learning

Mr. McDowell's World and US History Courses
Learning to Learn or Habits of Highly Successful Students

From your reading “The Trouble with Talent” you now know that academic success has more to
do with organizational skills, good study habits, and hard work than innate “intelligence”. ANY
STUDENT can prepare themselves to succeed in their studies. Throughout the year I will help
you to develop organizational skills and good study habits. However, it is up to YOU to put in the
hard work! Below you will find some general recommendations (or habits) to help you master
your studies. Stop and think carefully about each point. Ask yourself: Do I follow this suggestion
in my studying? When you come to a rule that you do not apply already, take special note of it. It
takes time to form good habits of study; you must hammer away steadily to produce results. It
will happen, however, if you persistently apply the following rules:

Feel intensely the desire to master your studies and resolve that you WILL master
them. Build up definite ambitions (What do I WANT to achieve?); appreciate your duties and
responsibilities (What do I NEED to achieve?); recognize the consequences of poor work
and the rewards of good work (What are the CONSEQUENCES of achieving/not achieving
my ambitions, duties, and responsibilities?)

Remember to study actively. Learn by doing. Use your knowledge by thinking, talking, and
writing about the things you are learning.

Prepare a notebook for each of your academic subjects and keep it organized,
complete, and up-to-date.

Review your textbook as soon as you get it. Know its various parts and its organization.
Know where to find things quickly. (See Textbook Sleuth assignment.)

Attend class!You will need the information provided in class in order to be successful. (If
you are going to be absent for an extended period of time, get the homework assignments
by calling the school. If your absence is just for a few days, get your assignments from the
teacher as soon as you return.)

Be prepared. Come to class with all your required materials and equipment. You will
ALWAYS need: paper, notes, pens/pencils, and your homework (if assigned).

Make effective use of your time in the classroom. Listen attentively, take notes in class,
use the time provided by the teacher (IF provided) to begin the evening’s homework, and
make a weekly schedule (see attachment) for your schoolwork and after-school activities.

Have a place to study at home where you can concentrate without unnecessary noise
or other distractions. Find a quiet place without television or music.

Understand your assignments. Know what you are expected to do and when you are
required to complete it.

Plan to spend approximately thirty minutes PER DAY outside of school studying each
subject. (Time will vary depending upon the nature of the class and the assignment given.)

Remember: Think positively! Your attitude can make the difference between success and
failure in the classroom. A positive, respectful, and interested attitude will develop competence
and confidence. Studying is a skill, a system of habits and procedures developed through
practice. It is a skill that can be learned and mastered with time. Start practicing them today!



		Mr. McDowell's World and US History Courses Learning to Learn or Habits of Highly Successful Students
		From your reading “The Trouble with Talent” you now know that academic success has more to do with organizational skills, good study habits, and hard work than innate “intelligence”. ANY STUDENT can prepare themselves to succeed in their studies. Throughout the year I will help you to develop organizational skills and good study habits. However, it is up to YOU to put in the hard work! Below you will find some general recommendations (or habits) to help you master your studies. Stop and think carefully about each point. Ask yourself: Do I follow this suggestion in my studying? When you come to a rule that you do not apply already, take special note of it. It takes time to form good habits of study; you must hammer away steadily to produce results. It will happen, however, if you persistently apply the following rules:
		Feel intensely the desire to master your studies and resolve that you WILL master them. Build up definite ambitions (What do I WANT to achieve?); appreciate your duties and responsibilities (What do I NEED to achieve?); recognize the consequences of poor work and the rewards of good work (What are the CONSEQUENCES of achieving/not achieving my ambitions, duties, and responsibilities?) Remember to study actively. Learn by doing. Use your knowledge by thinking, talking, and writing about the things you are learning. Prepare a notebook for each of your academic subjects and keep it organized, complete, and up-to-date. Review your textbook as soon as you get it. Know its various parts and its organization. Know where to find things quickly. (See Textbook Sleuth assignment.) Attend class!You will need the information provided in class in order to be successful. (If you are going to be absent for an extended period of time, get the homework assignments by calling the school. If your absence is just for a few days, get your assignments from the teacher as soon as you return.) Be prepared. Come to class with all your required materials and equipment. You will ALWAYS need: paper, notes, pens/pencils, and your homework (if assigned). Make effective use of your time in the classroom. Listen attentively, take notes in class, use the time provided by the teacher (IF provided) to begin the evening’s homework, and make a weekly schedule (see attachment) for your schoolwork and after-school activities. Have a place to study at home where you can concentrate without unnecessary noise or other distractions. Find a quiet place without television or music. Understand your assignments. Know what you are expected to do and when you are required to complete it. Plan to spend approximately thirty minutes PER DAY outside of school studying each subject. (Time will vary depending upon the nature of the class and the assignment given.)
		Remember: Think positively! Your attitude can make the difference between success and failure in the classroom. A positive, respectful, and interested attitude will develop competence and confidence. Studying is a skill, a system of habits and procedures developed through practice. It is a skill that can be learned and mastered with time. Start practicing them today!