miss g has moved!

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on hiatus

hi all. so, i’ve been on unofficial hiatus for a bit, but i’ve decided to make it official… i’m on hiatus for the rest of the semester. which is about 6 more weeks. i will return on may 19th(ish).

thanks for the comments and support! grad school is almost over so come back when it is! :0)

~ ms. g

test anxiety: how to fight the pressure

Feeling too anxious about a test is commonly known as test anxiety. It is perfectly normal to feel some anxiety when preparing for and taking a test.  In fact, a little anxiety can jump start your studying and keep you motivated. However, too much anxiety can interfere with your studying. You may have difficulty learning and remembering what you need to know for the test because you’re too scared about failing to think about anything else. Further, too much anxiety may block your performance during the test, causing you to have trouble showing how well you know the material. 

You might have test anxiety if you answer YES to four or more of the following:

1. I have a hard time getting started studying for a test.
2. When studying for a test, I find many things that distract me.
3. I expect to do poorly on a test no matter how much or how hard I study.
4. When taking a test, I experience physical discomfort such as sweaty palms, an upset stomach, a headache, difficulty breathing, and tension in my muscles.
5. When taking a test, I find it difficult to understand the directions and questions.
6. When taking a test, I have difficulty organizing my thoughts.
7. When taking a test, I often “draw a blank.”
8. When taking a test, I find my mind wandering to other things.
9. I usually score lower on a test than I do on assignments and papers.
10. After a test, I remember information I couldn’t recall during the test.

Great… now what?? Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.

1. Use good study techniques to gain an understanding of the material that will be covered on the test. Figure out how the different pieces of the material connect so that it makes better sense. This type of mastery will help you to approach the test with confidence rather than have excessive anxiety. 
2. Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about passing, not failing. A test is an opportunity to show how much you have learned, and most teachers design tests to make sure you adequately understand the material. Trickery usually isn’t on the menu. 
3. Go into the test well rested and well fed. If it is a morning test, be sure to get enough sleep the night before. If it’s in the afternoon, try to eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Heavy foods tend to make people tired. If possible, stash an emergency candy bar in your bookbag in case you need a quick pick-me-up. 
4. Stay relaxed during the test. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. Focus on positive self-statements such as “I know this” and “I can do this.”  
5. Don’t worry about other students finishing the test before you do. Take the time that you need to do your best. It is more important to do your best than to keep up with the crowd. 
6. Look over your work before you hand it in so that you can fix any careless mistakes that may lower your grade.  
7. Once you finish the test and hand it in, forget about it temporarily. There is nothing more you can do until the graded test is returned to you. Turn your attention and effort to new assignments and tests.
8. When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better.  Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test.

Don’t let your fears about a test negatively effect your performance. Confidence in yourself and your abilities is the key to being a successful test taker. 

 

<<reference: www.how-to-study.com>> GREAT website!

rate your [study] space!

Where you study is just as important as studying itself! Okay, maybe not JUST as important, but it can make or break the time you spend doing this all important (yet ridiculously tedious) task. You need your space to be somewhere that ensures your study time is effective.  Check out the questions below and see how your space adds up… and what you need to do to change it! 

Q: Is my study space available to me whenever I need it?

Your study space does you little good if you can’t use it when you need it. If you are using a space that you must share with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it without being disturbed… or at least make sure the person you share it with knows not to bother you. 

 

Q: Is my study space free from interruptions?

It is important to have uninterrupted study time. You may have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door, put your cell on silent, disconnect from the internet, or anything else that may be more tempting that studying. You need to be able to get focused and stay focused until the task is complete.  

 

Q: Is my study space free from distractions?

You know what distracts you and what does not. If you need quiet to study while others need noise in order to concentrate. Whatever your style, make sure that your study space accurately reflects this.  

 

Q: Does my study space contain all the study materials I need?

Be sure your study space includes reference sources and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever else you might need. If your computer is not in your study space, make sure that it’s in a place where you’ll be able to concentrate while using it.

 

Q: Does my study space contain a large enough desk or table?

While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter.

 

Q: Does my study space have a comfortable chair?

A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention. Don’t do work on the bed! It is a sure-fire way to fall asleep.

 

Q: Does my study space have enough light?

Aside from the importance of being able to clearly see what you’re doing, adequate lighting puts less strain on your eyes and prevents headaches and fatigue. 

 

Q: Does my study space have a comfortable temperature?

If your study place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. In addition, studies show that if the temperature is too cold, computer users are more likely to make typographical errors. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.

All of these are pretty ideal, so tweak them to fit your needs and resources. The key is that you find a quiet place to go when you need to concentrate. And, if all else fails, the public library is a great Plan B.

<<major reference: www.how-to-study.com>>  

recs for your recs

Q: how important are letters of recommendation? who do i ask?

In a word: VERY.

In more words: Recommendation letters are the main way that admissions officers can gauge both your classroom performance and your individual character. Grades only give the outcome of a course, but these letters show more of the process side: how much you participate, how well prepared you are, how you match up to your classmates, etc. This could be helpful for people whose grades may not necessarily reflect their investment in the work or their personal qualities that aren’t quantifiable in A,B,C,D form. In addition, most rec writers (myself included) add information about the applicant’s character: judgement, decision-making style, motivation, etc. so that readers can get a picture of who the person is on the inside. A student might have a 4.0 but if they are a jerk who doesn’t work well with others, they may not be offered admission.

This last point illustrates exactly why it is important to choose your recommenders wisely. In most secondary schools, you can count on your guidance counselor to write one for you, but check on this if you are not sure. The rest of your recs should come from teachers who know you well and who can write positive things about you. They do not necessarily have to be from a particular subject (unless the school specifies), but it should be from an academic subject (sorry, no gym teachers!). If a teacher has had you in class and is the advisor of a club that you are part of, the are a great choice because they know you across a few realms and can write a lot about character traits.

Be sure to ask the teachers first before committing them to writing letters for you, as some may not have the time. If you are a junior, it may be a good idea to ask now or at the end of this school year, just so that the teacher has a heads up… or can give you a heads up if they can’t write one. When you do get letters, definitely write your teacher a Thank You note for their time and effort. Writing recs takes a lot of energy, so this appreciation should be shown.