Surviving School

As a student in high school, I can say for myself and many others that working out times to study and ways to pass your classes can become very difficult with a hectic schedule. Different functions such as sports, extracurricular activities, and family time can restrict the time I have to study. Passing my classes is very important to me, for I want my grades to exhibit the hard working student I am. College admission also plays a big role in why I strive to keep my grades nearly perfect. Below I have composed some graphic organizers to help students with ways to study, some note taking strategies, and how to get straight A's.

The "Ways to Study" Flowchart
In the picture inserted below is a flowchart I have made to help any student exploring the option that they have in the field of studying. The chart explains the ways you can study from being in the classroom to the comfort of your own home. I, myself, perform at my best on tests and homework when I take what I learn in class and, through the help of my notes, transfer that to help me study at home. It is important when studying in class to keep your notes short and sweet and easy to navigate. It is also important to listen and not just write the whole time. There are no dumb questions, so just ask!

The Cornell Note Taking Method

The Cornell note taking method is a method on how to take nice, neat, and efficient notes to use for studying and organization. The Cornell method is a note-taking system that was devised in the 1950's by Walter Pauk, a professor at Cornell University. The Cornell method is done by splitting your note paper in three columns or sections: the cure column, the note taking column, and the summary section. Here is a basic break-down of each section. The note taking column includes the why's and how's of the lesson. Main points, diagrams, and bullet points are housed in this section. Next, we have the cue column. The cure column houses the what's, who's, when's, and where's of the lesson. This section is usually completed after the lesson, made up of certain words that you want to research. Key words or phrases, vocabulary, people, or general things can be included. Lastly, we have the summary section. The summary section is made after class is over and you have had time to really digest the information you were just taught. The summary section should contain a basic summary of the notes in the cue column and important details of the main notes.

How To Get Straight A's

Straight A's can be difficult to maintain at times. Some different tips and tricks have definitely helped me in the process. I have learned to avoid stress and do not be afraid to take study breaks. Studies show that not taking breaks for a long period of time can make you become tired and not retain the information as well as if you were to take breaks after certain amounts of time.  Also stay proactive about your studies. Find something interesting in the subject you are studying and use that to help motivate you to stay studying. Being organized, paying attention in class, and even enough hours of sleep can help you in getting straight A's and passing quizzes, tests, and homework. 

I really hope that this installment of "Once A Panther, Always A Panther" becomes beneficial to you for your time in high school, or even college. I know these methods of surviving school really help me!

     Once a panther, always a panther...the motto I've heard and seen practically my whole life. Having been a panther since preschool, and now almost halfway through junior year has been a wild, and at times, a not-so-easy ride. I've had the best and worst times of my life in high school, and have learned from every experience and mistake. From super inspiring, crazy, quirky, and flat out mean teachers who I now know had their best intention in mind, to all of the hardships experienced with athletics, friendships, and outrageous schedules that come with high school, I have learned so many life lessons, tips, and some tricks in surviving the wild roller coaster ride they call "high school." I would never trade being a panther for anything. Seeing, hearing, and saying the motto "once a panther, always a panther" will always have great meaning and fantastic, unforgettable memories that go along with it. Elementary school and junior high are behind us. Graduation awaits us. And so my friends, the adventure begins...