Writing Skills

Writing Skills

1 of 10

Communication is at the top of the list of skills that employers look for. And communication in the workplace often means writing.

Health professionals keep patient charts, researchers depend on the money they collect by the writing grant applications, software engineers write technical specifications, and nearly everyone writes e-mail to people inside and outside their organization. And before you even get the chance to interview for a job, you'l need to present yourself in cover letters and resumes.

So, by taking writing serious and doing your best on every research paper, every lab report you write, every writing activity you engage in, you're preparing yourself for a good career.

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It's Online, but Is It On Target?

It's Online, but Is It On Target?

Part 3

Dot-What?

Look at the site's address. What follows the dot?

• Dot-com is not only for businesses; anyone can use it. Dot-coms include well-known and respected companies, but also private individuals.
• Dot-org usually indicates a not-for-profit organization. Many dot-org present unbiased information, but others have political agendas, focus on debatable issues instead of facts, and might not present all sides of an argument.
• Dot-gov indicates a governments website at the federal, state or local level. The federal government is a good source of statistics, and its sites are widely considered among the most reliable.
• Dot-mil is used by sites that are part of the military.
• Dot-edu usually indicates a university website. While its published research is generally considered very trustworthy, anyone associated with the university, whether a world-renowned scholar or a freshman, can be given space on its server. Professors sometimes put student course work up on the Web, but that doesn't mean they're vouching for the information's accuracy.

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Student Success Statement

Student Success Statement

"Be quick, but don't get into a hurry."

John Wooden

REFLECTION: This tells us to do this fast but skillfully. For example the person who does things fast usually wins but if you do fast but take it seriously you will go further.

Student Success Statement

Student Success Statement

"There is no justification ever for choosing any part of what you know to be evil."

Ayn Rand

REFLECTION: This statement tells us that choosing the wrong is never a good thing to do. There should no reasons for you to even have the idea of choosing the wrong. Choosing the wrong should never be on you daily schedule but Choosing The Right should.

Reading

Reading

5 Tips for Success

Tip 5

Tip 5: Keep a List of Questions

When you feel confused about something you're reading, write down any questions you have. Sometimes your questions are answered as you read further. If nor, don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember, teachers create assignments; they've read the texts and are familiar with them. When you have specific questions, your teachers can provide answers that will help you better understand the material. Learning is rooted in questions developed and asked by the learner.

Asking questions to yourself, to the teacher, and to others, is a great learning method. When you cease to exist to a great extent. Read actively by silently asking questions as you are reading and therefore will expand your mental capacities more than almost anything else.

The philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said, "Knowledge is power." Improving your reading comprehension is the key to gaining important knowledge and making the most of your education. So pick up a book ... and a pen.

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Reading

Reading

5 Tips for Success

Tips 3-4

Tip 3: Do Research 

Literary critics have written vast numbers of analytical and critical pieces on countless books. If you're having trouble understanding a particular text, do some research and see what knowledgeable sources have to say about it. In addition to increasing your comprehension, you'll also be showing initiative, something teachers always like to see. Always use legitimate and scholarly sources, not condensed study guides. Going the extra mile in your research elevates your achievement 10-fold.

Tip 4: Use a Dictionary 

Make sure you have access to a dictionary when you're reading. You can often figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by using context clues, but sometimes you can't. Rather than simply skipping over the words you don't know, take the time to look them up. The results are well worth the effort. Your comprehension will increase greatly, and you'll build your vocabulary at the same time.

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Student Success Statement

Student Success Statement

"Every time I've done something that doesn't feel right, it's ended up not being right."

Mario Cuomo 

(52nd governor of NY)

REFLECTION: This tells us that is we are not certain it is the right thing to do than we shouldn't do it at all. 9 out of 10 times the thing you think is wrong is wrong.

5 Tips for Staying Motivated

5 Tips for Staying Motivated

Tips 1-2

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/8454.html

To succeed in high school and college, you have to do your best at all times. But sometimes it's hard to stay motivated, even when you really care about the work you're doing. Here are five ways to stay on the right track.

1. Focus on High-Impact Activities 

The key to success in school is staying focused on your course work. Make a list to get an overall picture of your workload before you start to tackle any of it. Then. make a plan. Although it's tempting to do the simplest assignments first, those that take more time and effort to accomplish are probably the ones that you'll learn the most from.

