A moment of clarity

Day Forty-two: Wow, I've posted forty times. That seems significant, but I'm not sure why.

Yesterday, I met with my study skills class at MACU. We discussed test taking strategies. I presented tests as a three part process - before the test, during the test, and after the test. Before the test I encouraged things like spaced out study times, good notetaking in class, making study cards, and staying healthy. For the "during the test" part, we talked about approaches for specific types of test questions and things like surveying the whole test and reviewing when finished. I think the after section is the most difficult to take seriously, but could be very helpful. I encourage students to review their tests by questions marked down or wrong to discover what went wrong and then take action to prevent it next time. For example, if a lot of questions are marked down because of spelling then focus on writing out key words with the correct spelling during study time (...rather than deciding it is silly for the instructor to care about spelling and doing nothing and continuing to lose points). I hope this discussion was helpful as mid-terms are quickly approaching.

There was one great moment in class that I'll mention in my thanks for today. One student exclaimed that last weeks class made a difference for her! We had talked about notetaking strategies and I gave notetaking homework (a handout to take to another class as a guide for taking notes...thank you Mrs. Guthrie for the worksheet). This student did the homework and in doing it found that she finally understood one of her most difficult instructors! She was able to pick out important points over less significant details. She heard repetition of concepts as noteworthy. She was able to study her notes with purpose and assurance that she knew what to expect on the quiz. Then the best part....she took that quiz and received a much higher grade than usual!! 

Thank you, God, for moments of success. Thank you for the encouragement they give our souls. Thank you for lightbulb moments when things become clear. God, please help each of my students to experience success repeatedly through the rest of this semester.




What's this about? I decided on my birthday to make a commitment to being intentionally thankful. I challenged myself to post one thing I am thankful for everyday this year.