Be Successful in Class 9 th Grade Skills Needed for Post-Secondary Success Microsoft, 2011

Review What are some study tips or strategies we talked about last class for preparing for a test? Which study strategy did you try since last class? What went well? What didn’t go well? What might you do differently? Which other technique might you try? Microsoft, 2011

Review What are some self-management strategies we discussed a few classes ago? – Which have you tried? How has it gone? What are some note-taking and reading strategies that we learned about two classes ago? – Which have you tried? How has it gone?

Pre-Test 1.What are two strategies for being an active listener? 2.What is one way to advocate for yourself now and in college?

Be a Successful Student Tip 7 for Success in High School and College is to attend every class Tip 8 is to advocate for yourself. – Both of these tips will be important for succeeding in your classes. Microsoft, 2011

Objective – Today, we’ll discuss strategies for not just attending class but actively engaging in class and getting the most from it. Microsoft, 2011

Dear Counselor Dear Counselor, I usually do very well in classes that are interesting to me and poorly when they aren’t. Right now I have a required history class that is truly a sleeper, yet I can’t afford to fail it. Every time I go to class I have every intention of listening, however, halfway through the hour I’m looking at the clock on the wall waiting for it to be over. Help! I need to make myself listen - at least well enough to pass. Are some people naturally good listeners? Or is it something I can learn? -Distracted in 109 Microsoft, 2011

Counselor’s Advice 1.Prepare to listen 2.Sit at the front of the room 3.Be a good note taker (You know how to do this!) 4.Ask questions 5.Keep an open mind 6.Practice regularly Microsoft, 2011

Active Listening Activity

Answer – Box 1

Answer – Box 2 XEROX

Answer – Box 3

Answer – Box 4

Reflect Complete the reflection on paper Microsoft, 2011

Think-Pair-Share How successful were you in following all of the directions? What kept you from being successful? (Or what helped you to be successful?) What lesson does your performance on this task teach you about becoming a better communicator? What could have helped you to be more successful? How could asking for clarification have helped?

Self-Advocacy Part of being a good student in class is advocating for yourself. Just like being a good listener requires asking questions when you have them, being a successful student requires asking for help when you need it. In college, you need to seek out help, so start now!

Self-Advocacy - Discuss Who can you turn to for help… – With schoolwork? – With personal problems? – With questions about college? – With medical issues? What resources are available at our school to help prepare for college? – How do you access those resources?

Pre-Test 1.What are two strategies for being an active listener? 2.What is one way to advocate for yourself now and in college?

Review What are some ways to be successful in high school and college classes? What does it mean to be an active listener? What does it mean to be a self-advocate? Why are these skills important for high school? For college? Microsoft, 2011

Assignment Practice active listening in your classes. Check out at least 1 resource our school offers to help prepare students for postsecondary education. Microsoft, 2011

References Lybarger, S.K. (2006). Active Listening in the Classroom. Lexington, KY: University of Kentucky Counseling and Testing Center. Retrieved from Microsoft Office Images. (2011). Retrieved from us/images/ us/images/