ways to get good grades. successful people “successful people have learned to make themselves do...
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Ways to Get Good Grades
Successful People
“Successful people have learned to make themselves do the thing that has to be done when it has to be done, whether they like it or not.”
- Aldous Huxley
Warning:
The first seven tips require no additional studying on your part. By following these simple steps, your teachers will perceive you as a “good student” which will result in higher grades. Teachers have known for years that these tips work, but have been sworn not to share them with their students because they have nothing to do with studying. These tips have been leaked to the general public by students who have had to figure them out on their own.
Sit Up Front
• Sitting up front sends the message that you care about your education
• You are less distracted• You get more help from teacher
Watch Your Body Language
• Leaning back in seat, crossed arms, and legs pointed in the wrong direction send the message that you don’t care
• Lean forward• Sit up• Legs point to teacher
Smile
• Smiling makes everyone more comfortable…even the teacher
Participate
• Ask questions• Participating keeps your mind focused• Volunteer before you are called on
Nod Your Head/Appear You are Thinking
• Makes you appear interested and engaged in the lesson
• Teachers perceives you as a “good student”
Eye Contact
• Eye contact sends the message that you are listening
Talk to Your Teacher
• Teachers are human too. Simple conversation establishes a connection with the teacher
Be an Active Listener
• Take Notes
Appearance Counts
• Which package would you choose?• Neatly written essays, on average,
receive 1 letter grade higher than sloppy essays
A BAB
Be Organized
• Notebook• Backpack• Room• Desk – file your old notes and graded
papers
Zero Absences
• When you’re absent you miss content and possible assignments, quizzes/tests, or other information not found on the syllabus
• Simply put, if you attend class regularly, you do better in class
Attendance = Higher Grades
Persistence Counts
• Think about the story of the hare and the tortoise. Slow and steady wins the race.
• Don’t give up
Use a Planner and To-do Lists
• Planners and to-do lists keep your time organized
Study Time: 60 Minutes
Study for Shorter Periodsof Time
• Studying for shorter periods of time with breaks in between increases the amount of content you will retain
Retain5-10
Minutes
Retain5-10
Minutes
Study Time: 20 Minutes
Retain5-10
Minutes
Retain5-10
Minutes
Study Time: 20 Minutes
Retain5-10
Minutes
Retain5-10
Minutes
Break5 Minutes
1 Minute a Day
• Study each page of notes for 1 minute each day until you have a test.
Check Your Grades
• Teachers are human. Sometimes errors occur.
• Save graded assignments in case assignments didn’t make it into the grade book
• Know the grading scale – some assignments are more important than others
Absence ≠ Day Off
• Get the phone # and email address of classmates• You are responsible for assignments you missed • Ask teacher or other students for notes and
assignments
Mr. Teacher, I was absent from FOCUS today. Could you please e-mail me any assignments I missed.Thanks,John Q. Student
Get Help When You Need It
• Tutoring• Tutorials• Teacher Help• Study Group• Counselors
Know How to Take Tests
• Skip questions you don’t know and come back to them
• Eliminate incorrect answers for multiple choice
• Go with your gut feeling
Go Above and Beyond
• If you are asked to write a paper, type it.• If you are asked to write a 1-3 page
paper, make sure it is at least 3 pages• If the reading is “optional”, do it
Do Your Homework
• Homework helps you understand what was taught in class.
• Whether it is graded or not, doing homework will help you on tests
Observe Class Rules
• Negative behavior labels you as a “bad student” even if you are intelligent
• If, for example, hats, gum, cell phones, MP3 players bother your teacher, don’t have them in class
Just remember
Do Your Best and Be Your best!!