Watkins Mill HS - Study Skills Handbook

Social Studyies Department


Classroom Participation

  1. Preparing for Class

    • Arrive on time

    • Have a pencil/pen, textbook, a large loose-leaf notebook, and assignment book ready

    • Position yourself in the best location for listening, seeing visual materials, asking questions and discussions…usually this is in the front of the class.

    • Avoid distractions such as dozing, talking to friends, passing notes, etc.

    • Have any homework ready to hand in

    • Review yesterdays notes

    • Focus on the topic to be covered today

    • Follow established classroom procedures.

  2. Taking Notes in Class

    • Use a large, loose-leaf binder (unless your teacher requires something else)

    • Use only one side of the paper

    • Draw a left margin lie and only write notes on the right side of this line

    • Do not try to save paper – you should try to take helpful notes

    • Get down the main ideas and facts – do NOT try to write everything down!

    • Use speed techniques if necessary

      • -Eliminate words
      -Use word beginnings
      -Use standard abbreviations
      -Create your own abbreviations

    • Use appropriate grade level note taking methods

      • -Paragraph Form
      -Outline
      -Modified Outline
      -Picture Notes
      -Cornell 2 column notes (i.e., question and answer)
      -Concept Maps
      -Graphs

    • Star, asterisk, underline, or otherwise mark points the teacher emphasizes!

    • Skip a line to show the end of a topic

    • Copy down everything the teacher writes on the board.

    • Listen for cues

      • -Enumeration of a series of points
      -Repetition of points
      -Transition from one point to the next

  3. Using the 5 R System in Note Taking

    • Record using your BEST note taking system!

    • Reduce by making cram sheets or cards after class!

    • Recite aloud to help memory!

    • Reflect on how new information relates to the old!

    • Review as soon as possible after class.

  4. Paying Attention in Class

    • Use good posture

    • Keep an attentive expression

    • Shift your seat position every so often to keep the blood circulating

    • Train yourself not to give in to distractions

    • Use active listening and come prepared with a few questions

    • Ask for clarity on points you do not understand

    • Join in class discussions

    • Try to anticipate the main ideas that will be presented

    • Focus on your note taking

  5. Classroom Participation

    6. In most classes there is an expectation that you participate. It may even be worth a percentage of your class grade!


    -Pre-Class Preparation
    -Put time into reading the assignment, review and make notes.
    -Write down ideas you don’t understand.
    -Write down ideas with which you disagree.

  6. Know when to get involved in the discussion!

    • When you can ask a serious, thoughtful question.

    • When you can answer someone else’s question.

    • When you can give an alternative perspective to the discussion.

    • When you can supply additional information to clarify or correct an error in the topic.

    • To give a concrete example of something that has been discussed.

  7. Participation takes PRACTICE!

    8. Set a goal of one question per week in each class so you will overcome feelings of self-consciousness. You do not have to agree with what is said, but learn to disagree without getting angry or defensive. Keep your voice on a conversational tone and level!