Hi! It is time for us to start the new school semester. For the success of all involved, it will be important that we develop good studying/reviewing and homework patterns. Together, we can work to ensure the learning of some truly complicated material in all of these courses. We have much to learn and discover, and it all revolves around the effort that is put in.
Over the last few years, many of my students were caught by surprise by the need to review the material, whether there was other assigned work or not. This review is what develops what is called "automaticity," or the subconscious recall of the material. This is a great determinant of future success, as having the necessary background is essential for higher level learning to occur.
For the greatest success, both in these classes and any that the student takes in the future, a successful plan for time management will need to be developed. Each student has their own demands upon their time, to that each will need to determine their own balance; what must be addressed is that all classes need sufficient time, with none "shorted" or issues will develop rapidly, and may be very difficult to overcome. By starting with a thoughtful balance, success is more readily attainable and maintainable. Remember, colleges look at all grades, not just a select few.
Basic expectations, as should be in any course:
IF work is due on a given day, and you are not here, for that period or the whole day, it is your responsibility to see that the work is submitted; for much, sending via email is very acceptable; if it needs to be a hard copy, it is your job to figure out how you are getting the work to me.
IF you are absent, it is your responsibility to inquire about work while you were absent. No excuses, no exceptions.
Electronics usage will be by my permission only; if caught texting, snap-chatting, etc., ALC will result, and your parents will be asked to have you leave your personal devices (phone) home or in your locker in the future.
General:
There will be a page for each class labelled "My Input" where I will locate assignments, resources, notes, powerpoints, etc. for that class. It will prove in your best interests to check at least once daily. Do not rely on my reminding you of updates in class; this is part of the college preparation you are receiving.
Simple grading ("check" system): check +: usually 97, check ++: 99 or 100, check 1/2 +: 92, check 88-90, check -: usually 77-80. Occasionally I may split difference and modify. Used for assignments typically either as grouped materials or "labs", which are weighted lightest for grade calculations. Other quizzes and all tests have numerical grades given. Unless given a specific date, assume due date is two days from receipt.
Over the last few years, many of my students were caught by surprise by the need to review the material, whether there was other assigned work or not. This review is what develops what is called "automaticity," or the subconscious recall of the material. This is a great determinant of future success, as having the necessary background is essential for higher level learning to occur.
For the greatest success, both in these classes and any that the student takes in the future, a successful plan for time management will need to be developed. Each student has their own demands upon their time, to that each will need to determine their own balance; what must be addressed is that all classes need sufficient time, with none "shorted" or issues will develop rapidly, and may be very difficult to overcome. By starting with a thoughtful balance, success is more readily attainable and maintainable. Remember, colleges look at all grades, not just a select few.
Basic expectations, as should be in any course:
- Be here...you cannot hear me, or your classmates in conversations and discussions, if you are not in the room.
- When here, be cooperative, attentive, pleasant.
- Be prepared to learn; bring what materials you need, leave home what you don't.
- The hardest one: ask for help when you need it...if you are having an issue let me know. (This can be via email, or outside of class-time, so that any sense of embarrassment is absent). This is the only way we can move forward. I am not psychic or clairvoyant...if you are having an issue, let me know.
IF work is due on a given day, and you are not here, for that period or the whole day, it is your responsibility to see that the work is submitted; for much, sending via email is very acceptable; if it needs to be a hard copy, it is your job to figure out how you are getting the work to me.
IF you are absent, it is your responsibility to inquire about work while you were absent. No excuses, no exceptions.
Electronics usage will be by my permission only; if caught texting, snap-chatting, etc., ALC will result, and your parents will be asked to have you leave your personal devices (phone) home or in your locker in the future.
General:
- remember that the teacher dismisses the class, not the bell
- if you need sleep, Mrs. Rodriguez has room for you in ALC
- water is permitted; no sugar-bearing drinks
- no snacks during class...school policy
- try to utilize the lavatories during class changes...I will be limiting trips with passes starting this semester...if you have a medical note, let me know. Otherwise...be thoughtful about your trips.
- I do not feel a need to raise my voice...you will simply get the opportunity to go to ALC. I expect you to stop talking when I talk...if this is an issue, I will be delighted to talk with the administration and counselors so that you don't stay in the class and disrupt the other students.
There will be a page for each class labelled "My Input" where I will locate assignments, resources, notes, powerpoints, etc. for that class. It will prove in your best interests to check at least once daily. Do not rely on my reminding you of updates in class; this is part of the college preparation you are receiving.
Simple grading ("check" system): check +: usually 97, check ++: 99 or 100, check 1/2 +: 92, check 88-90, check -: usually 77-80. Occasionally I may split difference and modify. Used for assignments typically either as grouped materials or "labs", which are weighted lightest for grade calculations. Other quizzes and all tests have numerical grades given. Unless given a specific date, assume due date is two days from receipt.
characteristics_of_a_successful_student.doc | |
File Size: | 428 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Lab Reports for Science, or, How to Communicate Effectively in a College/Career Environment
I offer two sites for you to utilize so as to effectively relate the results of your efforts in labs.
First: https://projects.ncsu.edu/labwrite/ Yes, this is from NC State, and it will enable you to follow a template for your writing efforts. Please remember that the final product should be submitted in the correct order, which is not how it is typically written.
Second: https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ScienceReport.html
I offer two sites for you to utilize so as to effectively relate the results of your efforts in labs.
First: https://projects.ncsu.edu/labwrite/ Yes, this is from NC State, and it will enable you to follow a template for your writing efforts. Please remember that the final product should be submitted in the correct order, which is not how it is typically written.
Second: https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ScienceReport.html