• How do I study for tests and quizzes?
     
    The assessments you take in 8th grade require more organization and studying, and more accurate, detailed recall than in prior grades. This is a perfect year to practice these skills; you'll be a pro when you enter high school next year!
     
    Here are a few tips in a nutshell:
     
    1. Know what's going to be assessed. In our class, use your unit plan. Other teachers will have different types of study guides. 
    2. Keep all your work. The work you do in any class is the content and skill practice for what is being assessed. This is what you study!
    3. Learn how you study best. This can be a process of trial and error. Pay attention to times you feel confident vs. underprepared; what did you do to be prepared? 
    4. Reflect on the results you are getting. Did you earn the grade you wanted? If not, what would you differently?
    5. Understand the difference between simply reviewing your materials and true understanding of the content you are expected to know. Students often say they are "studying", but they have failed to memorize basic terms and concepts, and failed to understand how those concepts are tied together and important for the unit. 
    6. Embrace productive failure! (or at least understand it is a positve part of learning!) As you learn these skills, you may have some results you aren't used to, or aren't happy with. We often learn best from these low points, as long as we reflect and take action.
     
    Read this article from Edutopia that outines five effective study strategies that have been proven over time.
    Read this article from the Faculty Innovation Center at University of Texas, Austin about research on frequent, low stakes testing (both formal and informal - it's good for studying!)
     
     
    What is the most efficient way to learn, according to research? 
     
     
     
    Successful study techniques involve multiple senses. To remember information that will be on a test, people must always use at least two of the following techniques:  writing, reading, listening, speaking, looking. 
     
    WRITING 
    • rewrite your notes
    • create Cornell or outline style notes
    • create flashcards
    • take practice tests
    • write a paragraph summarizing what you know
    • draw your notes out, using symbols and illustrations that mean something to you

     LISTENING

    • have your parents or friends orally quiz you using your notes
    • listen as your classmates talk about the topic
    • after explaining the topic to your teacher/friend, have them repeat back what you told them to see if you explained it correctly
    • read the text aloud to yourself
    • cover your notes or the text, and say the answer or content out loud to yourself

     READING

    • reread your notes
    • reread the textbook chapter
    • reread any previous tests quizzes
    • reread previous essays
    • read a description of the topic on a quality website
    • Make sure you can write or recite what you just read without looking at the text

     SPEAKING

    • explain the topic with your parents
    • discuss the topic with your classmates
    • read your notes aloud to yourself
    • read the text aloud to yourself 

    LOOKING

    • look at the Powerpoints on Mrs. Albaugh's website
    • look at the maps/charts/photos in the text and explain them to your parents
Last Modified on September 5, 2019