Mr. Jerome H. Smith, © 1982, 1990, 1998.  All rights reserved. Scanned 2/12/1998. F#JHS0845.

VII. GOAL 7. Teach students specific study techniques to enable them to learn more efficiently and remember more completely the knowledge they are attempting to master.

A.        CONTENT OUTLINE

1.         General study techniques.
2.         1‑2‑5‑10 System.
3.         Textbook reading techniques.
4.         80% recall system.
5.         Level of difficulty principle.
6.         Additional insights into the memory process.

B.         INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1.         Information on study techniques written and compiled by Mr. J. Smith. See Selection 1201, How to Study.
2.         Listening tests over How to Study outline content (Selection 1248A, 1248B).
3.         Multiple‑choice comprehension test over How to Study outline content. See Selection 1216.
4.         Selections written explaining How to Study outline. See Selections 1212, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216.

C.        TEACHING STRATEGIES

1.        At the start of the semester have each student state in a composition their personal short and long term goals. Then, have them state in another composition what they must do to reach their long and short term goals. In yet another composition (pattern after Selection 1115), have students write a set of resolutions describing what they believe they ought to do and need to do to reach those goals. Keep these papers on file alphabetically for each student. Also, have the students keep a copy of their own in their English Notebook. It is essential that students commit early to a serious plan to excel in their school work. [This may need to become an additional numbered primary course goal which needs to supersede in significance the other goals.] There will need to be a way to individualize the approach to fostering this motivation, particularly for any student transferred or enrolled late into the class.

             2.         Present How to Study outline early in the semester, but AFTER the motivation and             commitment specified in step 1 above have been firmly established. [It may be necessary to precede the How to Study outline content by a short series of more general academic success hints. See Selections 1255, 1256. [Develop an additional selection from Sixth Week, Thursday, 10/12/83, "Being a Successful Student" (Based on a review and discussion of "Proverbs and Quotations").]

3.       Periodically conduct an oral review of content and concepts underlying the suggestions and procedures contained in the outline.

4.         Listening tests (short answer and essay) over content outline.

5.         Objective (multiple‑choice) test over How to Study outline.

6.         Compositions and written projects related to How to Study outline.

a.          Future Plans. See Selection 1519, "My After High School Plans." Selection 1411, "Future Plans Composition." Selection 1282, "Career Interest Composition." Selection 1523, "Career Interest Composition." 

b.          Autobiography. See Selection 1413, "Things you can include in your autobiography." Selection 55, "Autobiography." Selection 1902A, "Autobiography Questions."

c.          Study environment. See Selection 1426, "Where I Study."

d.          Resume. [This area needs further development. See material on completing scholarship and college applications, Selection 1280, 1280A. See material on resumes.]

e.          Time Management Procedures.

1) Time Record
2) Time Schedule

D.        EVALUATION PROCEDURE

1.         Student notebook grade on accuracy, completeness, and neatness of notes on How to Study.
 

2.         Oral credit for correct responses to How to Study outline questions during oral review and discussion.

3.         Listening test scores.
4.         Selection scores.
5.                  Objective review test scores.
6.                  Essay test grade.
7.                  Grade on Time Management project.