To determine what your priorities are, rank your assignments in the order of their importance. Then rearrange your time and devote more energy toward those that have the greatest impact on your course work and grades. For example, even though all homework assignments are important, studying for a midterm exam takes priority over writing a paragraph for English class. As you complete each task, think of it as another step on your way to college success.

2. Create New Challenges

Changing your approach can help you stay interested in what you're doing. If you've been given an assignment similar to one you've done in the past, think about it in a different way. If you wrote a essay for a creative writing assignment last year, try a poem this time. For book reports, pick a history book instead of another biography.

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Take Control of Homework So It Doesn't Control You

Take Control of Homework

So It Doesn't Control You

Part 3

Take Advantage of Any Free Time

If you have a study period or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class or start your homework. Flash cards are a great learning tool. They are easy to make, easy to handle, and are a marvelous tool to help you learn and remember anything. Punch a hole im the upper left corner of each index card and connect the stack of your flash cards with ring. Then the cards are bound and not flopping around. Flash cards bound like this act like a small book with pages. You even have separate ringed stacks for each subject. WHATEVER YOU WANT TO REMEMBER, PUT IT ON A CARD.

Study with a Friend 

Get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other, compare notes and predict test questions. Consider joining a study group.

Communicate 

If you have concerns about the amount or type of homework you have, you may want to talk to your family, teachers or counselor. They can help you understand how much time you need to allot for homework and how to manage your tasks.

Celebrate Your Achievements 

Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.

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Take Control of Homework So it Doesn't Control You

Take Control of Homework

So it Doesn't Control You

Part 2

Keep Things in Perspective

Know how much weight each assignment or test carries, and use your time accordingly. Don't waste time, but be wise and smart. Doing the most important things first is being wise and smart.

Get More Involved

Keep your mind from wondering by taking notes, underlining sections, discussing topics with others or relating your homework to something you're studying in another class. Learn actively and not passively. Be anxiously engaged in your studies and you will have a great experience. Dominate a good attitude toward home assignments, and you will begin to love doing it.

Organize the Information 

People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information, others prefer to read out loud or make detailed outlines. Try to find the methods that work best for you. Ask your teacher for recommendations if you're having trouble.

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Take Control of Homework

Take Control of Homework

So It Doesn't Control You

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/121.html

Although very few students love homework, it does serve a purpose. Homework helps you:

• Reinforce what you've learned during the day.
• Build study habits that are essential in college.
• Prepare for your classes
• Get a sense of progress

Here are some tips to help you deal with homework more efficiently and effectively

Set the Mood

Create a good study area with everything you need (for example, a calculator). If you don't have a quiet  place at home, try your school or local library.

Know Where to Begin

Make a list of everything you need to do, and note all deadlines. Do the more difficult assignments first, so you don't have to face them at the end.

Study at the Same Time Every Day

Even if you don't have homework every night, use the time to review notes. If sitting down to work id part of your normal routine, you'll approach it with less dread. Also, you'll become a pro at using time productively.

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Note-Talking Strategies

Note-Talking Strategies 

Part 4

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

For Review 

Once you've done all of the above, you'll find you've created your own personalized study guide. Cover the main section of the page and use the key words and questions in the left margin as a quiz.

Stick to It

Review your notes the day you take them and all your notes once a week. That way, you won't need to study as much when it's test time. You've been doing the work all along. Try out the Cornell system, but if it doesn't work for you, experiment with other methods. Ask your classmates how they take notes or ask a teacher for advice. Taking good notes requires practice, like any other skill. And the more you work at it now, the more prepared you'll be to take notes in college.

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Note-Taking Strategies

Note-Taking Strategies

Part 3

http://www.collegeboard.com/student.com/student/plan/college-success/9555.html

After Class

As soon as class ends, review your notes and fill in any blanks. Underline, highlights and use symbols to sort through the information, if you don't understand something, get help from your teacher or classmates.

After you've reviewed all your notes from class, in the left-handed area of the page write down key words and questions your teacher might ask on a test.

At the bottom of each page, write a summary of the notes. This helps you digest what you've learned. It also improves your memory of the material for the long term and for test down the road.

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Note-Taking Strategies

Note-Taking Strategies

Part 2

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/995.html

During Class

One approach that has been proven effective is called the Cornell note-taking system. Here are some of its methods. Start by using the main section of your page to take down your notes during class. Be sure to leave space on the left side of the page and the bottom. Things to keep in mind.

