Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Student Success Statement


Student Success Statement
“Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow.”
-Robert Kiyosaki  
Reflection: This statement means whatever you’re doing right now in order to succeed in life is based upon what your future will look like. For example, if you’re the kind of student who always plays around during class and not taking school seriously then your future is going to turn out bad. 

SQ3R


SQ3R
SQ3R: A Great Reading and Studying Technique
Improve Your Study Skills
SQ3R stands for:
Survey
Question
Read
Recite
Review
It is a proven technique to sharpen your study skills. In college, you’ll be required to do lots of reading. You’ll often have to complete reading assignments in several different books for several different courses at the same time.
SQ3R helps make reading and studying purposeful and effective, so that you use your time most efficiently. Here’s how this strategy works.  
Survey
Let’s say your assignment is to read and chapter. First, get an idea of what the chapter is about by reviewing the highlights:
o   Read the title, headings and subheading.
o    Notice words that are italicized or bold.
o   Look at charts, graphs, pictures, maps, and other visual material.  
o   Read captions.
o   Read the very beginning and end of the chapter.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!

Friday, April 26, 2013

Student Success Statement



 Student Success Statement
“There is no justification ever for choosing any part of what you know to be evil.”
-Ayn Rand
Reflection: This statement simply means there is no reason for you to do something that you know is wrong.

Reading Tip 5


Reading
5 Tips for Success
Tip 5
Tip 5: Keep a List of Questions
When you feel confused about something you’re reading, write down any questions you have. Sometimes your questions are answered as you read further. If not, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, teachers create assignments; they've read the texts and are familiar with them. When you have specific questions, your teachers can provide answers that will help you better understand the material. Learning is rooted in questions developed and asked by the learner.
Asking questions to yourself, to the teacher, and to others, is a great learning method. When you cease to ask questions, you cease to exist to a great extent. Read actively by silently asking questions as you read. Questions immerse you into the material you are reading and therefore will expand your mental capacities more than almost anything else.
The philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.” Improving your reading comprehension is the key to gaining important knowledge and making the most of your education. So pick up a book … and a pen.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!     

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Student Success Statement


Student Success Statement
“When I was teaching basketball, I urged my players to try their hardest to improve on that very day, to make that practice a masterpiece.
This rule is even more important in life than basketball. You have to apply yourself each day to become a little better. By applying yourself to the task of becoming a little better each and every day over a period of time, you will become a lot better. Only then will you be able to approach being the best you can be. It begins by trying to make each day count and knowing you can never make up for a lost day.”
-John Wooden
Reflection: This statement means by trying a little harder each and every day for something you want to accomplish, over time you will become a lot better. It starts by making every day count and not slacking off. Only then you can be the best you can be. 

Reading 5 Tips for Success


Reading
5 Tips for Success
Tips 3-4
Tip 3: Do Research
Literary critics have written vast numbers of analytical and critical pieces on countless books. If you’re having trouble understanding a particular text, do some research and see what knowledgeable sources have to say about it. In addition to increasing your comprehension, you’ll also be showing initiative, something teachers always like to see. Always use legitimate and scholarly sources, not condensed study guides.
Tip 4: Use a Dictionary
Make sure you have access to a dictionary when you’re reading. You can often figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by using context clues, but sometimes you can’t. Rather than simply skipping over the words you don’t know, take the time to look them up. The results are well worth the effort. Your comprehension will increase greatly, and you’ll build your vocabulary at the same time.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!   

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Student Success Statement


Student Success Statement
“Every time I've done something that doesn't feel right, it’s ended up not being right.”
-Mario Cuomo
Reflection: This statement means whatever you do that doesn't feel right, ends up not being right. 

Reading 5 Tips for Success


Reading
5 Tips for Success
Reading and writing go hand in hand. The better you understand text, the more likely you are to successfully communicate your thoughts about it in writing. So it’s important to develop strong skills in both areas. With that in mind, here’s how to improve your reading comprehension.
Tips 1-2  
Tip 1: Annotate
Be an active reader. Instead of passively reading a text, take notes about important story elements, key factual information and significant ideas in the text.  
Tip 2: Note the Author’s Writing Style
Every author writes with a purpose, using deliberate methods to successfully relate specific information to the audience. When you’re reading, look for patterns in the author’s writing. For example, you may notice a repetition of key words, phrases or symbols—or the use of a distinct type of sentence structure. Authors employ these writing strategies to help readers comprehend a central argument or theme, so be sure to explore how these techniques create meaning.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!   

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Student Success Statement


Student Success Statement 
The Three Don’ts
Ø Don’t whine
Ø Don’t complain
Ø Don’t make excuses
-John Wooden
Reflection: In this statement John Wooden is listing examples of what not to do in life. Don’t whine when life gives you something you don’t want to do. Don’t complain when things don’t turn out your way. Lastly, don’t make excuses for things you haven’t done. 

