High School Study Skills

Motivation
Get Motivated
Stay Motivated

Monitoring Input
Listening
Note Taking
Reading
Class Participation

Managing Process
Self Management
Time Management
Concentration
Managing Your Learning
Managing Your Memory
Class Participation
Test Preparation

Mastering Output
Test Taking
Dealing with Test Anxiety
Learning from Tests
Preparing Written Reports
Preparing Oral Reports
Class Participation

Class Participation as Output

Many of your high school teachers will give some type of participation grade.  Even teachers who claim they do not award such points are directly and indirectly influenced by the manner in which you perform in class.  Following the strategies below for appropriate class participation can enhance your chances for earning such points. 

Listening

Teachers have a great deal of interest in the subjects they teach.  They expect their students to show interest as well.  A student who shows genuine interest in the subject as well as the lessons being taught will generally be thought of as a good student by that teacher.  A good way to show that you are interested is by being attentive and practicing active listening skills.  Teachers are keenly aware of the students who are tuned in, as well as those who are tune out.  

Note Taking

One excellent way to affirm that you are listening is to take notes.  Teachers are aware of students who take notes, especially those who take notes without being instructed to do so.  When a teacher observes a student diligently taking notes on a regular basis, he or she recognizes that student as one who intends to do well.  Again, this will plant a seed in your teacher's mind that you intend to be a good student.

Body Language

Your body language in class often speaks louder than your words.  Body language communicates your attitude, your interest, and your intention better than any verbal expression.  If you are tardy, or racing in the door at the last second, slouch in your seat, look bored, gaze out the window, and generally appear to have no interest in the subject, you will be viewed by most teachers as a poor student.  In contrast, when you arrive on time, show interest, lean toward the teacher, have paper and pencils ready for note taking, sit upright in your desk, and maintain eye contact with the teacher, you will be seen as a good student.  

Eye Contact

Appropriate eye contact is another way of affirming for your teacher that you are listening and tuned in to class.  In addition, teachers teach to the students who maintain eye contact.  A note of caution, though--your eyes can give you away.  Teachers can tell when you are truly listening by the spark in your eyes; equally well they can read a blank expression even if your eyes are locked on them.  

Completing Assignments Early

Good students also complete their assignments before they are due.  Few acts impress a teacher more than turning in your work early.  Students who delay and get assignments in at the last minute force the teacher to rush.  Students who complete assignments early appear to be better students and are likely to get better grades.

Establishing Yourself as a Good Student

Your class participation, good or bad, establishes the teacher's mind-set about you.  Generally, teachers do not let good students get poor grades.  If a good student does not perform well, the teacher will wonder what caused the poor performance and ask if there is some extenuating circumstance of which they should be aware.  If a poor student does not perform well, the teacher has no reason to wonder why.