Monday, February 15, 2010

TIP OF THE WEEK - February 15

Cramming Techniques for Exams
Cramming for exams should be avoided at all costs. You should only cram for an exam as a last resort. It's hard to take in and retain a large amount of information in a short period of time. Some of the tips on studying and preparing for a test may overlap with the cramming techniques below.

1)Eat some food to give you energy to study but avoid consuming excess sugar which will make you hyper and will make it more difficult to study.

2)An apple does a better job at keeping you focused and awake than caffeine.

3)Find a well lit place with no distractions around to study but don't get too comfortable or you may fall

4)Keep a positive attitude, it is easier to study when you are relaxed than when you are stressed out.
 
5)Since your time is limited you have to choose what you study. Don't attempt to learn everything, focus on things that will get you the most points on the exam.

6)Focus on the main ideas and learn key formulas. Skip the details for now and only come back to them if you see that you have time after you have learned the key points.

7)Write down the key ideas/formulas on a sheet of paper and keep on studying from that sheet, repetition is important.

8)Highlight the important points in your notes, and text and focus on that.
 
9)Read the chapter summaries (they usually do a good job at summarizing the important points). If there're no chapter summaries then skim through the text and write down key ideas.

10)Study from past tests, review questions, homework & review sheets.
  
11)Take at least one five minute break an hour so that you can gather your thoughts and let your brain relax.
 
12)If time permits, try to get at least 3 hours of sleep (one sleep cycle) before the exam so that you don't fall asleep when taking your exam. Don't forget to set your alarm!

TIP OF THE WEEK - February 8

Career Tips for Students

Figuring out what to do for work is a process that happens over time, rather than a single one-time decision. Career Planning is a developmental, thought-provoking process. You must examine yourself: your interests, your temperament, and your values. You then need to think about what you want in a job.

Establish Tentative Personal/Career Goals
Write them in terms of short range and long range objectives, with an emphasis on what you plan to do after high school. Remember, you must continue your education and training beyond high school in order to support the life style you want.

Discuss Your Career Goals With Counselors, Teachers, & Family
Ask their advice, and encourage their input so you can evaluate their suggestions and ideas along with your own.

Explore Occupations and Gather Career Information
Store your collection of materials, articles, and pamphlets in a loose leaf binder or scrapbook. Find out what education or additional training will be required to pursue the careers of your choice.

Conduct Informational Interviews
Talk with people who are working in occupations that interest you. Consider using a tape recorder to take notes. Ask your counselors or parents to assist you in arranging field trips to see various work environments.

Develop a Resume of Activities, Honors, and Achievements
This can be used later when you apply for part-time jobs and volunteer to work in community and civic activities.

Assemble a List of Admission Requirements and Qualifications
This list will assist you in determining how competitive you are. Two and four-year colleges, military organizations, and trade schools have entrance requirements. Collect college catalogs and other brochures. Ask about open house activities.

Visit Colleges or Other Education/Training Sites
Talk to professors and administrators, interview students, sit in on classes, tour facilities, read the bulletin boards and get copies of its newspapers. Develop a list of questions to be answered, and names, addresses and phone numbers of key contacts. Make sure that the institutions offer the type of education and/or training you will need to pursue your career choices. Inquire about the placement of their graduates.