Can a high school freshman be goal-oriented?  Should they—or is this too early?  Though many deliberate, no one yet has invented a time machine to unring the proverbial bell. And high school requires the ringing of many academic, social and economic bells. Many future-shaping decisions become final based on these four years.

Zoe, like your sons and daughters, is thinking about which college she wants to attend. Some value just academics, and others academics and sports/fine arts/community service/a passionate involvement in something. Often contradictory, choices must be made early in the high school regarding ambitions, focus, and intents.

‘No goals’ means decisions are made for you. If you don’t commit yourself to “do” high school (work hard, take challenging classes, never never never give up even one extra-credit point on a test), then you have made a choice. It’s passive, but effective. Each time you make the decision to skip studying for one test, or make the decision to not put the extra time into one project, you shorten the height of your grasp on the future.  Too many compromises, and goals become dreams for someone ‘luckier’ than you.

To paraphrase Dylan Thomas: Never go gently into that good night. Rage against any grasp-shortening decision, any course of action that leads away from your dreams, or any choice that compromises your ability to accomplish. My daughter is trying to make a habit of completing tasks, not making excuses for inaction. It’s hard the summer before high school, but she’s trying.

Without a plan, you will be forced to react to circumstances, rather than act aggressively and passionately in your best interests. Never a good plan when you’re talking about eternity. No one cares about your future as much as you do.

And if she does care, if she takes those first and second and third steps toward being the captain of her ship, he has empowered her future.

–image credit Deposit Photos

Copyright ©2024 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy as well as the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. She is an Amazon Vine Voice reviewer, has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years, is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed and a Master Teacher. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

If you want to join the military, you can do that by attending a four-year Service Academy or by enlisting. I discussed 11 ways to become a Navy Officer in an earlier article (click for link). Here, I’ll focus on the academics required to be accepted as an enlisted soldier or sailor.

Anyone interested in a non-four-year-degree entry into the military services must take the ASVAB– the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It’s multiple choice test administered by United States Military Entrance Processing Command prior to enlistment. Areas of competence include: (more…)

With school back, let’s talk about the most efficient ways to study. Here are a few tips from the Ask a Tech Teacher team for High School students who want to get the most out of these important years:

Creating A Digital Study Plan: Tips And Tools for High School Students

Developing a digital study plan can be a game-changer for high school students aiming to improve their academic performance. With increasing coursework and extracurricular activities, a structured approach to studying helps manage time effectively, reduces stress, and boosts learning outcomes.

Thanks to the many types of digital tools available, creating a personalized study plan that suits your needs is easier than ever. By utilizing these tools, you can organize your schedule, set clear goals, and track your progress seamlessly, ensuring you stay on top of your studies.

According to research conducted at Stanford University, over 70% of high school students report feeling stressed about their academic workload. A well-structured digital study plan can help alleviate this stress by providing a clear path to manage assignments, study sessions, and personal time. In the following sections, we’ll explore how high school students can use digital tools to enhance their study habits and academic success.

Leveraging Digital Tools For Efficiency

For high school students, leveraging digital tools is essential to managing the demanding balance of academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Digital calendars, such as Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook, are invaluable for scheduling study sessions and setting reminders for important deadlines. These tools provide a visual representation of your study plan, making it easier to adjust and stay on track.

Numerous online resources exist where you can find lecture notes, study guides, and other helpful materials. For example, you could find a selection of study material at Studocu that you can utilize. These resources can complement your study plan and provide additional support. Cloud storage solutions enable you to access your study materials from anywhere, making it easier to study on the go. Organizing your digital files into folders by subject or topic can further streamline your study process and ensure you can quickly find the materials you need.

Organizing Your Digital Study Resources

Effective organization of digital study resources is crucial for high school students striving to maintain a smooth and productive study routine. With multiple subjects and various types of assignments to manage, keeping your digital materials well-organized can significantly reduce stress and save time.

Start by creating a dedicated folder for each subject on your device or cloud storage platform. Within these folders, further categorize materials by topics, chapters, or types of content (e.g., homework, lecture notes, practice tests). This systematic approach allows you to quickly locate the resources you need when studying or completing assignments.

Tagging files with keywords related to specific topics or concepts can also streamline the process of finding materials. For example, if you’re studying for a biology exam, tagging relevant documents with terms like “photosynthesis” or “cell division” can help you quickly retrieve the information you need.

