The PQRST Study Method

The PQRST method. This five step process helps you synthesize reading materials and prepare for a test. This is a good to do with study partners or group, but you could do it on your won. Begin this process several days before the exam.

1. Preview: Look over the course syllabus, your written notes , and the headings and subheading of the assigned reading. This provides and overview of the content and concept you will be studying.

2. Question: Develop a list of questions, including those

• Created from the headings and subheadings in the reading
• From your written notes
• Discussed in class
• Provided at the ends of chapters
• Given on the study guide(if one is provided)
• That you have about the topic

*For example: If a major heading or subheading is "Phase of the Moon" then ask yourself: What are the phases of the moon?

3. Read: Read the assigned reading and your written notes, and look for answers to your study questions. Headings and subheadings should help guide your search. Keep an eye our for other information to add to your list of questions. Reflect on what you read, and connect new material to what you already know.

4. State: In your own words, say aloud and/or write down answers to your study questions. Use mnemonic devices, concept diagrams analogies, and/or other strategies to aid your memory and understanding in this process. A list of study strategies is provided on handout 3.10.3, which you will be receiving shortly.

5. Test: Answer your study questions without looking at your notes or reading, and then check to see if your answers were correct and complete. Your brain needs to absorb and apply new information, so test and re-test over several study sessions.

7 Tips for Test Taking

Try the following 7 test taking tips on your next quiz or test:

1. Skim over the test and estimate the amount of time you will spend on each section.
2. Read the directions carefully. What are you being asked to do?
3. For multiple choice questions, read each answer choice before marking your answer.
4. If you are not sure of the answer, read the choices again. If you are still not sure, move on to the next question. After answering the questions you are sure of, go back to any you skipped.
5. Eliminate the answer choices that you know are wrong.Then choose your answer from the ones that remain.
6. When you are asked to fill in blanks, substitute one of the choices into the blank at the time, and read the resulting sentence(s). What choices sound right?
7. For your essay question, first jot down the main points you want to make, and use these as an outline for your essay. Afterwards, read it through. Does you answer make sense, and is it reasonably complete?

Progress on 100 Goals'

Since the last update there has been some progress. One of my goals is to get straight A's and I am well on my way. I currently have all a's and one c. The C is in Spanish so it will not be that hard to bring it up. The others goals are sort of connected to the first one so I am well on my way with those too. Accomplishing these goals will probably be tedious but I know it will be rewarding.

The Six Pillars of Character

1. Trustworthiness
2. Respect
3. Responsibility
4. Fairness
5. Caring
6. Citizenship

Trustworthiness

• Be honest
• Don't deceive, cheat, or steal
• Be reliable-- do what you say you do
• Have the courage to do the right thing
• Build a good reputation
• Be loyal-- stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect

Treat others with respect, follow the Golden Rule

• Be tolerant and accepting of differences
• Use good manners, not bad language
• Be considerate of the feeling of others
• Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone
• Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do

• Plan ahead
• Persevere: Keep on trying!
• Always do your best
• Use self-control
• Be self-disciplined
• Think before you act-- consider the consequences
• Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes
• Set a good example for your words, actions, and attitudes
• Set a good example for others             

Fairness

Play by the rules

• Take turns and share
• Be open-minded; listen to others
• Don't take advantage of others
• Don't blame others carelessly
• Treat others fairly

Caring

Be kind

• Be compassionate and show you care
• Express gratitude
• Forgive others
• Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better

• Cooperate
• Get involved in community affairs
• Stay informed; vote
• Be a good neighbor
• Obey laws and rules
• Respect authority
• Protect the environment

Progress

So far I have accomplished two of my goals and that is great progress. Many of  the rest of my goals are things that would only get accomplished if I was an adult but so far I am off to a great start. Whenever I do things now I tend to think about how they will affect me in the long run since it takes a weight off my shoulders. I am currently doing well in all my classes and those who have reported grades have said I have an A. I am still trying to study more and trying to spend less time on the internet where I get so easily distracted. I am progressing on that front slowly but surely and my March I will probably be where I want to be.

Progress

So far I have not made any significant progress in accomplishing my goals. One of them which is learning how to march I am close to doing since the marching band has started conditioning. Since some of them are related to education I am working on those. I have made some great progress in those areas since I am completing all my homework and having good test grades. I have also started to study more not as much as I had hoped but it is progress.

Progress

Progress on 100 Goals

To accomplish one of my goals I have begun to turn in my work on time. I have also set up time that I will strictly use for study time and homework. With this I am a little bit closer to accomplishing another one of my goals. I have accomplished one of them on the weekend which was to make my personal blog look better. Most of my goals can be accomplished through doing other ones like graduating from college. With getting better grades I am a step closer to accomplishing many of them. Through my instruments class I am closer to completing 3 of my goals. Through watching sophisticated TV I have bettered my writing and that will in turn help me get a better English grade and also help me pass my History AP exam.