Take Control of Homework

So It Doesn’t Control You

Part 3

Take Advantage of Any Free Time

If you have a study period or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming or start your homework. Flash cards are a great learning tool. They are easy to make, easy to handle, and are a marvelous tool to help you learn and remember anything. Punch a hole in the upper left corner of each index card and connect the stack of your flash cards with a ring. Then the cards are bound and not flopping around. Flash cards bound like this act like a small book with pages. You can even have separate ringed stacks for each subject. WHATEVER YOU WANT TO REMEMBER PUT IT ON A CARD.

Study with a Friend

Get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other, compare notes and predict test questions. Consider joining a study group.

Communicate

If you have concerns about the amount or type of homework you have, you may want to talk to your family, teachers or counselor. They can help you understand how much time you need to allot for homework and how to manage your tasks.

Celebrate Your Achievement

Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.

Note-Taking Strategies

Part 2

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

During Class

One approach that has been proven effective is called the Cornell note-Taking system. Here are some of his methods.

Start by using the main section of you page to take down notes during class. Be sure to leave space on the left side of the page and the bottom. Things to keep in mind:

1.   Get the speaker’s main points. Don’t right down every word you hear.

2.   Leave blanks in your notes to add explanations later

3.   Organize as you write. Pay attention to clues such as repetition and emphasis

4.   Indicate main and supporting points as you go.

5.   Jot down key vocabulary and important facts and formulas

6.   Ask questions. If you’re confused, it’s better to ask while the material is fresh in your mind.

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 2

Positive Aspects of distance education

·       Independence and time management: Taking courses online lets you hone your ability to work on your own. You also gain experience in managing your time efficiently

·       A flexible schedule: Schools can only provide a certain number of class periods in a single school day, and there may not be enough time for you to take everything you want. Because distance education lets you take classes outside regular school hours, it gives you the flexibility to explore all areas of your interest.

·       Advanced and specialize classes: some schools can’t provide advanced or specialized classes. Distance education gives you the chance to gain experience in areas that would otherwise remain out of reach.

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/47337.html

You may want to take a class that your high school doesn't offers. Under some circumstances, you can still enroll in the class - through distance learning .

Distance education means taking classes without being physically present where it is being taught. Internet-based technology lets students participate in lectures and class sessions online from almost anywhere.

Some high schools agree to recognize distance-learning credits when they don't have the resources to offer a course themselves. Distance education is often used to increase options in rural areas and for AP courses.

For you, it might mean doing self-tutorial at home in the evening or participating in a class that is 1,000 miles away, along with other high school students. Check with your school counselor....

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 5

Additional Tips

Although working and going to school is challenging, it can be a rewarding experience if you use some foresight. These tips can help you handle the situation and make the most of your time:

·      Discuss your plans with your family. Balancing the demands of your school and work is easier with their support.

·      Start slowly; don’t commit to working a lot of hours immediately.

·      Avoid time conflicts by planning your class and work schedules as far ahead of time as possible.

·      Use your time efficiently. You can use 10 minutes waiting in line to go over a few pages of assigned reading. If your job has a line to go over a few pages of assigned reading. If your job has a lot of downtime and your boss has no objection, you can use slow periods to do schoolwork.

·      If you commute to your job on public transportation, bring your school work so you can work along the way.

·      Be flexible and willing to make sacrifices. You may have to cut down on some other things you’d like to do because of your school and work commitments.

·      If you have too much on your plate, admit it. Then cut back as needed.

·      Schedule relaxation time. Everyone needs some downtime to stay happy and healthy.

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 4

He reminds students that “the activities and courses students choose vary considerably, so it’s important for young people to keep their individual situations clearly in mind.” MacGowan continues, “For example, student actors should allow for the fact that they won’t have as much time during performance seasons. Student athletes need to remember the times of the year that they would be tied up with games and practice. Other students who are in classes that makes considerable demands outside of the class room must keep that reality in mind.”

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 3

Brad MacGowan, of the Career Center at Newton North High School in Massachusetts, thinks that working can be a valuable part of a student’s life, if taken on responsibly. “You can derive a great deal from working, considerably more than just money,” he says. “In most cases, you can acquire a nice dose of discipline and a whole new set of skills and experiences.” In addition, your supervisor may be willing to write a strong college recommendation for you.

School Comes First

Schoolwork, including homework and studying for test, should always be your top priority. MacGowan cautions  students who decide to work, “If you are rushing through your assignments … or not studying enough for test because of work, it’s time to cut back or quit and find a less time-consuming job.”

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/45266.html

Like many high school students, you may want – or need – to work part time. Working takes a lot of time and energy, though, so before getting a job, make sure that you think about your ability to handle both work and your education.

Important Considerations

You have to weigh a number of factors when deciding whether to take on a part time job. It’s important to get as much information as possible, so you can figure out what choice makes the most sense for you.

Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss the idea of working. Talk to your counselor about why you want to work and what type of position you’re seeking.