Based on WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S AN "A" Based on WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S AN "A" Professor Claude Olney Arizona State University

CLASSES AND TEACHERS  Attendance makes a difference! Getting good grades is a matter of using the right skills and techniques, not merely a matter of IQ. Choose the techniques that are right for you. CLASSES AND TEACHERS  Attendance makes a difference! Be in class every day. Missed classes mean grades. When you have a choice, choose classes that interest you. Sit in the and lean forward to help concentration. Get to know your teachers. After a test, talk with the teacher to find out how _LOWER_ _FRONT_ _TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME_.

Begin each new class full speed ahead. Make an all- Begin each new class full speed ahead! Make an all- out effort in the first two weeks of each term. Start strong. Work hard the first few weeks to establish an "A" and then work on that "A." More than talent, genius, and education, is key to success. View optional extra-credit assignments as Take every opportunity to turn in extra credit work. If your teacher doesn't offer extra credit projects, ask what--if anything--you can do to raise your grade.  Keep track of your own grades in every class. _KEEPING_ _PERSISTENCE_ _MANDATORY_.

TAKING NOTES, WRITING PAPERS, AND GIVING. ORAL PRESENTATIONS  TAKING NOTES, WRITING PAPERS, AND GIVING ORAL PRESENTATIONS  Take worthwhile notes. Be brief. Use key words, not Use Review notes immediately after class to reinforce the information. Use to help you learn key facts. Read notes aloud so you hear the information as well as see it.  When writing papers... Remember that is very important. To improve the of the paper, use this five-step method: 1. Make an of the main ideas. 2.  Write a topic sentence for each section on a separate paper. _LONG SENTENCES _. _ABBREVIATIONS_. _INDEX CARDS_ _APPEARANCE_ _CONTENT_ _OUTLINE_

3. Fill in the specifics for each section. Write the 3. Fill in the specifics for each section. Write the first draft informally as if you were writing a letter to a friend. 4. Refine each . Keep paragraphs short. Read your writing out loud. 5. Check for grammar, and repetition. Have someone who is a good editor/proofreader check your paper.  Be calm during oral presentations. Have for your speech and put notes on the back of them. STUDYING  Master the art of studying. Study first and then play. Studying won't seem as hard. Study the material first; then study the material. _PARAGRAPH_ _SPELLING_, _PROPS_ _PROPS_ _EASY_

_MORE_ _SMART_. _FIRSTS_ _LASTS_. _WAITING_  Be creative with your approach to studying. Study less but learn by studying  Pick your study times according to your biological clock. Study when you are at your peak and when the is right for you.  Study in short bursts. The first and last things we study are the easiest to recall. Therefore, increase your and    Use time to study.  Yellow underliners postpone learning. Instead of underlining important points in your notes, mark what you don't know. _MORE_ _SMART_. _TIME_ _FIRSTS_ _LASTS_. _WAITING_

   When you study, up your feet: This position helps blood get to your brain. Breathe deeply. Eat a piece of fruit rather than a heavy meal before studying or taking a test.    Learn and use memory techniques. 1. method 2. method 3. method  Increase your reading power by reading not passively. Read with pen in hand! Read assignments before class and let class be a time for you. Picture in your mind what you're reading about and look for If you get tired of reading, while you read.   _PROP_ _ROTE_ _LINK_ _RELEARNING_ _ACTIVELY_, _REVIEW_ _PATTERN_. _STAND UP_

When studying a foreign language When studying a foreign language... Choose a language you like or have a feel for. Get with the language -- read books, newspapers, other publications in that language; join a club; etc. Memorize out loud. Use index cards to turn waiting time into time.    When studying math and science... Make sure you understand before you go on to the next step. Don't try to learn the material Understand the directions before doing your homework. Ask for help as soon as you begin to get lost. Study for a test right up to the last second. Review the formulas you need to know as you walk into class. Then write them on the right after the teacher hands it out. Pay attention to all the tips and tricks the teacher offers.   _INVOLVED_ _STUDY_ _EACH STEP_ _OVERNIGHT__. _TEST PAPER_

TAKING TESTS . Become an expert test taker and an educated guesser TAKING TESTS  Become an expert test taker and an educated guesser. Get for the test, not psyched out. Know limiting words used on true/false tests (see handout).   Don't skip questions you can't answer. Make an educated guess and a small by the question so, if you have time later or remember the answer, you can go back to it. When you guess, go with your It's usually correct!    Turn in picture-perfect exams by using an pen.    To reduce tension before taking tests: 1. Tense and then relax each muscle of your body. 2. Imagine and plan for 3. Repeat Henry Ford said, "If you think you can do it, you're right. If you think you can't do anything, you're still right." _PSYCHED UP_ _MARK_ _FIRST HUNCH_. _ERASABLE_ _SUCCESS_. _POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS_.

On essay tests. Avoid "I think" and "I feel. " Be confident On essay tests... Avoid "I think" and "I feel." Be confident Answer with several short paragraphs rather than one long paragraph. Volume is important, but don't overdo it. Answer easy questions Watch for key words and be sure you are the question that is asked. Leave room on your paper for additional information that may come to you later during the test. Strive for neatness on your tests and papers. Neatness raises grades; lowers grades.  To improve your test scores in math: 1. Write figures 2. Keep columns 3. Copy numbers _FIRST_. _ANSWERING_ _SLOPPINESS_ _CLEARLY_. _STRAIGHT_. _CORRECTLY_.

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW TODAY  PREPARING FOR TOMORROW TODAY  Now is the time to start planning for your future education and how to finance it.   Being involved in one or two major activities (athletics, student government, music, drama, etc.) will improve your grades.  If you have higher grades, you may be eligible for lower automobile premiums; scholarships are available; and you'll be able to choose where you want to go to school. Take advantage of the different types of financial aid available --scholarships, grants, and loans. See Valencia's computer labs and for specific information.   _INSURANCE_ _COUNSELING OFFICE, LIBRARY, AND DAILY_

. Prepare for the ACT and the SAT. Take the tests  Prepare for the ACT and the SAT. Take the tests Practice taking these tests under simulated test-taking conditions. Sign up for a special prep course. The first questions are usually the Don't think that your answer is wrong because the question is too easy. The last question in each section is the hardest and often has deceptive answers!  Getting better grades--what's in it for you? Better jobs More when it comes to college and career Scholarships Peace of mind because you have Increased The that comes with accomplishment   _EARLY_. _EASIEST_. _CHOICES_ _CHOICE_ _CONFIDENCE_ _SATISFACTION_

LESSONS FOR LIFE  Set goals for yourself in all important areas of life.   Write out your goals for life regularly--and don't be afraid to set your goals Make your goals and state them in positive terms. Set goals in all important areas of life. Establish for achieving your goals--and keep score. Set your goals which belong to  Stay fit -- mentally, spiritually, and physically! _HIGH_. _SPECIFIC_ _TIME FRAME_ _YOU ALONE_.