MissTrent: Trent Updates

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Study!

So it's the third week of school and by now you are back in the swing of things. You are probably hearing a lot of "I need to study" or "You need to study!" from your friends, parents, teachers, and other adults in your life. You may have already taken a quiz or test or two, and find that your techniques and how you approached the subject didn't work so well.

It can be frustrating when people say study, and it's like ok - I know that, but how?? Especially if what you are doing isn't working all that well. To study one way could be effective for one person, and something different to another. So what does it mean to "study" exactly? Well it depends... particularly on your learning style. You have probably heard this before - and most people have more than one. You may be a Visual Learner - learn best by seeing, or perhaps an Auditory Learner - learn best by hearing, or even a Kinesthetic Learning - learn best by doing. How you approach your studies depends in large part on what type of learner you are. It is likely that you are 2 of the 3, but it's important to recognize your strengths and your weaknesses.

For example, as a student in high school and college I primarily used my ability to attach color and pictures to what I would study. I would create elaborate study guides with visual cues to help me remember what I needed to - use of note cards helped me, or remembering the pictures in books and associating them with vocabulary or a concept. I was also a learner by doing something, an activity or task - such as labs. I never was able to just listen to a lecture and remember what was said - so I had to hone in on my note taking strategies. Below are some skills you will need to use to be successful and how they pair up with the 3 learning modes you can use as strategies. After reading the suggestions, you might find it easier to tell your primary style(s).

	VISUAL	AUDITORY	KINESTHETIC
Note Taking	1) Sit in the front of the room 2) Sit away from windows or other distractions 3) Ask for graphs & drawings to help remember main concepts 4) Re-word notes into charts and graphs	1) Sit close to the speaker 2) Repeat important points quietly 3) Listen for specific information. Don't let note taking interfere with listening 4) Listen for key words 5) Use a tape recorder when appropriate. Listen to tape and update notes immediately after each class. 6) Participate in class discussions	1) Keep moving! Move around during lecture as much as the situation allows; tap your foot, move your head, write and even standup if the situation permits. 2) Raise your hand and volunteer to answer questions frequently 3) Take copious notes. 4) Recopy notes and vocabulary. 5) Participate in class discussions
Reading	1) Survey by looking at visual aids (pictures, graphs, and charts before you start to read a chapter) 2) As you read, make a visual map of key headings and concepts 3) Make charts and schematics of difficult concepts	1) Survey by reading chapter headings and asking survey questions out loud 2) Try reading difficult sections out loud 3) Summarize out loud immediately after reading a paragraph or section	1) Survey by writing preview questions and answers. Write as you review. 2) Use workbooks and computers to learn material whenever possible. 3) Try to write a summary immediately after reading a difficult paragraph or section
Exam Prep	1) Use visual images to remember main points 2) Use flashcards 3) Check library for visual aids pertaining to your subject matter 4) Avoid visual distractions while you study like tv, people, scenery, etc.	1) Read important material from notes or reading out loud 2) Record and listen to vocabulary for each day's lesson 3) Talk about what you have learned. Participate in study groups. Give oral presentations. 4) Turn off tv, phone and music while studying	1) Memorize key words and concepts by learning to finger-spell them 2) Seek experiences that will teach you main concepts: labs, discussions, field work, etc. 3) Use the equipment, tools, models, etc. of a subject area as frequently as possible. 4) Seek on-the-job training, work study, field work, lab work, and cooperative learning experiences that allow you to become physically involved in your area of study. 5) Walk or stand while studying 6) Squeeze a soft ball or stretch a rubber band while studying 7) Build a model
Taking Tests	1) Request written instructions 2) Sit in the front of the room and away from visual distractions like windows and doors 3) Try to "picture" the answer in your head 4) Recreate any relevant tables or diagrams From Learning Styles, R. Mencke 10/94	1) Listen carefully to any verbal instructions or request that instructions be read out loud 2) Repeat instructions (quietly) to yourself.	1) Position yourself where you have plenty of room to move 2) To aid recall during your exam, try: a) moving your chair b) Feel yourself doing a lab procedure or other experience that is relevant to the questions 3) Squeeze a soft ball or stretch a rubber band while test taking

So if you find yourself doing many of the above listed suggestions, you are on the right track. Even if you are weaker in one of the learning styles doesn't mean you can't train yourself to be better at listening, watching and doing.

Thanks to Ironwood High School for this great information!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Practice and Personal Responsibility

Greetings Wildcats!

I really hope to see everyone step up the personal responsibility to bring your BEST to the field each morning at rehearsal and to all of the sectionals and evening rehearsals. It is your job to learn your part before you come to class so that we can all put our music together and become better as a whole. If even one person is coming unprepared, it can hold the entire band back.

Please be practicing at home EVERY NIGHT for at least 30 minutes. You should have your music learned perfectly to prepare yourself, your section, and the full band for performances and upcoming festivals. We are just three weeks from the first festival (and competition).

Remember to come ready to play and march your best. It is your choice: Good, Better, Best. What will you choose?

See you on the field.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Game Number One is One Week Away!

Greetings Wildcat Band Family!

The first game of the season is nearly upon us, and the excitement is definitely building. Today was a great chance to take a look at our drill and evaluate where we are, where we have come from, and where we are headed as we move into performance season. I hope everyone had a chance to pick out some key areas of improvement since the first run-through of the show music. All band members have been working really hard to get ready for the upcoming "first show" and we should be proud of how far we have come. Keeping that in mind, we must look forward and decide what we want to get out of this season. How can we be the best? What steps do we need to take to achieve our goals? Please look through your music, memorize your drill, and plan your week so that you can personally improve and help raise our full band team to the next level of excellence. We can't settle for less than the best; We are the Base, We Set the Pace!

Enjoy the long weekend. Invite everyone to the football game to cheer for the band. And, like I always say, gear up for Game Day so we can thank the football team for performing before and after the band every Friday.

Go Wildcats!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Marching Video to Get You Pumped!

Yo Band!

I hope you are all excited to start band camp and jump into this season with big energy! Check out this link for inspiration as we start our 2008 Show:

Doremi Nursery School Drum Corps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doSZAQG1xEI

See you at registration on the 23rd! Go Wildcats!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

It is fun to get a Masters Degree!

Yo Band!

Hey! My band was practicing this week for our concert (we performed on Thursday night) and there is a really cool video of Allen Vizzutti playing Carnival of Venice with us in rehearsal. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKYNZpiItf8 He is awesome! Now go practice :)

Go Wildcats!