5 tips for staying motivated

Tips 1-2

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/8454.html

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

The key to success in school in 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 impact, 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 give 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 last year, try a poem this time. For book reports, pick a history book instead of another biography.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Student Success Statement

“You have only always to do what is right. It will become easier by practice, and you enjoy in the midst of your trials the pleasure of an approving conscience.”

Robert E. Lee

He’s saying that you will always have the choice to do what is right no matter what happens.

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 and how to manage your ask.

Celebrate you achievements

Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Student Success Statement

“Be always sure you’re right, then go ahead.”

Davy Crockett.

He’s saying that, always  make sure that you think about it before you do anything else, and then go right ahead.

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 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 other 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 detailed outlines. Try to find the methods that work best for you ask your teacher for recommendations if you’re having trouble.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Take Control of Homework

So it doesn’t control you

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/121.html

Although very few students love homework, it does serve a purpose. Homework helps you:

. Reinforce what you’ve learned during the day.

. build study habits that are essential in college.

. Prepare for your classes

. 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 are 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!!!

Note-taking strategies

Part 4

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

For review

Once you’re 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 all your notes once a week. That way, you won’t need 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 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!!!