Close Your Books and Take Out a Pen Or Pencil ….

"What?!” or “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” did you say? Not Ed, a friend I used to date in college. He could party the night before an exam and still ace the test. The rest of us in the crew were habitual crammers (studying the night before an exam) or had to study almost forever just to get a B! Did Ed already have great study habits? Was he just smart? Or both?

In high school I pretty much stayed ready, prepared for pop quizzes and big tests by reading ahead or doing bonus work for extra credit (I also thought that making the honor roll would be my ticket to hang with some of the popular girls who were very smart!). Furthermore, anything below a B was not acceptable, no matter who took care of me (get your copy of my memoir, Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed:somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care…). I was more concerned about looking good academically versus the ‘egg-on-the-face’ of some students who would gasp or mumble a swear word when our teachers uttered the words close your books and take out a pen or pencil.

Below is a short questionnaire about your own study habits and views about homework. I view questionnaires as a fun way to do a self-evaluation or personal check-in, to clarify or resolve my thoughts or ideas about an issue or something I care about. The key is self-honesty. Your responses to the questionnaire below may give you a sense of your level of sincerity as a student, or you may even discover a new strategy for using assignments to better prepare you for pop quizzes and big tests. But before you begin, take a moment to breathe in deep – as though you are smelling fresh flowers or your favorite food – then gently breathe out long – as though you are softly blowing on a dandelion. Now close your books and take out a pen or pencil….

1. When my teacher keeps repeating a word or sentence regarding a topic I
a. think they’re repeating themselves because other students are not paying attention
b. immediately write it in my notebook
c. feel they’re being condescending

2. When I get home from school the first thing I usually do is
a. immediately start my homework
b. take a nap then do my homework
c. do chores/ help out with dinner
d. eat a snack

3. I do most of my studying
a. at home with music, TV or other “noise”
b. with a study buddy
c. alone at a library or other quiet place
d. in class/school

4. When I get stuck on a homework question I
a: wait until we go over it in class
b. ask someone for help
c. try to figure it out by researching the topic

5. When I have a lot of homework I
a. panic and do nothing
b. copy the answers from a classmate just to get it done
c. do the easy or quick things first then the more time-consuming tasks

6. I feel homework is
a. just something to keep students out of trouble
b. a great way to review class work
c. totally unnecessary

7. I am comfortable asking questions in class.
a. Yes
b. No – I don’t want to look stupid (or smart)
c. Only with my teacher at the end of class

8. Before the date of a big test I
a. reread my notes and old tests
b. cram (study the night before the test)
c. get friends or family together and have them quiz me
d. relax and do nothing (or party) – this keeps me calm

9. Other than schoolwork and assignments I read
a. books
b. magazines
c. internet entertainment content
d. nothing else

10. I have a tutor/willing to be tutored.
a. Yes
b. No

Keep learning and good luck on all your exams!

 ~ Quelyn

Next on Q’s B-Spot: Making The Most Out of Your Summer


Teen Task: 1. Give yourself a chance. 2. Write in your journal 3 things you can do NOW to be ready for finals or regents exams 3. Discuss this blog with your parents or with people you feel safe sharing your thoughts.


Copyright©2010 Quelyn Purdie