You're in class anyways...you may as well use this time as effectively as possible!

• Don't use personal technology unless explicitly instructed to do so.

• Take thorough notes. Write down everything the teacher writes!

  • • Parent/Guardian Tip: Ask to see the student's notes. If they're messy and incomplete, this is an easy place to start!

• Listen actively. Try to build your understanding while the teacher is covering the lesson. If you can't maintain focus, tell your teacher and ask for some tips!

• Attempt problems when asked to do so - don't simply wait for the teacher to show you the solution.

Out-of-class review, practicing concepts/skills by doing homework, and identifying areas of need are important parts of being a student.

• Before beginning homework, quickly review the lesson notes and examples.

• Homework questions for each lesson are typically split into "Essentials" and "Extensions" sections. All students should be attempting to complete the "Essentials" questions after each lesson at a bare minimum.

  • • Parent/Guardian Tip: The calendars available on this website will let you know what lessons are covered each day. All lessons have an associated set of homework problems that should be completed before the following class!

• There are many ways to make homework time more efficient, described in detail in the next stage.

Physics is challenging, and everyone gets stuck sometimes. When you don't quite understand a concept, or can't answer a homework question, you need to follow up.

• First, re-read the lesson notes and examples. Is there a similar question you can use to help you through a homework problem?

• Next, try using the online class videos. Sometimes a second time seeing and hearing an explanation can clarify tricky concepts (plus, you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward!)

• Follow up by asking your teacher or a friend to help you move forwards.

• Take advantage of our school's free peer tutoring program at lunchtime!

  • • Parent/Guardian Tip: We record which students attend peer tutoring. If you'd like to know if your student has been attending, just ask their teacher!

If you've done the above strategies throughout the unit, studying won't be so bad! Regardless, you need to prepare before significant assessments.

• Start by going through your class notes for the unit. Make a study guide by writing down anything that's not immediately familiar (or that you don't think you could do independently) on a separate sheet of paper. This process is described in much more detail in class.

• Once you've gone through your class notes for the unit, complete the unit review materials. Mark your work.

  • • Parent/Guardian Tip: I record whether students hand in their unit review materials on their marks reports. Taking the time to do these unit review materials is some of the best 'bang for their buck', in terms of the academic improvement seen per hour invested. All students are encouraged to complete and submit these materials! If you see that your student is not completing them, this is a good chance to talk about whether they're putting in the effort to fulfill their academic responsibilities.

• Be sure to follow up on any concepts that you haven't mastered before the assessment by asking a friend or your teacher.