“On the Tests, Quizzes, Lab work, or Projects I thought I knew it.... but I guess I didn't. What went wrong?"
First and foremost you should realize that if you are not doing as well as you would like to be doing, you must change some of your habits. The problem is NOT going to get better by continuing to use the same ineffective method of study and classroom behavior.
Use this list of questions and possible answers to find out if there might be some ways to improve your study methods.
- Did I read the directions?
- Perhaps I should be sure and read all the directions and the information in the problem before I procede.
- When writing lab work or projects did I refer to the format information given and follow those formatting guidelines.
- Did I rush and make careless mistakes?
- Maybe I need to read the questions / directions more carefully.
- Have I been working on my lab work or projects well before the night before they are due.
- Did I not study the right information?
- How do I find out / predict what will be on the Test or Quiz? I should use the schedule & assignment page as well as the "vocabulary" and review questions at the back of the chapter to find out the topics.
- Did I study the right information and forget it during the Test or Quiz?
- Perhaps I need to study more effectively so that I can retain more. Have I been listening in class for study suggestions?
- Have I tried several of the ACTIVE study methods suggested in the list above?
- Perhaps I should make an appointment with my teacher to get some suggestions for new study techniques.
- Did I study the right information, but not understand it while I was studying it?
- Maybe it would be best not to wait until the night before the Test or Quiz when it is too late to get help. It is important to try problems in class, then try more practice at home, then ask questions in class or get extra help after school if the information is still unclear.
- Do I understand the information now?
- I must be sure to listen, think, take notes, ask questions to work for an understanding in class. Maybe I need to become a more active learner and ask for help when I am confused.
- Did I study at all? Did I study long enough?
- Maybe I should start studying; maybe I need to put more time in; or maybe I could be more efficient and effective.
- Do I need to start doing my homework on a daily basis?
- This might give me more time to let the material sink in as well as provide valuable practice.
- Do I need to reread or rewrite my notes that I take in class?
- If I don't understand something, I could ask questions the next day.
- Did I practice enough, putting myself in a quiz-type situation, or did I just "catalog scan" my homework and assume I knew it?
- Maybe I need to start reworking my notes, practices, vocab list, review questions, exercises, and quizzes.
- Essays or short answers - did I not probe the question and answer it thoroughly enough?
- Maybe I should answer the question, then ask myself why, how, or what, and then answer that.
- Do I need to get extra help? Do I realize that my teacher is willing to give it?
- Perhaps I should take the initiative to see her as soon as possible.