bonus Qs (usually only Physics) • These are completely up to my discretion – please don’t argue them with me • Any marks from bonus questions will be added to your mark to a maximum of 100% on TESTS; on quizzes, your mark can be >100%. • Chem bonus Qs are done in class before tests • Quizzes and tests should NEVER leave the room (or be photographed!) • before, during, and after (when you’re looking at marked quizzes/tests

Quizzes & Tests (Cont’d) • CIRCLEmultiple choice answers clearly • If your answer is not clear, it cannot be marked • Put a box around final answers in written questions – makes it easier to mark • Show ALL your work for full marks! • We’ll go over in detail what I mean by this

Quizzes & Tests (cont’d) • If you finish a quiz/test early and you feel that you can’t sit quietly (that means NO TALKING) until everyone finishes, you’re free to leave the class BUT… • make sure you’re back in the class by the quiz/test deadline (because we’ll usually be starting notes right away) • DON’T hang out in the hallway! Go to the student lounge or library

Cheating • I hate cheating • but I know it will happen – there are way more of you than there are of me and I can’t have my eyes everywhere at once • That said, I will do everything I can to prevent cheating • And you can help me with this! If you see anyone cheating, please come speak with me about it – cheating is most unfair to those NOT cheating and I want to do what I can to prevent this

Cheating – how to avoid it • Everyone will use a divider on tables for quizzes & tests • Maximum of 2 students/table • I will sometimes randomly move students – this does NOT mean I think you’re cheating! • Do NOT talk to anyone but me during a quiz or a test! If you have a question or need a supply, put your hand up and I will come help you.

Cheating – how to avoid it • Keep your quiz/test flat on your desk, with any extra pages folded under • So don’t hold it up to look it over, etc • Keep your eyes forward – if it looks like cheating, I have to assume it’s cheating. Don’t make me assume that! • If you’d like to use an electric dictionary, please speak to me before any quiz or test

Reasons cheating is ridiculous • It’s a temporary fix - tempting, I guess, but won’t help you in the long run… • You will, eventually, get caught • If you get caught by me, you will receive a 0 (quizzes) or be given a new (very difficult) version (tests) • If you get caught in post-secondary, you can be expelled (permanently); at a minimum, you are usually suspended for a year • “Academic dishonesty” also goes on your transcript forever – which isn’t a good thing

Emails • Outside of speaking to me in class, email is the best way to reach me • We have a professional relationship, so emails should be professional. This means: • always include greetings (it’s just polite!) • be very clear with questions (so I can be sure to answer them clearly) • be concise – if you have lots of involved questions, it’s best to make time to see me before/after class • don’t give me timelines to respond to you by

Here are some awesome emails Hi Shannon, I have a doctor's appointment today so I will not attend the class. Can you post on the website or send me the remainder of the notes via email? Thanks. Hi Shannon, I had a quick question from our notes for work, energy and power. I was doing some as practice and was on page 8 doing the first question on that page. I was wondering for part a of the question.. (what is the velocity of the rollercoaster car at the top of the loop) why the equations in [ Epi = Ekf +Epf ] I dont understand why the Ekf is there? Thanks!

Hello Ms. Moist, I am unable to attend class tomorrow as I am still getting over the flu. I will catch up in my work that is due online, in class, and notes. If I have any questions come Tuesday, and depending on what works with your schedule, may I come early or after class to ask them?Please let me know,Thank you

Here are some emails that aren’t so awesome… I cant stay after class, we had this conversation before, when I asked to borrow your notes. I have other things outside of this class that are dependent on me. If it's important please leave me a voice message or email and ill get back to you. Hi Ms. Moist, I was suppose to write a Chem test after class but I didn't. I had to leave for some reason. I had to sell a phone on Craigslist and that guy messaged me and asked to meet him right away. And you were also talking to *****. So I just left and couldn't tell you. Sorry for that.

Physics • In Physics, you’ll be able to use “cheat sheets” on TESTS (not quizzes) • I will give you cue cards to use as cheat sheets – if you don’t have a cue card from me, you can’t use a cheat sheet • If you’re unhappy with a test mark, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to come speak to me • There is an option of writing extra questions to boost your mark to a MAXIMUM of 73% • Make sure to speak to me the day marked tests are handed back so we can set a date and time

Chemistry • If you’re unhappy with a test mark, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to come speak to me • There is an option of writing extra questions to boost your mark to a MAXIMUM of 73% • Make sure to speak to me the day marked tests are handed back so we can set a date and time

Math • I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to… • keep upwith your work in this class! • come to EVERY in-class lesson • don’t do your online lessons at the last minute! • If you fall behind in math, it can be very challenging to catch up • It’s a way better idea to just stay on top of things!

Math (Cont’d) • If you’re worried about this being a hybrid course… • “At first, I was worried about the hybrid course but it was easier than I thought it would be and I’m proud of myself for finishing” • “I was disappointed and a little nervous but I actually preferred it because it lets you work on things at home.” • “Don’t be scared, you’ll be glad you took this class like me.” • “I was worried and afraid of how my learning would be affected but once it started, it was great because it gave me a chance to take my time.”

Math (Cont’d) • Here’s some advice from students from previous semesters • “If you do the homework and ask questions, you’ll be fine.” • “I’ve never done well in math so I was scared but Shannon helps if you ask and the videos really helped.” • “If you’re struggling, ask Shannon for help – she can’t read your mind.”

Math (cont’d) • Be PROACTIVE! • don’t do all your work on one day – if you spread it out over a few days (and do a bit each day), it will help you learn AND retain the information • Get a “strong start” • Stay on top of your work! • Get help if you need it! • Complete all assignments/worksheets/practice problems

Math (cont’d) • If you get a test mark you’re unhappy with, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to come speak to me • you can do corrections on your test at a date and time appointed by me • you MUST have all WSs and quizzes done (no NHIs) • you must bring your completed review package on the “corrections” day • A ½ mark will be added to your test score for each correct correction you make

Math (Cont’d) • There is an option of writing extra questions to boost your mark to a MAXIMUM of 86% • The test corrections will be done the Thursday after the test • Students who missed 0-2 classes, had an average of 79% last semester; those who missed more than 2 classes had an average of 68%; attendance is important!

Shannon's Semester Success Guide