1. Get the speakers main points. Don't write down every word your hear.
2. Leave blanks in your notes to add explanations later.
3. Organize as you write. Pay attention to cures such as repetition and emphasis/
4. Indicate main and supporting points as you go.
5. Jot down key vocabulary, important facts and formulas.
6. Ask questions. If confused, it is better to ask while the material is fresh in your mind.

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Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the Written Word

Most of the communication, as well as the course work, in distance-learning classes are written. That's a plus, because the focus on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a writer--and strong writing a serious weakness for you, virtual learning may not be the best educational option until you improve your skills. Yes, most of distance education is written in word; therefore, you need to be a good reader, love to read, and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent, spelling great, sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access with reliable equipment. If your internet communications at home and will need to go to someplace where you do have access to the internet.

Decide whether it is right for you 

Distance education isn't for everyone, but it just might be for you. You really should seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love distance education. While distance education may be the perfect alternative for some students, it's not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interest and give distance education a try: then, decide if it is right for you.

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/45266.html

Like many high school students, you may want -- or need -- to work part time. Working takes a lot of time and energy, though, so before getting a job, make sure that you think about your ability to handle both work and your education.

Important Considerations

You have to weigh a number of factors when deciding whether to take on a part-time job. It's important to get as much information as possible, so you can figure out what choice makes the most sense for you.

Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss the idea of working. Talking to your counselor about why you want to work and what type of position you're seeking.

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Selecting Your Courses

Selecting Your Courses 

Part 6

Success in AP can also help you in other ways. AP helps you stand out in the admission process and offers the opportunity to learn from some of the most inspiring teachers in the world. Learn more about the AP program.

For More Help in Choosing Courses 

Use College Search to look up a specific college's academic requirements to be sure you are on track to attend the college of your choice.

If you have concerns about your class schedule or process in school, set up a meeting with your school counselor, teacher or adviser. There are many resources to help you with process, and with achieving your personal, college and career goals. Without goals, you meander all sorts of directions. Goals give you purpose, direction, enthusiasm, and passion for that which you really desire. Define your goals deliberately, evaluate your goals often and make changes as necessary, work hard to achieve  your goals, and continue working hard until you actually do reach your goals.

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Student Success Tips

Student Success Tips

From Edison College

1.Attend New Student Orientation at the beginning of Fall or Spring Semester.

2.Gen 101S, First Year Experience, provides excellent content and resources to be a successful student. It is likely that this class will be part of your first semester.

3. Be sure to attend all classes, and be on time.

4.To reduce distractions, sit near the front of the class.

5.Keep a copy of the syllabus for each class so that you will know what is going on, what you should be doing, and how soon you need to get it done.

6.Be a good listener. Focus and concentrate on main points.

7.Take good notes in class, and review your notes within 24 hours. Then, review your notes periodically to help you retain information. Index cards with key information are also a helpful way to review.

8.Study! To be a successful college student, study at least two hours a week for every hour you spend in class. This is a minimum.

9.Determine an ideal study space, and plan study time when you are at your best to retain information.

10.Maintain a student planner to keep track of important dates and projects.

11.Apply additional time management strategies, including planning, setting goals, and prioritizing schoolwork and your additional responsibilities.

12.Avoid marathon study periods. Instead, study for short intervals with a break in between. For example, study for 30 minutes, take a 3-minute break, come back review, than repeat the process.

13.Get to know other students in your classes for added support and to study together when possible.

14.Participate in class, and ask your instructor questions when needed. Meet with them during office hours for additional support and guidance. 

Selecting Your Courses

Selecting Your Courses

Part 4

Social Studies 

You can better understand a local and world event that are happening now by studying the culture and that has shaped them. Here is a suggested courses plan:

• U.S. history (two semesters)
• U.S. government (one semester)
• World history or geography (one semester)
• One additional semester in the above or other areas

Foreign Languages

Solid foreign language study shows colleges you're willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least at least two years of study in the same foreign language, and some prefer more.

Learning a foreign language can be a challenge but is exciting. Respiration is the key to learning a language, and having conversation with others speaking the same language is the best way to learn this new language. Repetition in a fun way will build your skills thoroughly as you seek to master new languages. 

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Selecting Your Courses

Selecting Your Courses 

Part 3

Science 

Science teaches you to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Colleges want to see that you've taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes two semesters of each of the following sciences:

• Biology
• Chemistry or physics 
• Earth/space science 

More competitive schools expect you to take four years of lab science courses. You can add two semesters in one of the following subjects:

• Chemistry or physics (the science you didn't already study)
• Advanced biology 
• Advanced chemistry 
• Advanced physics 

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