Regularly updating and decluttering your digital folders ensures that your study materials remain relevant and useful. Backup your files frequently to avoid losing important documents. Keeping lecture notes, study guides, and other resources well-organized saves time and reduces the frustration of searching for materials during study sessions. A well-maintained digital library enhances productivity and allows you to focus more on learning and less on logistics.

Designing A Flexible Study Schedule

Creating a flexible study schedule is essential for high school students who need to juggle academic commitments with extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social life. A well-structured yet adaptable schedule helps ensure that you cover all necessary topics while allowing room for adjustments as needed.

Start by identifying the subjects or topics that require the most attention. High school students often have a mix of core subjects, such as math, science, and English, along with electives or advanced placement (AP) courses. Prioritizing subjects based on difficulty or upcoming deadlines can help you allocate your study time more effectively. For example, if you have a math test coming up, you might dedicate more time to reviewing formulas and practicing problems in the days leading up to the exam.

Once you’ve identified your priorities, use a digital calendar or scheduling app to create a study timetable. Tools like Google Calendar or My Study Life are popular among high school students for their user-friendly interfaces and customization options. These apps allow you to block out time for each subject, set reminders for upcoming exams and assignments, and visualize your weekly schedule.

Tracking Progress And Adjusting Plans

Regularly tracking your progress is crucial for high school students aiming to meet their academic goals. Monitoring your performance allows you to see what’s working and identify areas that may need improvement. By using digital tools to track your progress, you can ensure that your study plan remains effective and aligned with your objective.

Start by setting specific, measurable goals for each subject. For example, if you’re working on improving your grade in history, you might set a goal to raise your exam score by 10% over the next month. Breaking down larger goals into smaller milestones can make them more manageable and give you a sense of accomplishment as you achieve each one.

Digital tools like Grade Calculator or My Study Life can help you track your grades and monitor your progress in real-time. These tools allow you to input your assignment scores and exam results, providing an up-to-date overview of your academic performance.

A study conducted in Prince William County, Virginia, provides insights into how individual students can benefit from tracking their own academic progress. Middle school social studies teacher Erin Merrill implemented a system where students use a data notebook to track their mastery of specific standards.

This approach aligns with standards-based grading, where students are assessed based on their understanding of clearly defined learning targets. Students can visualize their progress by marking whether they failed, passed, or mastered each standard, and by recording their scores on charts.

The results of implementing this system were positive. Merrill reported a 100% pass rate on the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments after introducing the data notebooks. Students expressed that they felt more prepared for standardized tests and appreciated the ability to see their progress. This method not only improved test scores but also empowered students to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence and self-advocacy

Engaging With Study Groups And Online Communities

Engaging with study groups and online communities can be incredibly beneficial for high school students. Collaborative studying allows you to share resources, discuss challenging topics, and gain different perspectives. Online platforms offer forums to connect with peers, seek help, and share study materials.

According to a study on student use of out-of-class study groups in an introductory biology course, there were no significant differences in exam scores between students who participated in study groups and those who did not. For example, on exam 1, students who used a study group scored an average of 77.0% ± 7.6, while those who did not use a study group scored 79.2% ± 9.5. Similarly, on exam 3, study group participants scored 80.3% ± 12.3 compared to 80.5% ± 7.4 for non-participants.

When engaging with study groups, set clear goals and guidelines to ensure productive sessions. Online communities can also offer a sense of camaraderie, reducing feelings of isolation, especially during intense study periods. Effective collaboration and interaction with others can enhance your understanding and make studying more enjoyable and less solitary.

Maintaining Motivation And Managing Stress

Maintaining motivation and managing stress are key components of a successful study plan for high school students. Setting short-term rewards for achieving study goals can keep you motivated. Regularly reminding yourself of the long-term benefits of your studies can also boost your motivation.

Incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine to manage stress. Mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help maintain mental well-being. Digital tools and apps focused on mental health can offer guided relaxation sessions and stress management tips. Balancing study and self-care ensures you remain focused, motivated, and capable of handling academic pressures.

Balancing study with self-care is essential for maintaining long-term motivation and managing stress. By taking care of your mental and physical health, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of high school and achieve your academic goals.

Copyright ©2024 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

How College Admission Consulting Services Improve Your Chances Of Acceptance

Navigating the complex college admissions process can be challenging for students and their families, especially for first-timers. With increasing competition, particularly for spots at prestigious institutions, the stakes are higher than ever.

