Module #3 – Success in the Classroom

In this module, you will reinforce the information you learned about in class and in chapter 4 of your textbook. The goal of this unit is for you to use the tools and information to be successful with your studies.

P A R

To truly be successful with your classes, you need to follow a process. Everything we cover in this module fits inside the acronym P A R.

We want your study skills to be… up to PAR!

P = Plan/Prepare

A = Act/Attend Class

R = Review

P = PLAN / PREPARE

What does planning and preparing involve when it comes to being a student?

Have all of your class materials, textbooks, notebooks, writing utensils, flash drive, etc.

Use some type of planner. (WSGA provides one free to you!) Put everything you are responsible for in it (classes, assignments, job, etc.).

Try the Assignment Calculator to plan writing projects.

Know how you learn best…

Learning Styles

There are many views on learning styles and how personality plays into learning. We are focusing on the VARK in this course.

1. Click on the link (at left) and take the questionnaire. Remember you can mark as many answers as apply to you in each question.

2. When you have submitted your results, take a look at the “Helpsheets” as these will aid you with your studies.

V = VisualA = Aural/Auditory

R = Read/WriteK = Kinesthetic

A = ACT / ATTEND CLASS

Go to class! You paid for it, so get your money’s worth. One of the biggest predictors of

student success is based on class attendance. It matters!

Before class starts: Sit up front if possible. Review last class’s materials,

notes, etc. Be ready! Put away distractions (like that

cell phone).

ACT / ATTEND CLASS

During class:

Pay attention and actively listen.

Ask and answer questions when appropriate.

Be ready to take notes.

Taking Notes

There are several styles you may use when taking notes…

CC photo by Kristin Wolff

Cornell Method

Outline Format

Paragraph Format

Listing Format

Mind/Concept Mapping

Cornell Method

Developed by Cornell University

Prof. Walter Pauk.

The paper has 2-3 separate sections.

2. After class… (preferably within 24 hours of the class), jot down major points, dates, names, terms, etc. here.

1. Take notes in this section as you normally would during your class period.

Optional Section: Write a summary sentence or two about this page of notes.

Outline Format

A formal way of organizing your notes.

May be difficult to write them in this format during class.

Could be good review to re-write your notes in this format.

I. US Civil War 1861-1865    A. North (Union)    B. South (Confederacy)

II. Leaders A. Union 1. Abraham Lincoln, President 2. Ulysses S. Grant, General 3. William T. Sherman, General a. Atlanta Campaign b. March to the Sea/Savannah

B. Confederacy 1. Jefferson Davis, President 2. Robert E. Lee, General 3. Stonewall Jackson, General

III. Issues and Causes A. Slavery B. States’ Rights C. Industrial v. Agrarian        

Paragraph Format

Writing your notes in rough sentences & paragraphs.

“Sentences” may actually be fragments and phrases.

US Civil War – Begins 4-12-1865

North – Union, South – Confederacy.

Leaders: (N) – Abraham Lincoln (Pres.), Ulysses S. Grant (Gen.), William T. Sherman (Gen.);

(S) – Jefferson Davis (Pres.), Robert E. Lee (Gen.), Stonewall Jackson (Gen.)

Causes of War: Slavery; states' rights, agrarian v. industrial way of life…

Listing Format

Sometimes referred to as “charting.”

Often incorporated with other note-taking methods.

US Civil War – Begins 4-12-1865

North = Union South = Confederacy

Leaders:Abraham Lincoln (Pr.) Jefferson Davis (Pr.)Ulysses S. Grant (Gen.) Robert E. Lee (Gen.)William T. Sherman (Gen.) Stonewall Jackson (Gen.)

Causes: Slavery SlaveryPreserve Union States’ Rights(Secession)Industrial Agricultural

Mind / Concept Mapping Method literally makes connections between topics and ideas.

May be difficult to write them in this format during class.

Could be good review to re-write your notes in this format.

US Civil War 1861-1865

North=Union South= Confederacy

A. Lincoln

US Grant

Sherman

Jeff. Davis

Robt. E. Lee

Jackson Slavery

States' Rights Ind. v. Ag.

R = REVIEW

After class… Review within 24 hours of learning the new material.

Research shows that if you review new information within a 24 hour time frame, you have a better chance of remembering it in the future!

Consider interacting with the material in different ways (study group, flash cards, tutoring in Mabee’s ASC, re-writing notes…). The more frequent and various ways you interact with it, the better chance you have of remembering it.

Remember the 2:1 rule - (2 study hours for every 1 credit hour of course work).

Plan weekly reviews of your course material. This will save you time when exams roll around!

Other Things to Keep in Mind…

Use the tools and processes which work best for you.

There are many digital/technology options available, but don’t discount paper and pen/pencil.

Follow PAR and you will be successful.

Tech. Options: Assignment Calculator Evernote

Studyblue.com/evernote Catch Studystack.com Google Docs Zoho Notebook Mind42 (mind map site) Bubbl.us (mind map site) OpenOffice.org Jjot MyNoteit Notezz!

Now for a Quiz…

Quiz…..

StudySkillsQuiz

PROPERTIESOn passing, 'Finish' button: Goes to Next SlideOn failing, 'Finish' button: Goes to Next SlideAllow user to leave quiz: After user has completed quizUser may view slides after quiz: At any timeUser may attempt quiz: Unlimited times