Sunday, October 6, 2013

Is it physically possible for a person to stay ahead of the class in a college level course?

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Lord THand


Would that be the best way to remain successful in the course?
*What is the best way to remain successful in a college course?

This question isn't rocket science. Do answer eventually.



Answer
Well, yes, you *could* look at the syllabus and get a head start, doing readings and homework long before they are due. That might be helpful in some cases and definitely preferable to falling behind, feeling lost in class, turning work in late and/or having to cram and read everything right before the exam.

In some classes, such as those that cover a different reading or topic every week, getting too far ahead might actually be counterproductive, since you may forget what you read by the time that topic/reading is covered. Or you might begin an assignment way in advance and then learn you were doing it wrong or were missing important information covered in class.

The more important thing is to keep up and to read/study actively, meaning that you don't just try to read and listen and absorb information. You do what you can to apply or use what you've learned and understand it more fully.

For a reading assignment, that means you don't just run your eyes over the page and hope you remember everything. Instead, you ask yourself questions as you're reading. You look for the key points the author is making and you write them down in your own words. If you don't understand something, you mark it and write down your questions to ask in or after class.

For a language or math class, it means you do all of the homework practice (even if it's not graded) when assigned, and assign yourself extra as needed. Check your own answers and ask questions when you get one wrong that you don't understand. For language classes, take advantage of conversation groups. Watch a few foreign-language films, read or watch the news in the language, or even turn your computer or video game settings to the language. Meet native speakers on campus or online and converse with them.

Speak up in all classes that encourage it, offering your thoughts and asking questions when something isn't clear.

Before exams, take time to think about what you can expect to see on it and quiz yourself. Think through essay questions that might come up and do up an outline or a few bullet points for things you would cover if that question were asked.

What makes a teacher a good classroom manager?




Dee


I am having trouble with a class, what makes a teacher a good classroom manager?


Answer
#1 Rule: Be firm, fair, and consistent.

The key is to have a classroom management policy in place from day one. You want to clearly outline for your students what you expect of them.

For instance, here is mine:

* * *
EXPECTATIONS
â¢Respect each other, the teacher, the classroom, and the learning process.
â¢Listen and follow all directions.
â¢Do your best every day.
â¢Be involved and engaged.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
â¢Beginning Class: Upon entering class, quietly take your seat, get out materials and begin working on your daily journal entry (Writerâs Journal).
â¢Tardy: Be in class on time every day. The Warren High School attendance and tardy policy will be strictly enforced. If you are late to class, quietly enter the classroom, sign the tardy book, sit in your assigned seat, and join the class activity. If you have a late pass, you must still sign in. You may show me your pass at the end of the period. Come prepared to class with appropriate class materials. If you do not have your book(s), you will receive a tardy. The reason being, if I sent you back to your locker, you would be late to class.
â¢Absences: If you are absent, present your admittance slip to me when you enter the classroom the first day you are back. It is YOUR responsibility to check the Classroom Book for missed assignments. After you have checked the book and made a list of your missing work, I will help you schedule make-up quizzes, tests, etc.
â¢Pre-dismissal: Typically, class activities will end approximately three minutes before the end of the period. During this time students are to remain seated until dismissed, to put all materials away, and to keep the noise level to a minimum. This is the time for students to ask questions, schedule make-up tests or retakes, explain reason for tardiness, etc. Note that the teacher dismisses the class, NOT the bell.
â¢Follow all school rules as outlined in the student handbook.

POSITIVES
â¢Verbal Praise
â¢Phone calls or notes to parents/ guardians
â¢Whole class reward
â¢Bonus points
â¢Prize

DISCIPLINE PLAN LIMITS*
â¢First Violation: Warning by teacher
â¢Second Violation:One minute after class
â¢Third Violation: Two minutes after class; call to parent/guardian
â¢Fourth Violation: Refer to administration

*SEVERE CLAUSE: Defiance or disrespectfulness, fighting, vandalism, or any student behavior that stops the class from functioning will result in immediate referral to administration.

* * *
It is relatively short. I go over it with the class and then post it where they can see it. The key is follow through.

I would consider drawing up your plan and presenting it after Christmas break--new year, new rules. Go over it with your students and DO NOT back down. Stick with it--stay consistent. It'll be tough the first couple weeks (they'll try to get you to abandon it), but it WILL work if you keep at it. Having this break for the holidays is like a second chance--use it!


The first year I taught I was a doormat. I was "afraid" of confrontation. I didn't give tardies. I didn't give detentions. Year two, that all ended. I gave tardies. I gave two detentions day one. I spoke with parents several times the first weeks of school. I showed no weakness. The focus was on school and I was all business. Within a matter of weeks the kids responded. I seldom ever had to hand out tardies. I never had a detention again. And, when I called parents it was usually to deliver good news. I couldn't believe the change.

By my third year I was known as a tough teacher that wouldn't let you get away with anything--but I was well respected. That was my goal! I didn't care if they liked me, but they had to respect me. Last year I was chosen as a "favorite" teacher and asked to greet students during the diploma ceremony. Although becoming a favorite wasn't my goal, the fact that they chose me showed me that you can maintain positive relationship with your students while maintaining respect in the classroom.




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