Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What textbook do you use?
- How much homework do you give?
- How do you use technology in your course?
- How do you prepare students for the exams?
- What is a DBQ?
- Do you give midterm and final exams?
- When are the midterm exams and how can I study for them?
- When can I get extra help or make up missed work?
- Since there's no NYS 8th Grade Social Studies exam, what will the final be like?
- What should I do if I miss a class/an assignment/a test, etc. ?
What textbook do you use?
I plan on using two textbooks, actually. Our main book, a
traditional Social Studies text, will
remain in the room. I have enough for a class set. It is
called "Creating America". From this book,
you'll be able to complete Study Guides.
The other "book" I'll be implementing is a four-book series.
It's not the usual Social Studies
textbook. There's no bold faced print or quizzes at the end of
chapters. It's called "A History of
US", by Joy Hakim. It's won numerous awards. Many parents claim
they've been reading it, since
they find it so interesting! These books will be given out
throughout the year and should be
taken home with you. Much of our outside reading will be taken
from these books. They're small
and don't take up too much room in your bookbags or lockers.
How much homework do you give?
My feeling on homework is that my priorities differ from my
students. Too
often, in my opinion, homework is done quickly, sloppily, and
without the care that I put into it. I see students rushing to
finish it in homeroom, or copying from classmates. I work at
giving meaningful assignments that require more thought than
time.
The main type of homework you'll receive in my class is a Study
Guide. This is given out at the beginning of a unit. It is
really an outline of what I feel is important in a unit. I
create my tests and quizzes from the Study Guide. Therefore, if
you want to do well on tests and quizzes, do a good job on the
Study Guide.
How do you use technology in your course?
We use Power Point for some presentations. A software program
called "Inspiration" is used at times to help organize our
thoughts. I like
to have the students use word processing to do their Study
Guides. We'll
also
visit the library for research purposes throughout the year. I
also like to utilize a new technology
called a "Smart Board", which is situated in the Middle School
computer lab. I'm also
experimenting with the use of podcasts for the classroom.
How do you prepare students for the exams?
Nearly every exam we administer to students is aligned with the
method
of
testing that was used by New York State in years past. Many tests include multiple
choice,
constructed response questions, and DBQ's. The Social Studies
Department also uses the NYS Grade 8 Rubrics to correct our
essays. In the
weeks leading up to the midterms and finals, I
offer review sessions to prepare for the exam. These review
sessions sometimes take place during the class periods. On
occasion, however, if we're pinched for time, I will offer 9th
period review sessions.
What is a DBQ?
The New York State Learning Standards use a method of essay
writing
called a
DBQ. This stands for Document Based Question. DBQ's are based on
a
theme
covered in our curriculum (such as World War II Homefront). The
student is
asked to create an essay from documents (maps, charts, quotes,
political
cartoons, diagrams, or photos) on that given theme. Throughout
the year, we will be working on how to set up a good DBQ essay
in Social Studies, as well as in English class.
Do you give midterm and final exams?
Both in the seventh and eighth grades, students can expect a
midterm
and
final exam that will cover topics covered in class up to that
point. The
department policy is that these two exams will be combined and
will be
one-
ninth of the course's grade.
When are the midterm exams and how can I study for them?
Both exams will be given during the first week of February.
Study Guides
were
handed out in class. Use them as a way to memorize or refresh
your memory.
Use them as a quiz. Have someone sit across the table from you
and ask you
the meanings of terms. Also, attend the review classes during
the third or fourth week of January.
When can I get extra help or make up missed work?
Good question. Room 313 is open for 8th graders every day
during 9th period (2:25-3:00). Occasionally, one Wednesday per
month is needed for department meetings. I'll let students know
in advance so that other after school options can be explored.
Open communication is always the best way to
stay on top of things. Missed class? Let me know as soon as
possible and
we'll find a way to make up missed work. Let it go for a few
weeks? It's
tough to make up month-old work and stay up with present-stuff.
Talk to me,
that's the key. You don't see me? I assume you don't care, and a
zero gets
placed in the book.
Since there's no NYS 8th Grade Social Studies exam, what will the final be like?
I put a lot of work into creating a local final exam. This exam takes the place of the New York State 8th Grade Social Studies exam that used to exist. However, my test reflects just what we've learned from the Midterm Exam until June. That's roughly from World War I to the present.
What should I do if I miss a class/an assignment/a test, etc. ?
This is becoming more and more of an issue. Too often, students falsely believe that they need not make up work missed. This is simply not true. If you miss a class because of illness, appointments, or other reasons, you MUST make up the work or receive a ZERO.