5 Tips for Staying Motivated Tips 3-5


5 Tips for Staying Motivated
Tips 3-5
3. Set Attainable Goals
If you’re having trouble writing a 25-page paper for class because it seems like such a big job, don’t focus on that final number. Break the paper down and consider each section of your paper individually. You can handle any project in small chunks.
4. Find a Social Support Network
Create a group of people around you who want to help you succeed. Mentors can be teachers or family friends who can give you guidance and help you develop new skills. Counselors can help you with planning your courses and starting to explore college. You can also reach out to friends and peers who can motivate you by listening and sharing ideas.
5. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments
Give yourself a quick reward when you complete an assignment or task. Take a walk, send an email, or get a snack. Then move on to the next project.  
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Monday, April 22, 2013



Student Success Statement
“The Three Never’s”
ü Never Lie
ü Never Cheat
ü Never Steal
-John Wooden
Reflection: This statement is listing characteristics that you can have in order to be a good and better person. By not lying, more people will have your trust. By not cheating you can stay true to yourself. Lastly, by not stealing, it shows you are happy with what you have.

5 Tips for Staying Motivated Tips 1-2



5 Tips for Staying Motivated
Tips 1-2
To succeed in high school and college, you have to do your best at all times. But sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated, even when you really care about the work you’re doing. Here are five ways to stay on the right track.
1.    Focus on High-Impact Activities
They key to success in school is staying focused on your course work. Make a list to get an overall picture of your workload before you start to tackle any of it. Then, make a plan. Although it’s tempting to do the simplest assignments first, those that take more time and effort to accomplish are probably the ones that you’ll learn the most from.
To determine what your priorities are, rank your assignments in the order of their importance. Then rearrange your time and devote more energy toward those that have the greatest impact on your course work and grades. For example, even though all homework assignments are important, studying for a midterm exam takes priority over writing a paragraph for English class. As you complete each task, think of it as another step on your way to college success.
2.    Create New Challenges
Changing your approach can help you stay interested in what you’re doing. If you’ve been given an assignment similar to one you’ve done in the past, think about it in a different way. If you wrote an essay for a creative writing assignment least year, try a poem this time. For book reports, pick a History book instead of another biography.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!


Friday, April 19, 2013

Take Control of Homework Part 3

Take Control of Homework
So It Doesn’t Control You
Part 3
Take Advantage of Any Free Time
If you have a 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 upper left corner of each index card and connect the stack of your flash cards with a ring. Then the cards are bound and not flopping around. Flash cards 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 counselors. They can help you understand how much time you need to allot for homework and how to manage your tasks.
Celebrate Your Achievements
Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!
 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Student Success Statement


Student Success Statement
“Be always sure you’re right, then go ahead.”
-Davy Crockett
Reflection: This statement means whatever you’re thinking of doing, be sure to make sure it’s the right thing to do first. Before doing anything you should ask yourself if it’s the right or wrong thing to do.

Take Control of Homework Part 2



Take Control of Homework
So It Doesn't Control You
Part 2
Keep Things in Perspective
Know how much weight each assignment or test carries, and use your time accordingly. Don’t waste time, but be wise and smart. Doing the most important things first is being wise and smart.
Get More Involved
Keep your mind from wandering by taking notes, underlining sections, discussing topics with others or relating your homework to something you’re studying in another class. Learn actively and not passively. Be anxiously engaged in your studies and you will have a great experience. Demonstrate a good attitude toward home assignments, and you will begin to love doing it.
Organize the Information
People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information, others prefer to read out loud or make details outlines, try to find the methods that work best for you. Ask your teacher for recommendations if you’re having trouble.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!  

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Student Success Statement


  
Student Success Statement
“Character is higher than intellect.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Reflection: I think this statement means who you are is more important than how smart you are. For example, you can be a very smart person, but with a very bad personality. 

Take Control of Homework Part 1



Take Control of Homework
So It Doesn't Control You |
Part 1
Although very few students love homework, it does serve a purpose. Homework helps you:
ü Reinforce what you’ve learned during the day.
ü Build study habits that are essential in college.
ü Prepare for your classes.
ü Get a sense of progress.
Here are some tips to help you deal with homework more efficiently and effectively.
Set the Mood
Create a good study area with everything you need (for example, a calculator.)If you don’t have a quiet place at home, try your school or local library.
Know Where to Begin
Make a list of everything you need to do, and note all deadlines. Do the more difficult assignments first, so you don’t have to face them at the end.
Study at the Same Time Every Day
Even if you don’t have homework every night, use the time to review notes. If sitting down to work is part of your normal routine, you’ll approach it with less dread. Also, you’ll become a pro at using time productively.
Choose the Right!!!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Softball

Student Success Statement


Student Success Statement
“I think it’s better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our conscience and posterity,”
-Robert E. Lee
Reflection: This statement means it’s better to do the right thing even if you struggle doing so. Than to do the wrong thing and have a guilty conscience and end up having a bad future due to your bad decisions.   

Note-Taking Strategies Part 4



Note-Taking Strategies
Part 4
For Review
Once you've done all of the above, you’ll find you've created your own personalized study guide. Cover the main section of the page and use the key words and questions in the left margin as a quiz.
Stick to It
Review your notes the day you take them and your notes once a week. That way, you won’t need to study as much when it’s test time.
You've been doing the work all along.
Try out the Cornell system, but if it doesn't work for you, experiment with other methods. Ask your classmates how they take notes or ask a teacher for advice. Taking good notes requires practice, like any other skill. And the more you work at it now, the more prepared you’ll be to take notes in college.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!