Classroom Success Strategies

Strategy One

Students who want to really be successful make sure they come to class prepared. They bring the following items:

  1. Homework – all assignments should be brought to every class.
  2. Binder – with appropriate notebooks, folders and other required classroom materials like a calculator, ruler, color pencils, eraser, pen, pencils etc.
  3. Text Books or Other Assigned Materials – bringing your books, study guides or other assigned materials makes sure that you can follow what is going on in class.
  4. Open Mind – come ready to learn. If you are preoccupied then you don’t listen and perform as well.
  5. Use the SLANT strategy.

If you have difficulty doing any of these, maybe you should consider an AVID class. See your counselor for more information

Strategy Two

Classroom Success Strategies include activities and tactics to help students perform better in class. The first strategy from AVID we recommend is SLANT.

S it Up – shows you are paying attention and keeps your circulation flowing well

L isten – know what is being said and what it means

A sk Relevant Questions – make sure you understand all that is being said but stay on task with your questions

N od Your Head – gives your teacher a visual clue that you are listening and understanding

T alk to the Teacher – your teacher is the most important part of your education. Speak to them, let them know your thoughts, questions, or demonstrate your understanding.

Setting goals is important. They are the stepping stones to completing your overall mission. It is important though, to set goals that are easy to understand, able to be completed, and easy to know when success is achieved. That’s why we recommend you set SMART goals.

Strategy Three

S – specific and/or strategic – does the goal help you accomplish your plan and is it clear what you are going to do to achieve your goal?

M – measurable – how do you know that you have completed the goal?

A – attainable – is it possible to actually complete the goal?

R – realistic – is it practical to complete this goal?

T – time bound – do we know when the goal will be done?

An Example – I will have all B’s in all classes by the end of the school year.

Is it specific – yes, you will make B grades in all classes

Is it measurable – yes, you will either have B’s or not

Is it attainable – yes, students make B’s all of the time

Is it realistic – yes, if you are starting from a point where there is enough time, assignments, and opportunity to earn B’s (no – if you set this goal in the last week of the school year and currently have D’s)

Is it time bound – yes, it states by the end of the year.

Excellent Example – I will make the “a” team in soccer for the spring season 2006 by practicing ball skills twice per week, running three times per week, and participating in all practices and clinics I can attend.

Is it specific – yes, it states that you will make the “a” team for soccer

Is it measurable – yes, you either make the team or you do not

Is it attainable – yes, kids make the “a” team every season

Is it realistic – yes, if you follow your practice plan and have good soccer skills already. It is not realistic if you have never played soccer before.

Is it time bound – yes, it states the spring season