How to Get Good Grades

Summer School Monroe Township High School WILL NOT offer Remedial Summer School!!! It is important to pass all of your classes!

Be Organized 1. Use an Assignment Notebook *Take it to every class. Write each assignment on the page number under the date it’s due. 2. Use Three-Ring Binders *These work well because you can easily insert handouts. If you miss a day’s notes, you can copy someone else’s and insert them where they belong. 3. Use Folders *Have a different colored pocket folder for each class to keep assignments, quizzes and tests. 4. Have Phone Numbers for Classmates *Make sure you have the phone number of at least one person in each class.

Be Organized Keep Locker and Backpack Neat *Never put loose papers in your locker, backpack or book Get Organized Before Bed *Put completed homework in appropriate folders. Put everything you need for the following day in the same place each night.

Be Successful in the Classroom Adapt to Different Teachers *In the classroom, the teachers are in charge and make the rules. Learn to adapt to different personalities, teaching styles and expectations Be Prepared *Bring books, pencils, paper etc. to class and have all assignments completed. When you do you homework, the lecture makes sense and you can participate in class discussions. Sit in the Front of Class if possible *Easier to pay attention and to stay involved. Be Aware of Body Language *Teachers know who is paying attention, who is taking notes and listening

Be Successful in the Classroom 5. Always Do Your Homework *A significant portion of your grade is usually based on homework. Your grade drops every time you miss an assignment. Participate in Class *Many teachers give participation points. These are easy to get. Participating keeps you focused and keeps your mind from wandering. Treat Others with Courtesy and Respect *Treat teachers and classmates the same way that you want to be treated Involve Your Parents *Make parents your allies. When they ask “What did you do in school today/” tell them.

Take Good Notes Be An Active Listener *When you actively listen, you think about and try to understand the information that is being presented. 2. Take Notes to Help You Pay Attention *When you take notes, you don’t have time to think about anything else. Recognize Important Information *Anything your teacher takes the time to write on the board or overhead should be considered very important. Underline or put a star beside it so you remember to give it special attention later. Take Notes that are Easy to Read *Put the name of the class, the date, and the page number at the top of each page of notes. Write on every other line so you will have space if you want to add something later. Use symbols and abbreviations. Write key words in margins. Go over notes to keep them fresh in your mind. 5. Get Lecture Notes When You are Absent

How to Read a Textbook SCAN *Read the title, the subtitles, and everything in bold and italic print. Look at all pictures, graphs and charts. Read review questions and summaries. READ *When your reading has a purpose, your comprehension improves and it’s easier to stay focused. Turn each boldfaced subtitle into a question. REVIEW *Reviewing locks information into your brain before it has a chance to evaporate.

STUDY SMART! Find a Good Place to Study *Have a regular place to study that is well lit, comfortable, and has surface for writing. Have paper, pencils, a calculator, dictionary and thesaurus. Get Started *Begin with something simple or a subject you like Know Your Learning Style *Some students learn best by seeing the material, some from hearing the information, and some learn best by doing. Think about how you learn and adjust how you study accordingly. Organize Your Study Time *Before you study, make a plan. Decide what needs to get done and the order in which you will do it. Always allow more time than you think you’ll need. If you have something that seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller parts. If you have something to memorize, work on that first, and then review it again at the end of your study session.

STUDY SMART!! 5. Study For Tests *Know what the test is going to cover so you know what to study. Pay particularly close attention in class the day before at test. This is usually when teachers review information that you need to know. If a teacher gives you a review sheet, study it until you know all of the material on it. Essay Tests Understand the big picture and know main points and key facts. Fill in the Blank and Multiple Choice You need to know more detailed information **You really know something if you can explain it in YOUR OWN WORDS!!

STUDY SMART!! Review Often *When you review, you move information from your short-term memory into your long-term memory. Use Tricks to Help Memorize *Use study cards or flash cards to memorize vocabulary works, facts and lists. If you have a lot to memorize, spread it out over a period of time and keep going over and over it. Right before you go to sleep, go over and information that you want to remember.

Study Smart!! 8. Know How to Write a Paper *The key is to spread it out over as much time as possible. Writing a paper is a process. 1. Start by brainstorming and taking notes, 2. Make an outline. 3. From your outline, write a rough draft. 4. Rewrite the paper until you have it just the way you want it, 5. Write the final draft **To get a good grade on a paper, you must follow the directions exactly, make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, have someone else read your paper to give you suggestions, make sure your paper is neat, and always turn your paper in on time!

Use Test-Taking Strategies Get a Good Start *Have everything you need for the test: (pencil, erasable pen, calculator, etc.) If you have a couple of minutes before the test, try to relax. Develop a Plan *Before you begin answering questions, quickly look over the entire test and develop a plan. Mark Questions that you Want to Return to *Put a dot or light check mark by any answer you’re not sure of. After you go through all questions, return to the ones you marked and try again. **Don’t panic if you don’t know the answers to the first few questions. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for your brain to get into gear.

Test Taking Multiple Choice *Try to come up with the answer in your head before you look at the choices. If you are not sure of the answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by crossing them out, and then make an educated guess True/False *Statements with always, never, all, and none in them are usually FALSE. Statements with usually, often, sometimes, most, and many in them are usually TRUE. Read questions carefully; one word will often determine whether a statement is True or False.

Test Taking Essay Questions Start with the easiest one. Before any writing, brainstorm. Jot down key words, ideas, and point you want to cover. Write legibly and in complete sentences. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise. opening paragraph, state the questions and what the reader can expect to learn from your essay Middle paragraphs, present examples, details, evidence, and facts to support the points you are making. Final paragraph, restate your position along with a quick summary Reread your answer and make corrections.

Test Taking Math Tests *Before you start to solve a problem, try to estimate what the answer will be. Don’t spend too much time on one problem. Move on an come back to it later. Show ALL of your work. Open Book Tests *The key is to be able to locate the information quickly. Highlight your notes and put self-stick notes or bookmarks in your textbook. You can rewrite information you know you’ll need on a separate sheet of paper. Check Answers *If you have time, check all answers, even the ones you know are correct. You may have read the question wrong or made a careless mistake. Always use all the time that you are given! Go Over All Returned Tests *Go over each question you missed and write in the correct answer. Check to make sure you test was graded correctly. File all returned tests in your folders.

Reduce Test Anxiety Some Anxiety is Good *A little anxiety before a test improves your concentration and alertness. Excessive worry, or test anxiety will lower your test scores. Study Early *Review material ahead of time. Confidence *Walk into the test with your head up and you shoulders back. If you act confident, you will feel more confident Positive Thinking *The more you practice this the better you will be. Relaxation Techniques *Take deep breaths and think of a place where you feel very relaxed and calm.

Get Help When You Need It Talk to Your Teacher *Let your teacher know if you are having difficulty. Make arrangements to stay after school or to come into school early. Get a Tutor * Make arrangements to get a student tutor. Outside tutors are also available for a fee. Check with your Guidance Counselor to see if he or she has a list of tutors. **NHS Tutors – Monday through Thursday (Media Center) Walk-in or make an appointment with your Counselor. **CMAC – Monday through Thursday (Walk-in) **Writing Lab - Monday through Thursday (Walk-in)

Guidance Counselors A-Com Mr. Grosshandler Con-He Mr. Cernansky HI-L Ms. Rockoff M-Pa Ms. Messinger Pe-Si Mr. Longo Sk-Z Ms. Petersen