SDL (Success Directed Learning)

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="02c285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Mr. Manning's Life Science Class</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mr. Mannings Life Science Class"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="IB Life Science">IB Life Science</A>   |   <A HREF="id154.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gateway">Gateway</A>   |   <A HREF="id121.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Making Better Grades">Making Better Grades</A>   |   <A HREF="id123.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Thinking Skills">Thinking Skills</A>   |   <A HREF="id124.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Study Skills">Study Skills</A>   |   <A HREF="id126.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Science Concepts">Science Concepts</A>   |   <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Course Overview">Course Overview</A>   |   <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Science Topics">Science Topics</A>   |   <A HREF="id184.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vocabulary">Vocabulary</A>   |   <A HREF="id153.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Audio Topics">Audio Topics</A>   |   <A HREF="id148.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rubrics">Rubrics</A>   |   <A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Probe Science Corner ">Probe Science Corner </A>   |   <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Virtual Labs">Virtual Labs</A>   |   <A HREF="id107.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Power Point Presentations">Power  Point Presentations</A>   |   <A HREF="id67.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Search Engines">Search Engines</A>   |   <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Science Fair Project">Science Fair Project</A>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Favorite Links">Favorite Links</A>   |   <B>SDL (Success Directed Learning)</B>   |   <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="AKS Academic Knowledge and Skills">AKS Academic Knowledge and Skills</A>   |   <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cell Model Project">Cell Model Project</A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Zoo Activity Project">Zoo Activity Project</A>   |   <A HREF="id160.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="IB Project">IB Project</A>   |   <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Testing Procedures">Testing Procedures</A>   |   <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tests and Study Guides">Tests and Study Guides</A>   |   <A HREF="id237.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lesson Plan Archive 20082009">Lesson Plan Archive 2008-2009</A>   |   <A HREF="id99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Interactive Math">Interactive Math</A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Me">Contact Me</A>   |   <A HREF="id68.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Just for Fun">Just for Fun</A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hey, Im Doing Science!">Hey, I'm Doing Science!</A>   |   <A HREF="id147.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fun Games">Fun Games</A>   |   <A HREF="id159.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Animations">Animations</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="02ad2c00dkelyh.png"> <div>  <img src="HTMLobj-205/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="151" height="86">  </div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>SDL (Success Directed Learning)</I></div> <bR> <div> This is the Success-Directed Learning (SDL) program of accountability that I will be using in my life science class. <I>Success directed  </I>means that the teaching techniques used have been designed to enhance the student's success in the course.</div> <bR> <div> Success-directed learning is an accountability approach to education that emphasizes a close three-way rapport between teacher, student, and parent / guardian. The accountability roles for teacher, student, and parent / guardian are clearly and specifically spelled out.</div> <bR> <div> The parents'/guardians' role in accountability includes doing the following:</div> <bR> <div> Reading the SDL information, which includes:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">SDL (Success-Directed Learning): A Student's Introduction</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An SDL Guide for Studying</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">SDL Testing</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The SDL Before School Study Techniques Sessions</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">SDL Course Achievement and Grade Average Log</div> <bR> <div> Making certain that your child follows the task of home studying as spelled out in</div> <div> this program.</div> <bR> <div> Reviewing the Course Achievement and Grade Average Log on a regular basis.</div> <bR> <div> Feel free to e-mail, or call, me at school to schedule a time when we can discuss your child's progress.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>SDL (Success-Directed Learning):</B></div> <div> A Student's Introduction</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>What is Success-Directed Learning?</B></div> <bR> <div> Success-directed learning is an accountability approach to teaching and learning that involves a commitment on the part of everyone that has an interest in your success.  Your teacher has an interest in your success.  Your parents / guardians have an interest in your success, and you yourself have an interest in your success.  The commitment on everyone's part simply is to work together to assure your success.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Specific Techniques of Study</B></div> <bR> <div> You will learn some very specific techniques of studying that will decrease your study time while increasing the amount of material learned and improving your memory of the material. As a result, you will earn higher grades on tests. (Please refer to the sheet, "An SDL Guide for Studying.")</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Taking of Tests</B></div> <bR> <div> Tests may be taken in either the written or oral form.  If you feel that you might be better able to achieve on an oral exam rather than a written one, that can be arranged. (Please refer to the sheet, "The Taking and Retaking of Tests.")</div> <bR> <div> <B>Retesting</B></div> <bR> <div> You may be retested on material once if you are not satisfied with the original grade earned. Please refer to the sheet, "SDL (Success Directed Learning) Testing."</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Course Achievement and Grade Average Log</B></div> <bR> <div> So that you can be aware of your grade average at all times, you are responsible for keeping this log up to date.  As a result, your end-of-quarter grade will never "come as a surprise."  Further, the log should be reviewed from time to time by your parents / guardians.  Log sheets will be distributed at the beginning of each quarter.  Extra log sheets are always available.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Before-School Study Techniques Sessions</B></div> <bR> <div> Each Monday and Wednesday before school has been set aside specifically for improving study techniques.  