Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2006 > October > 13 > Entry
How to get an A in an AP/Honors class
From time to time, I like to read a website aimed at high school kids trying to get into college. On the message boards, it’s clear from the questions and comments that the average reader is a top student searching for an edge to get into first-rate universities.
This week there was a great question posted by one of the students— what are the best strategies to get an A in your very hardest class? Here are the replies from two other students:
—Read the textbook, assigned or not. Take thorough notes on reading and lectures, go over them, rewrite/type them if you need more review, and have a highlighter system.
—Make flashcards. Even if you don’t use them, writing them out helps a LOT and they’re a quick way to review/test yourself.
—Do your homework. And do extra problems/questions, if that helps.
—Be engaged in class. Participate in discussions, and try to get yourself interested in what’s going on.
—Even if there aren’t discussions in class, discuss things with people. Try classmates, friends, your parents….
—Get a tutor if you need one, or ask your teacher for help.
—Understand how you’re graded.
—Read. Just read a lot in general - this improves your writing SO much. Also, learn to diagram sentences. Even if you have all the facts write, (hopefully) you’re also graded on how you write, so you want to write well.
—Aside from the obvious “listen/do your work,” become interested in what you’re learning. Build rapport with your teachers, drink lots of coffee, and create mnemonics for everything. Confidence/outlook definitely plays a huge role…if other people think that you’re smart, you’ll feel the pressure and rise to the occasion, etc.
I thought that was pretty good advice. Readers, feel free to add your own tips and pass this list on to students who might find it useful.
(Image credit: www.ehs.sbac.edu)
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Teaching and Learning
Comments
By NYC Educator
October 13, 2006 8:39 PM | Link to this
I like this advice very much, and I’d rate it excellent. I think many students undervalue class participation, but if they want the teachers to remember them, that’s the way to go.By Oldprof
October 13, 2006 7:54 PM | Link to this
Learn with a purpose—don’t just cram facts, try to imagine what those facts are good for. 2. Forget about earning a grade—focus on mastering the subject. 3. Play “bright eyes” in the classroom—master and perform all of the acts that evoke a positive pygmalion effect in the teacher. 4. Become a master test taker. Well, OK—your AP students probably already should know most of those.