This
page was
last updated:
March 20, 2008
FACULTY/STAFF
Matt Johnson
YEARS AT ST. FRANCIS: 11
YEARS IN EDUCATION: 16
DEGREE(S) EARNED: 1997, Master of Arts in Political Science, Northern
Illinois University
1992, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Loyola University
Social Studies
Department / English Department
630-668-5800, x164
E-mail at mjohnson@sfhsnet.org
Courses: American Studies - Social Studies, US History, Government, American Studies – English, Extras: Social Studies Club Moderator, Chair-North Central Association
Study Tips for History
Notes on notes
You must keep your notebooks organized to succeed in this class.
These are some requirements and suggestions I make
• Put your name and class in the front of your notebook.
• Always, daily date your notes! e.g. Sept. 25 or 9/25
• If I write something on the board, you write it in your notes. (unless I say otherwise)
• Write anything else you need to understand the concepts or ideas being stated (body temp. ex.)
• Keep your notes however you can best understand them. (different note taking techniques)
Time Management
To be successful in the class, and in school you must plan your educational
time.
• Always stay on top of your work, pay attention to directions and don't fall behind.
• Do your work in class or in school if you have the opportunity. It is much better than always taking it home, you have to be at school, use that time wisely.
• Don't watch TV, listen to the radio, eat or do anything else to distract yourself when you are doing homework. It will take longer and you won't do a good job.
• If you have a lot of homework, schedule what you are going to do, and stick to that schedule.
• If you really want to succeed in school/class you must be in school all of the time. If you miss a lot of school, you will have a lot to makeup, won't understand what is going on in class, and will probably fail.
• No such thing as a bad question --- NOT!
Reading Texts
• Preview all material before you read
• Don’t be afraid to highlight book. You bought it; it’s yours!
• Highlight Key phrases
• Don’t go overboard highlighting it will confuse you later
• Write key words or phrases in margins
• Read difficult material more slowly then you would normally read
• Try paraphrasing verbally after each section you read
Test Taking
• Give yourself plenty of time to study in order to avoid cramming
• Do not binge study; take short breaks every hour or so
• Cut down on extra noise; this will help avoid distraction
• Try to do most of your studying during the day; studies have shown your mind is more alert in the day then at night
Map Quest : Your Resource for Map Quizzes
