Assignment Completion Strategies STUDENT SUCCESS- GRADE 9 CLASS MENTOR LESSON (NOVEMBER)

Does this sound familiar? “I always think I’ve done well on an assignment, and am so disappointed when it comes back with a poor mark.” “I always seem to be losing marks on assignments…but I don’t really know why.” “ I am not getting a mark in this class that reflects what I know.”

Assignment Preparation Strategies Regardless of the subject area, there are some key steps that students should follow to be successful on any assignment.

Understanding the Assignment Listen carefully when your teacher outlines the key steps of the assignment. Ask questions for clarification as needed. Review the assignment guidelines on your own, including the marking scheme. Make sure you understand exactly what you are being asked to do.

Planning to Complete the Assignment Break down the assignment into manageable parts or phases for you to complete. Your teacher may have already “chunked” the assignment in this way for you. For each part, write out the individual steps you’ll need to take to complete that part.

Planning to Complete the Assignment For each part, estimate the amount of time it will take to complete that part. Be as realistic as possible and add extra time to each part “just in case.” Plan out exactly when you will complete each part of the assignment. Plan to finish it at least 2 days before the due date so you don’t have to rush at the last minute.

Revision of Completed Assignment Ask your teacher if you could show them the assignment for their feedback before it’s due. Have a friend from class look over your assignment, maybe they remember something you didn’t. Have a parent, guardian or older sibling review the assignment Do a final check of the assignment to ensure that you met all of the guidelines and completed all of the required steps.

Handing in the Assignment Submit the assignment ON TIME! If an extension is required for extenuating circumstances, ask your teacher well in advance of the deadline

Oral Presentation Assignments

Tips for Oral Presentations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAsPR1CJ4wM

Preparation Know your topic well! Becoming an expert on your topic will boost your confidence and help control your nervousness. An 8-minute talk is roughly equivalent to 4 double spaced pages in 12-pt. font, however, never read a presentation. 

Visual Aids Keep visual aids simple and uncluttered.  Use color and contrast for emphasis but use them in moderation Use a font large enough to be seen from the back of the room If using PowerPoint, strongly resist the temptation to use sound effects and dramatic slide transitions

Practice Speak out loud and time yourself. Practice using your visual aids.  Print a notes copy of your PowerPoint slides and make offline copies of videos and web links as a backup in the event that the network connection is down

Delivery Speak in a loud, clear voice Make frequent eye contact with the audience Try not to distract the audience by rocking back and forth, fidgeting with papers, etc. Be familiar with visual aids and make sure that you talk to the audience, not the screen Show enthusiasm

Nervousness Nervousness is part of the preparation for speaking and it is a good thing.   It heightens your senses and gets your blood pumping.  You will think clearly and move faster.  Everyone will feel nervous. 

Tips for Overcoming Nervousness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hew3z2FIbME

Remember it is better to hand something in then nothing at all! Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Test 1 6/10 Test 1 6/10 Assignment 1 5/10 Assignment 1 5/10 Test 2 6/10 Test 2 6/10 Assignment 2 5/10 Assignment 2 5/10 Assignment 3 4/10 Assignment 3 0/10 Total 26/50 Total 26/50 Final Mark 52% Final Mark 44%