These sessions are designed to help the following two groups of students:</div> <bR> <div> Group 1: Students who are earning below a C average. It is extremely important that these students take advantage of the study techniques sessions.</div> <bR> <div> Group 2:  Any student who desires a higher grade average and/or more efficient study techniques.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>An SDL (Success-Directed Learning)</B></div> <div> <B>Guide for Studying</B></div> <bR> <div> An average study time of 30 minutes an evening should adequately prepare you for learning the information presented in this course.  However, the use of proper study techniques is mandatory for:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">achieving a good understanding of the materials and concepts presented.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">earning good grades (a C or above) on all tests.</div> <bR> <div> If you are experiencing difficulty achieving the above goals, please be aware of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >the </FONT>Monday and Wednesday before-school study techniques sessions.  These sessions can be of considerable value to you, and can result in dramatic improvement in the understanding of the materials studied and the exams. These sessions are your avenue to earning the highest possible grades that you desire.</div> <bR> <div> What follows is a detailed step-by-step study technique procedure that can be of significant value to you.</div> <bR> <div> The major task of this study technique is to put all material to be learned on 3x5 cards. This includes:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">class lecture notes</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">film and video</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">study guide notes, and</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">other miscellaneous course information.</div> <bR> <div> In preparing your 3x5 study cards, write a question on one side and the answer on the other side. It is important that you limit each card to one question and its answer.</div> <bR> <div> The following example is that of preparing some 3x5 cards from material given as class notes.  Assume that you have taken the following class notes:</div> <bR> <div> The human ear has three main divisions. They are the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear is composed of two structures, namely the auricle and the auditory canal. The function of the auricle is that of directing sound waves into the auditory canal. The task of the auditory canal is to channel the sound waves to the eardrum. The eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The formal name for the eardrum is the tympanic membrane.</div> <bR> <div> Using the 3x5 study card format, you cold convert your notes to the following questions and answers. (See example format.)</div> <bR> <div> Obviously, using your 3x5 study cards effectively involves using them properly. For example, at times you might wish to number your 3x5 cards in order, when the material is such that learning in a logical order will help facilitate memory storage in your brain.</div> <bR> <div> One very important reason why using 3x5 study cards is far better than studying pages of notes is that the use of the cards keeps the mind active at all times.  How many times have you been reading over and over again pages of notes only to realize that your mind has been wandering? This does not happen when you use the study cards.  After reading each question, your mind is active in attempting to come up with the answer.</div> <bR> <div> The use of 3x5 study cards has many additional positive factors that make it an ideal study technique:</div> <bR> <div> Learning has been reinforced through the simple task of actually writing down the questions and the answers.</div> <bR> <div> You get positive feedback every time you find that you have answered a question accurately.</div> <bR> <div> 3x5 study cards can be easily carried with you, allowing for quick reviews.</div> <bR> <div> You can flip through the study cards many times in a short period of time, allowing for many repetitions of exposure to the material. This enhances the brain's long-term memory.</div> <bR> <div> For maximum benefits when using the study cards, the following procedures should be used to help the brain process the material:</div> <bR> <div> Spaced study has been shown to be much better than massed study.  What this means is that after going through your study cards two or three times, you should spend a period of time doing something else (perhaps turning to another subject), after which you return to the cards.  Following this spaced study format will speed up the learning process.</div> <bR> <div> As you use the study cards, read the questions and answer out loud.</div> <bR> <div> Whenever possible, use visual imagery.  For example, suppose the question is: What is the function of the auricle of the ear?  When giving the answer, which is to direct sound waves into the auditory canal, picture the auricle actually directing the sound waves into the auditory canal.</div> <bR> <div> Finally, your daily 30-minute study routine can be as follows:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Review previously prepared study cards to make certain that you fully know the materials.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prepare new study cards.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Learn your newly prepared study cards.</div> <bR> <div> To help you study efficiently, you should consider setting up an area in your home that you can call your home study center.  This area might even be a small section of your bedroom.  Wherever the study area is located, it should be used for study purposes only.  This adds a measure of seriousness to your studying and is of great value psychologically.</div> <bR> <div> It is important that you set aside time from your busy daily schedule for studying.  Granted, this can be difficult if you are involved in a lot of activities.  However, you must make a commitment to schedule this study time.  On a separate piece of paper, take time to organize a schedule that allows for this study time.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>3x5 Study Card Example</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="546" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCFF33 HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> QUESTION ON FRONT OF CARD</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCFF33><NOBR><div> ANSWER ON BACK OF CARD</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 52 ><NOBR><div> What are the three main divisions of</div> <div>  the human ear?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="266"><div>                             outer</div> <div>                             middle</div> <div>                             inner     </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 37 WIDTH="261"><div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>What are the two structures of the outer ear?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="266"><div>                             auricle</div> <div>                        auditory canal</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 ><NOBR><div>  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >What is the function of the auricle?     </FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="266"><div> to direct sound waves into the auditory canal</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="261"><div> What is the function of the  auditory    canal?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> to channel sounds to the ear drum</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="261"><div> The eardrum separates what two   divisions of the ear?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> the outer ear from the middle ear</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 WIDTH="261"><div> What is the formal name for the eardrum?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="266"><div> the tympanic membrane</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div>                      </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>SDL (Success-Directed Learning) Testing</B></div> <bR> <div> Any test taken during the year may be retaken (a new set of questions on the same material) once in an attempt to raise your grade, showing that you have increased your mastery of the course subject material.</div> <bR> <div> A retest must be accomplished within one week of the in-class test. Please schedule the retake with me as soon as possible.</div> <bR> <div> A retest can be taken in either of the following two ways:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Written</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Oral</div> <bR> <div> There is one requirement for taking a retest: You must have all of the required subject matter prepared using the proper 3x5 study card format.  These cards must be brought along with you at the time of the retest.     </div> <bR> <div> After retesting, the grade you receive will be an average of the initial test grade and the retake test grade.  The following are two examples:</div> <bR> <div> ONE:  a.  initial test grade   =   F</div> <bR> <div>              b.  retake test grade  =  A</div> <bR> <div>              c.  grade received      =  C</div> <bR> <bR> <div> TWO:  a.  initial test grade     =   C</div> <bR> <div>           b.  retake test grade = A</div> <bR> <div>           c.  grade received     = B</div> <bR> <div> NOTE:  Obviously it is a much wiser use of your time to study efficiently for the initial test. Certainly a retest can significantly raise your grade, but you will have spent much more additional time in preparing for it, time that probably could have ensured an A on the initial test.</div> <div>      </div> <div> If, after taking a retest, your grade remains below a C, it is highly advisable that you begin attending the Monday and Wednesday before-school study techniques sessions specifically designed to help assure that your average will be a C or better.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>SDL Course Achievement</B></div> <div> <B>and Grade Average Log</B></div> <bR> <div> It is your responsibility to keep an accurate and updated log on your progress throughout the year in this course. Extra "Course Achievement and Grade Average Log" sheets are available as you need them.</div> <bR> <div> It is also your responsibility to show this log to your parents / guardians (preferably after every test grade is received) to keep them updated on your progress in this course.</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="545" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 193 WIDTH="533"><div> Grading Period #: _______</div> <div> TEST #:  ______________</div> <bR> <div> GRADE ACHIEVED: _____</div> <div> RETAKE GRADE (if applicable): ______</div> <bR> <div> GRADE(S) RECEIVED ON ANY EXTRA CREDIT*: ________</div> <bR> <div> Grade average achieved thus far: _________ (If grade average is below a C, refer to your sheet on my study techniques sessions.) </div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 174 WIDTH="533"><div> Grading Period #: _______</div> <div> TEST #:  ______________</div> <bR> <div> GRADE ACHIEVED: _____</div> <div> RETAKE GRADE (if applicable): ______</div> <bR> <div> GRADE(S) RECEIVED ON ANY EXTRA CREDIT*: ________</div> <bR> <div> Grade average achieved thus far: _________ (If grade average is below a C, refer to your sheet on my study techniques sessions.) </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 174 WIDTH="533"><div> Grading Period #: _______</div> <div> TEST #:  ______________</div> <bR> <div> GRADE ACHIEVED: _____</div> <div> RETAKE GRADE (if applicable): ______</div> <bR> <div> GRADE(S) RECEIVED ON ANY EXTRA CREDIT*: ________</div> <bR> <div> Grade average achieved thus far: _________ (If grade average is below a C, refer to your sheet on my study techniques sessions.) </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> *<U>EXTRA CREDIT becomes effective ONLY when your test grade average is a C or better</U>. If your test grade average is below a C, the most important thing to work on is study techniques. You can, however, accumulate extra credit, which will "kick in" once your test grade average reaches a C or better.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The SDL Before-School</B></div> <div> <B>Study Techniques Sessions</B></div> <bR> <div> The basic philosophy which led to the establishment of a before-school study techniques session as part of the success-directed learning approach is as follows:</div> <bR> <div> One of the most important goals in life is to achieve a good education. It is a rare student who actually wants to fail.  When a student is having difficulty achieving in a course, it is probably not that the student lacks the essential ability, but more likely because he or she lacks the proper techniques of study.</div> <bR> <div> The before-school study techniques sessions occur on a twice weekly basis.</div> <bR> <div> 2. A student is <I> expected  </I>to attend the study techniques sessions if the following situation prevails:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The grade average for the course is below a C.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The student is <I>expected </I> to continue attending the study techniques sessions until:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The grade average for the course is a least a C.</div> <bR> <div> 3. A student with a grade average of a C or above is  <I>encouraged  </I> to attend the study techniques sessions if:</div> <bR> <div>           A higher grade is desired</div> <bR> <div>                 OR</div> <bR> <div> More efficient study techniques are desired.</div> <bR> <div> 4. At the study techniques sessions, specific techniques of study are presented in an</div> <div> easily mastered format. These study techniques, when employed in earnest, will </div> <div> significantly raise one's grade average through increased efficiency in learning the </div> <div> course material.</div> <bR> <div> 5. <I>Note: </I>A student who is achieving below a C average in the course and is not</div> <div>                attending the study techniques sessions will have his or her guidance</div> <div>                counselor notified so that a meeting can be arranged with parents / </div> <div>                guardians to discuss the situation.                                         </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>      </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>