For this reason, college admissions consulting services have emerged as essential resources, providing expert guidance to help students maximize their chances of acceptance. Continue reading to learn more about how these services can significantly improve your college application journey.

Understanding College Consulting

College consulting refers to professional guidance provided by experts, often known as college admissions consultants, to help students process their applications effectively and improve their chances of being accepted. These consultants offer college search assistance, test preparation, essay editing, application submission, and interview preparations. College consulting services are particularly valuable in helping students strategically position themselves to increase their chances of acceptance at their desired colleges.

Typically offered by specialized firms or individual consultants, admissions consultants aim to provide students with a comprehensive plan that aligns with their academic goals, extracurricular activities, interests, and personal strengths. By leveraging insider knowledge and experience, they help students stand out and convince the selection board that they deserve a spot.

The Benefits of College Consulting Services

College consulting services provide a range of benefits that can greatly enhance your college applications. Here are some of them: (more…)

8 Crucial Steps for University Admission Success for High School Students

Applying for university is a significant milestone for high school students. The process can be daunting, but with the right steps, it can lead to a successful admission. Here are eight crucial steps to help high school students navigate the university admission process effectively.

1. Start Early and Stay Organized

One of the most important steps in the university admission process is to start early and stay organized. Begin by researching universities and their requirements during your junior year. Create a timeline that includes important dates such as application deadlines, standardized test dates, and scholarship deadlines.

Tip: Use tools like spreadsheets or apps to keep track of your progress. Staying organized can help reduce stress and ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines. (more…)

In response to the challenges of COVID, a dissatisfaction with local in-person schools, and increasingly diverse needs of the high school student population, enrollment in US virtual schools is now over 300,000 with about 20% of students taking at least one online course. There are pros and cons of attending class via computer. You can learn on your own schedule, but what if you have connectivity issues? You have more independence in your learning, but what if the teacher isn’t inspirational? 

One big issue among many is the importance of building community in virtual schools. The Ask a Tech Teacher team dug into this:

Building Community in Virtual High Schools

As educators, we often hear concerns about the lack of socialization in online learning environments. However, the reality of virtual high schools is far from the isolated, impersonal experience many imagine. In fact, with intentional effort and innovative approaches, an online high school can foster vibrant, supportive communities that rival those of traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.

The Importance of Community in Education

A sense of belonging enhances student engagement, improves academic performance, and supports mental health. In virtual settings, where students might otherwise feel disconnected, building community becomes even more critical.

Strategies for fostering student connection include: (more…)

Here are popular online resources to prepare for ACT and SAT tests (click for updated list):

1. Albert Online — lots of SAT practice exams, including subject areas.
2. College Board
3. Kaplan Test Prep
4. Khan Academy reading-writing-practice
5. Mindsnacks SAT Vocabulary–a big part of succeeding on the SAT essay is knowing the right word
6. Number2.com–for SAT, ACT, GRE
7. Perfect Score Project--to prepare for SATs
8. Prep Factory–for SATs, ACTs, other
9. Quizlet–hundreds of SAT vocabulary prep flashcards
10. UWorld SAT Prep
11. Veritas Prep–free and fee tips, videos and more

SAT Exams

Here are some that specialize in SAT exams:

(more…)

It’s graduation time for High School seniors, that moment when they take over their own bills, budgets, and balancing income with outcomes. The Ask a Tech Teacher crew has some great times from Harley Wade on that subject:

Harley Wade from State of Writing created 7 Tips for Creating a Budget in High School

High school is the best time to start learning responsible financial management. If you get a grip on your financial literacy early, you will be able to handle your money more efficiently throughout your life. Financial literacy is defined as the ability to understand how to use financial tools, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. The following seven tips by Harley Wade from State of Writing will help high school students learn how to budget properly.

1. Understand Your Income Sources

The first step is figuring out how much money you’re bringing in. What does your parent(s) give you for allowance? How much money do you make from a job or a weekly babysitting or lawn mowing gig? Whenever you have a source of income, it’s good to know exactly how much you’re getting each month. This puts a strict limit on what you have to spend and what you realistically expect to save.

2. List Your Necessary Expenses

A famous Swedish proverb says, “He who buys what he does not need, steals from himself”. To avoid this scenario, list any and all of your regular expenses (phone bill, transportation, school fees, etc), separating wants from needs. Harley Wade from State of Writing suggests that you allocate some funds towards writing services for when you’re too tired or stressed by Googling “Who can write my coursework?”. This will help you find a budget-friendly writing service. Listing all your necessary expenses not only forces you to pay more attention to your priorities, but you’ll also notice where most of your money goes. It also forces you to be prepared for higher-than-normal expenses without your typical budget getting derailed.

3. Set Savings Goals

To get there, it’s essential to set goals about what you will want for yourself down the line. Here’s how you can do it:

4. Allow for Leisure Spending

There is nothing wrong with spending money on things you like! Set aside a portion of your money for entertainment and hobbies. This money can be for movies, games, or eating out with friends. Keeping money for leisure within a certain limit will ensure that you enjoy your money guilt-free rather than feeling like you are wasting it or that you are missing out on something.

5. Track Your Spending

Track everything. Here’s a simple guide on how to track your spending:

• Use a Budgeting App. Install a budgeting app on your phone to log expenses easily. Apps like Mint or YNAB automatically categorize your spending, making it easy to see where your money goes.

• Keep Receipts. Save receipts from purchases and log them weekly into a spreadsheet or notebook. This can help you remember cash transactions or small purchases that add up over time.

• Set Spending Alerts. Many banking apps allow you to set alerts for when you spend money. This can help you stay aware of your spending habits and avoid overspending.

• Review Bank Statements. Regularly check your bank statements to ensure all transactions are correct and to keep track of your spending patterns over time.

• Reflect Weekly. Set aside time each week to review what you’ve spent and compare it to your budget. Adjust your spending as needed to stay on track with your financial goals.

By consistently monitoring where your money goes, you can gain better control over your finances and make more informed decisions about your spending.

6. Review and Adjust Regularly

Plan your budget now, but leave it open for review. Every month, go back and look at your budget and ask yourself: would this budget still work for me right now? Maybe your side hustle gave you a raise. Maybe it wasn’t realistic to budget $25 per week for dinner out with friends. Maybe rent money was more flexible than expected. Regular reviews allow you to tweak your savings and spending to adapt to change.

7. Learn from Mistakes

If you go over your budget, know that you’re not alone – statistics show that over 80% of Americans exceed their monthly budget. We all blow budgets from time to time – maybe we went over our food budget last month because our cousin visited and we felt like treating her, or we didn’t manage to transfer any money into our savings account because we got caught up with something else. Rather than beating yourself up, use these as learning experiences. Work out what you did and why you did it, and try not to do it again in the future. This can make your budgeting skills a lot stronger in the long run.

Building Financial Confidence

Juggling a budget and sticking to it in high school isn’t just about the money, it is also about helping develop the confidence to become more independent. The seven tips will help you fully engage in the present while paving the road to a secure financial future. Budgeting isn’t easy, but you can move towards your financial goals one smart decision at a time.

Author: Philip Richardson

Philip is an article writer and a financial advisor. He loves sharing tips on how people can budget and manage their money. His goal is to help his readers achieve financial literacy.

–image credit Deposit Photos

Copyright ©2024 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Great end-of-year projects for high school students, from the Ask a Tech Teacher team:

5 Innovative Tech Projects for High Schoolers

Project-based learning has gained significant popularity in recent times. Emerging as a creative and insightful way for youngsters to learn and practically implement their knowledge, the idea of project-based learning has been encouraged and applauded by teachers worldwide. In fact, students who make use of this technique tend to retain content 22% better than traditional learning.

Many middle and high schools have started incorporating project work into their curriculum, enabling students to learn concepts faster and apply them to real-world scenarios. However, this shift often perplexes students when choosing the perfect project options. Let’s explore a few options. (more…)

High School students will soon move into college and career where digital tools are de rigeur. Knowing the most innovative is a great first step. Here are twelve recommended by the Ask a Tech Teacher team:

12 Innovative Digital Tools to Engage High School Students

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, keeping students engaged can be a challenge. Thankfully, technological advancements have led to the development of digital tools designed specifically to captivate high school student’s attention and enhance their learning experiences. 

From virtual reality field trips to interactive quizzing platforms, these 12 tools offer diverse ways to bring lessons to life. 

Let’s explore how each tool can transform the classroom environment and spark a love for learning in every student. (more…)