Organization Check List
The most important thing to remember as you take this survey is to be HONEST with yourself. You will not be able to improve in a particular skill if you do not identify that you need to work on it. Put a checkmark by each item that you think you need to improve upon.
_____1. I have my clothing and school materials ready each night before I have school.
_____2. I write my assignments down in a notebook daily.
_____3. I have a daily planner.
_____4. I use my daily planner every day.
_____5. I keep track of the grades that I have received in each class.
_____6. I have a quiet place set aside to study at home.
_____7. My locker is neat enough to find things quickly.
_____8. My room at home is neat enough to find things quickly.
_____9. I put my class papers in a separate folder or separate section of a portfolio.
_____10. I usually go to bed at the same time on school nights.
_____11. I finish homework before I watch television on school nights.
_____12. I tape my favorite shows to watch later if they interfere with my study time.
_____13. I keep a list of the assignments due and an estimate of how much time it will
take to complete each one.
_____14. I try to finish things early so that if something unexpected comes up I will
finish on time.
_____15. I have all the materials with me that I need for each class.
_____16. I categorize assignments as “unimportant,” “important” or “urgent.”
Look at the items that you checked. Choose one that you want to work on this week and write it below.
Write the item that you chose in your notebook or day planner in a conspicuous place and use it to remind yourself that you need to change a behavior in this area in order to become a more organized person.
The most important thing to remember as you take this survey is to be HONEST with yourself. You will not be able to improve in a particular skill if you do not identify that you need to work on it. Put a checkmark by each item that you think you need to improve upon.
_____1. I have my clothing and school materials ready each night before I have school.
_____2. I write my assignments down in a notebook daily.
_____3. I have a daily planner.
_____4. I use my daily planner every day.
_____5. I keep track of the grades that I have received in each class.
_____6. I have a quiet place set aside to study at home.
_____7. My locker is neat enough to find things quickly.
_____8. My room at home is neat enough to find things quickly.
_____9. I put my class papers in a separate folder or separate section of a portfolio.
_____10. I usually go to bed at the same time on school nights.
_____11. I finish homework before I watch television on school nights.
_____12. I tape my favorite shows to watch later if they interfere with my study time.
_____13. I keep a list of the assignments due and an estimate of how much time it will
take to complete each one.
_____14. I try to finish things early so that if something unexpected comes up I will
finish on time.
_____15. I have all the materials with me that I need for each class.
_____16. I categorize assignments as “unimportant,” “important” or “urgent.”
Look at the items that you checked. Choose one that you want to work on this week and write it below.
Write the item that you chose in your notebook or day planner in a conspicuous place and use it to remind yourself that you need to change a behavior in this area in order to become a more organized person.
General Study-Skill Tips:
Being able to read for content and take notes out of your textbook will allow for better understanding of big ideas and the vocabulary of the unit you are studying.
Using these tips will help you be more confident when taking your test and will help alleviate symptoms of test anxiety.
Short Hand Tips:
Developing a short hand system will allow you to take notes in less time.
cf -- for “compare”
fg -- for “following”
i.e.-- for “that is”
e.g.-- for “for example”
w/-- for “with”
w/o-- for “without”
- Set up a daily time and place to study.
- Write down homework assignments, tests and projects along with due dates.
- Review your notes and handouts on a daily basis.
- Begin intensive test preparation. Study each day as if you have a test the next day.
- Always look for new study-skills habits/strategies that may work for you!
Being able to read for content and take notes out of your textbook will allow for better understanding of big ideas and the vocabulary of the unit you are studying.
- Get the “Big Picture” first. This means glancing through the chapter headings and subheadings.
- Skim pages if you are looking for a general idea.
- Read slowly if you are looking for details.
- Read the summary paragraphs at the end of each section or chapter to get the general idea.
- Use the SQ3R system (this system is best used over a period of a few days)
- Skim: Skim the chapter before reading it. Be sure to pay attention to all pictures, charts, and diagrams.
- Question: After skimming the chapter, write down two or three questions about the chapter or section.
- Read: Read the chapter carefully while taking outline notes of what you are reading.
- Review: Review your notes and use them to answer the questions you developed after you skimmed the chapter (“b” above).
- Recite: Quiz yourself on the main concepts of the chapter.
Using these tips will help you be more confident when taking your test and will help alleviate symptoms of test anxiety.
- Before the test:
- Have several study sessions prior to the test day.
- Do not cram the night before!
- Anticipate/predict test questions. Creating a practice test can help with this.
- Complete any review sheets a teacher gives you.
- Review all notes, outlines, note cards, quizzes and/or review sheets for the current test materials.
- Take a deep breath before entering the classroom and tell yourself that you will do well because you have prepared well.
- During the test:
- Relax and take slow deep breaths if you need to calm yourself down.
- Look over the entire test first.
- Manage your time so that you are able to complete all sections.
- Read all directions very carefully.
- Answer questions you know first.
- Circle questions you can’t answer; go back and answer them last.
- Review all your answers before turning in your test.
- After the test:
- Read any comments made by your teacher.
- Correct any wrong answers so you can use the test as a way to learn more about a subject…AND to study for finals.
- Talk with your teacher if you have any questions about an answer.
Short Hand Tips:
Developing a short hand system will allow you to take notes in less time.
- Abbreviate words by:
- Dropping middle letters such as “cont’d” (continued).
- Dropping endings of words such as “Oct.” (October).
- Use common symbols such as:
cf -- for “compare”
fg -- for “following”
i.e.-- for “that is”
e.g.-- for “for example”
w/-- for “with”
w/o-- for “without”
- Develop your own common symbols for words that you use frequently in note taking