How to study for Geography…
Below is a list of strategies that you may find helpful when preparing for a quiz or test in Geography. Read over the strategies and try using 2-3 of the strategies the next time you prepare for a quiz or test. You should also be keeping up with the formative quizzes on the course Moodle.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE I START STUDYING?
· Flip through your binder and make sure that all of your notes are complete. If they are not, see if you can get the notes from the website or a classmate.
· Colour code your notes based on the topic. For example, highlight the titles of all the notes that relate to climate in yellow. Use a different colour for each topic.
· Have your Geo-glossary on your desk so all your terms and definitions are easy to find. Colour code them by topic, like your notes.
· Find a quiet location with no distractions so you can focus. Have a glass of water and a snack so there’s no need for you to leave your study area.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO STUDY?
· Access the test review sheet on the website as a guide for key concepts, terms, important skills, calculations, maps, and significant people or places you should study.
· Look over formative quizzes, assignments and activities to see what topics were assessed by the teacher.
· Look at your formative work and see what questions were incorrect. They should be highlighted or circled. Spend more time on these topics or questions compared to other material that you already know.
· Ask yourself “In our recap sessions at the start of each class, what were the important terms and concepts that were reviewed?” If we have taken the time to identify what was important from the previous day, it’s likely worth reviewing again when you’re studying!
WHEN SHOULD I STUDY?
· NOW!!! The more time you give yourself, the better chance you have of really retaining the information and understanding it, not just memorizing it. The test and assignment due dates have been posted on the “online binder” since the start of the semester.
· Every night you should be looking over your notes from that day. The sooner you can identify something you need help with, the better. Ask your teacher to review the concept with you the next day during our “recap” session.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHILE I’M STUDYING…
· Make acronyms (like J. Bowler) for items that you need to memorize. Making a rap, song or jingle may also help.
· Try and associate a concept you are learning with something in the real world so that you can compare it to something you are familiar with. Eg. Convection currents work like a convection oven.
· Make flash cards that have a term or picture on the front. When you see the card, write down everything you know about the term or picture. You may also want to just say it out loud. You can also answer the 5WH for each term or concept.
· Write out the definitions for key terms we have learned. Writing helps you retain information.
· Cover the terms and look at the definitions. After you read a definition, say the term out loud and then check the answer.
· Do the practice quizzes on the Moodle. This will give you an idea of the types of content and questions that may be asked on a quiz or test.
· Create questions that you think may appear on the quiz or test and use the questions as flash cards to practice with a friend.
· Use key terms and concepts in a sentence and have your teacher look them over to see if you are able to apply your knowledge and not simply memorize!
· Talk out loud! Pretend that you are teaching the concept, term or definition to someone who doesn’t know anything about the topic. What would you say?
· If you know another student who has good study habits, ask them what they do to prepare. They may have ideas you have never thought about.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I GET MY QUIZ OR TEST BACK FROM THE TEACHER?
· This is a chance for you to get feedback and to reflect on what went well and what you need to improve for next time. Complete the reflection form Assessment As Learning so you can identify your areas of strength and need.
· As we go over the correct answers, make the corrections on your test paper.
· Highlight the questions that were incorrect. You can use your quiz or test as a study tool for your next assignment, quiz, test or final exam.
· ASK FOR EXTRA HELP! Your teachers are here to help you learn and to assist you as you work through a course. Be your own advocate and ask for help. This shows initiative and responsibility.