Ancient History: Semester 1 Test Preparation
Target Explain the various strategies that can be used to prepare for U.S. History tests. (These are suggestions not requirements) 1. Study Guides 2. Targets 3. My website 4. Understand the Textbook 5. Cornell Notes 6. Academic Support
1. Study Guides How to use them - 2 strategies: 1. Fill in what you know Do NOT fill in the SG as we go through the unit Start a day or two before the test Put away all books or notes WRITE in all terms to the best of your ability Skip ones you don t know and star ones you don t know well Using your book/notes/worksheets/me look up the ones you didn t know or didn t know well WRITE them out Do it again if necessary. Repetition is helpful.
1. Study Guides con t 2. Tell a Story History is NOT a bunch of random unrelated facts and dates. It is a story. If you can understand the events, places, characters, and relevance of the plot you are being tested on, you will be more successful. Your study guide tells you who are the most important events, places, and characters If you can then connect those in an accurate story you will automatically understand relevance of your plot and be able to answer questions about it (test)
Study Guide: Tell a Story *you may need to fill out the study guide before you do this Using ALL of the terms on the study guide, create a story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Individually read the story to make sure it makes sense. Read the story to a classmate or teacher to make sure it makes sense. *try reading it to a parent. Have them ask you questions about the story. *This is how I will teach the material, as a story.
Targets Statements that tell you what I want you to know at the end of a lesson Found on all worksheets, Power Points, activities, etc. *If the Target is what I want you to know and I m testing you on what I want you to know then The target tells you what will be on the test!
Targets keep track of all targets. Consider keeping a target log as we go or simply create one when you are ready to study WRITE out the answers to the targets using the Fill in what you know strategy as described before *doing this first will help you make your story better *this is the best way to study for Short Anwer tests
Sample Lesson : Target: List and describe the various events that led to the fall of the Galactic Republic Power Point: Sith defeated by Jedi Palpatine becomes chancellor Palpatine secretly starts Clone Wars Palpatine becomes Emperor Jedi are destroyed Palpatine becomes absolute ruler of Republic BECOMES EMPIRE
Sample Test Question: 1. List 3 events that led to the fall of the Galactic Republic. Sith defeated by Jedi Palpatine becomes chancellor Palpatine secretly starts Clone Wars Palpatine becomes Emperor Jedi are destroyed Palpatine becomes absolute ruler of Republic Target: List and describe the various events that led to the fall of the Galactic Republic *note the link between the target and the test question
3. My Website http://malbiniak.weebly.com/
4. Understand the Textbook- Author s Craft It is NOT a novel. Don t expect it to be and don t read it as one. Know how the chapters are organized. Knowing how an author writes will improve your reading comprehension. This will help you separate important info from fluff Read the first hand accounts, blurbs, and look at the pictures Take advantage of the resources You have to read! Adjust your mindset. The things in the book REALLY happened to REAL people. Use the on-line features
5. Cornell Notes
5. Academic Support 1. After School Tutoring 2. The Academic Center
After School Tutoring Study Skills Academy - After School Tutoring Math, Science, and general academic support 3:30-4:30 Tuesdays and Wednesdays The Academic Center Room 117 Transport available (late bus @ 4:45 w/pass)*
The Academic Center Room 117 during lunch periods (4, 5, and 6) English, Math, and Science teachers present every day Writing conferences Homework support Content Specific test preparation Stop by room 117 near the elevator just off the cafeteria to meet the teachers!