- Create a personal planner and coordinate it with your family calendar, your school projects, athletic commitments, and doctor appointments.
- Speak with your teacher to obtain assignments in advance if he/she does not have a weekly syllabus.
- Try to work ahead.
- If a teacher assigns a major or paper due on a specific day, change that day to a week or two earlier than required. This pre-planning will save you challenges with computers and resources.
- If you do not understand a concept, please do not hesitate to ask your teacher, parent, or a professional tutor for help.
- It is important to read a history or science chapter in advance of it being assigned.
- Take notes as you read and preview the chapter.
- If your course is online, as your teacher to check out a companion textbook or purchase one.
- If you preview the chapter, then when the teacher introduces the subject/chapter you will already have a working knowledge of the vocabulary and concepts you have previewed.
- Check with the publisher of your text because many offer online study guides and chapter summaries for their textbooks.
- Ask your teacher for a list of all poetry/dramas/fiction/nonfiction you will read for the semester.
- Obtain an unabridged audio book of any required reading.
- Read along as you listen to the audio book.
- Take notes on key events as you listen/read the book.
- Investigate the library databases such as GALE Literature, PROQUEST’s Knowledge Notes, and EBSCOHost Literature for academic criticism and interpretation on novels/drama/and poetry.
- Ames Public Library, AEA website (https://www.iowaaeaonline.org) and Ames High School Library
- Read the textbook chapter on the next concept before your teacher assigns it.
- Try solving new problems in this chapter.
- Write down questions that you have so you can bring these up in class.
- Create your own math practice homework in addition to what the teacher gives you.
- Extra practice will solidify your understanding of math concepts so that you do not forget them when the teacher introduces new concepts later in the week.
