Seven Habits of Highly Effective Students

Is it hard for you to get motivated to study? Do you put off studying as long as you possibly can? Do you promise yourself that you will get to it the next day? If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, this article is for you. Establishing good study habits is very important to your successfulness in the program.

At times when I have a big task to accomplish, I look for anything that will distract me from doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I put it off until I can’t put it off any longer. This terrible habit is called procrastination. Don’t let procrastination habit get the best of you. Over time, I have learned that the best way to deal with procrastination is to avoid it all together. I have outlined a list of seven habits that will help you avoid the procrastination trap. If you practice these habits each day, I guarantee you will complete the program successfully.

#1 Just do it. Do not put it off until later.

#2 Identify the days and times that work best for you. Put it on your calendar or your cellphone as a reminder.

#3 Find a quiet place with minimal distractions to study. Let others know this is your study time, so they don’t bother you.

#4 Allow enough time to get the work done. Make sure it is realistic.

#5 Take notes while reading through your lessons. You can go back and study your notes later.

#6 Complete six assignments per week. This will help you pace yourself while in the program.

#7 Study across all three subject areas each week.

How to Read Fiction

Reading fiction from earlier time periods, or even a later period can be difficult. Trying to understand the passage requires many skills. Although the title is a clue what the story will be about, adapting the skills below will give you a better understanding of the story.

Uncover the Meaning of a Word- Look at the word or phrases around the word you do not know, to see if you can find the meaning, or some sort of idea.

Identify the Plot-What is happening to the characters. Plots have a beginning, middle and end. In the beginning, characters and setting are introduced. The middle reveals the conflict and the story’s intensity increases until the climax. In the end, the conflict is resolved.

Identify Cause and Effect- A cause is an action that makes something happen. Effect is the result of an action.

Compare and Contrast –To show how things are alike or different.

Analyze the Character - Ask these questions: How do they look? How do they act? What do they think or say? What do others say about them?

Analyze Mood-What emotion is the author trying to get you to experience?

Apply Ideas-Take information and apply it to a related situation.

Make Inferences-Making decisions based on facts, personal knowledge and experience.

Identify Figurative Language-The author uses metaphors or symbols to create an image for the reader.

Interpret Theme-This is the main idea of the story. What is the moral of the story?

Adapted from GED Language Arts, Reading, Steck-Vaughn 2002

Six Lessons Per Week

On average, you should complete 6 lessons on GED-i per week. This is the magic number. Use this number as a guide when completing your assignments each week.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Welcome to Our Blog

Hello Class,

I am inviting you to join me in blogging. This blog was developed to provide you with information that will assist you in completing your class, as well as preparing you for the exam. It is also an opportunity for you to communicate with your classmates. Occasionally, I will post homework assignments, so check in weekly for new information.

I would like for the blog to be a friendly environment for you to share your thoughts. Please be respectful of others and use the blog appropriately.

Happy Blogging!

Santita Prather
GED-i Instructor

No comments: