Be Successful in Class
Microsoft, 2011
9th Grade
Skills Needed for Post-Secondary
Success
Review
• What are some study tips or
strategies we talked about last
class for preparing for a test?
• Which study strategy did you
try since last class?
• What went well? What didn’t
go well? What might you do
differently? Which other
technique might you try?
Microsoft, 2011
Review
• What are some self-management strategies
we discussed a few classes ago?
– Which have you tried? How has it gone?
• What are some note-taking and reading
strategies that we learned about two classes
ago?
– Which have you tried? How has it gone?
Pre-Test
1. What are two
strategies for being an
active listener?
2. What is one way to
advocate for yourself
now and in college?
Be a Successful Student
• Tip 7 for Success in High
School and College is to
attend every class
• Tip 8 is to advocate for
yourself.
– Both of these tips will be
important for succeeding
in your classes.
Microsoft, 2011
Objective
– Today, we’ll discuss strategies for not just
attending class but actively engaging in class and
getting the most from it.
Microsoft, 2011
Dear Counselor
Dear Counselor,
I usually do very well in classes that
are interesting to me and poorly when
they aren’t. Right now I have a
required history class that is truly a
sleeper, yet I can’t afford to fail it.
Every time I go to class I have every
intention of listening, however,
halfway through the hour I’m looking
at the clock on the wall waiting for it to
be over. Help! I need to make myself
listen - at least well enough to pass.
Are some people naturally good
listeners? Or is it something I can
learn?
-Distracted in 109
Microsoft, 2011
Counselor’s Advice
1. Prepare to listen
2. Sit at the front of
the room
3. Be a good note
taker (You know
how to do this!)
4. Ask questions
5. Keep an open mind
6. Practice regularly
Microsoft, 2011
Active Listening Activity
Answer – Box 1
Answer – Box 2
XEROX
Answer – Box 3
Answer – Box 4
Reflect
• Complete the reflection on paper
Microsoft, 2011
Think-Pair-Share
• How successful were you in following all of the
directions?
• What kept you from being successful? (Or what
helped you to be successful?)
• What lesson does your performance on this task
teach you about becoming a better
communicator?
• What could have helped you to be more
successful?
• How could asking for clarification have helped?
Self-Advocacy
• Part of being a good student in class is
advocating for yourself.
• Just like being a good listener requires asking
questions when you have them, being a
successful student requires asking for help
when you need it.
• In college, you need to seek out help, so start
now!
Self-Advocacy - Discuss
• Who can you turn to for help…
– With schoolwork?
– With personal problems?
– With questions about college?
– With medical issues?
• What resources are available at our school to
help prepare for college?
– How do you access those resources?
Pre-Test
1. What are two
strategies for being an
active listener?
2. What is one way to
advocate for yourself
now and in college?
Review
• What are some ways to be successful in high
school and college classes?
• What does it mean to be an active listener?
• What does it mean to be a self-advocate?
• Why are these skills important for high
school? For college?
Microsoft, 2011
Assignment
• Practice active
listening in your
classes.
• Check out at least 1
resource our school
offers to help
prepare students for
postsecondary
education.
Microsoft, 2011
References
• Lybarger, S.K. (2006). Active Listening in the
Classroom. Lexington, KY: University of
Kentucky Counseling and Testing Center.
Retrieved from http://tinyurl.com/3pbmpow
• Microsoft Office Images. (2011). Retrieved
from http://office.microsoft.com/enus/images/