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POL 101 - American Government More Advice (from former students)
Here is more (unedited) advice from former students of this class:
Keep up with your work in the syllabus packet that you were given on the first day of class. The syllabus packet is a great learning tool. You should pay attention during lectures because they're very insightful. You should come to class on Friday because you get double bonus points. I missed a few Friday so I lost out on some easy points.
I would tell you to read the chapters because it provides good supporting evidence when writing essays for tests. Make sure to complete the study guide an Internet assignments. They help out a lot with understanding the chapters. Bonus assignments are also on nice touch!
- if you plan on trying really hard on all your tests, quizzes, and homework, then do the research paper to get an A in the class. Don't work your butt off a whole semester and get A's on everything and then receive a B on your report card.
The first thing that I would tell you is that this class is not hard, but in order for it to stay this way you have to do a couple of simple things.
Do study questions. Do not wait until the night before a quiz to do them. They do take a considerably long amount of time to complete so make sure the time is there. Another thing is to do Internet assignments. Do not get into great detailed notes while looking at the web sites though. There is nothing more frustrating than having the two page paper written and still have a ton of information.
Complete the study guides because they will help the most. They prepare you the best for tests and quizzes. Also, definitely take advantage of the bonus assignments whenever possible and try to attend class on Friday. I think that all of the extra assignments help my grade. Unlike other classes that only take points for test.
The advice I would give is to make sure you do your study guide. It is very helpful. Also make sure you study before your quizzes and exams. I haven't studied as well as I should have. You should try to make plenty of time to study.
Study for your tests and quizzes. Even if you think that the questions are common-sense you'll definitely draw a blank when tests are handed out. Studying can mean the difference between an 82% and a 97% and that's a big cushion to have if you don't turn in an assignment or something. Also, come to class; if anything you will at least get some of your study guide questions answered.
Go to class!! Past that do the study guide questions. On the 2/3/4 part questions, it is usually easier to memorize the question and then recognize it on the quizzes/test and choose " all of the above. " But going to class is number one. All the main points and concepts are gone over there, so most of the details can be figured out if you just know concept.
First off I would do the assignments on time. I still have four to do it and need this time at the end for many other things. I would also suggest that you look at some of the current or previous government working so you can have a better understanding while all of the material covered in this class is fresh in your mind also take advantage of the time before test and quizzes to read through the study guide.
Make sure you come to class everyday and do all your Internet assignments and bonus points. It's easy. I did both bonus points and Internet assignments.
Read chapters and fill out the study guides. Do assignments on time to learn more about the subject before they're discussed in class. Also study for quizzes.
Something that can make this class successful is paying attention during discussions. You don't have to take notes but listen. Always write down the answer to the question of the day, it gets one out of the way. Also ask for help with other questions. Do all Internet assignments on time.
Do not go into an exam thinking you can pass without either studying, making a note card, or both. It will happen. This class is not difficult. However it is not a blow off either. You will get out exactly what you put into it. Review for quizzes and exams and you'll do fine. It is fairly straightforward. Unlike some teachers, he does not make up tests and quizzes with the intent to trick you.
Keep up with the study guide. It's very helpful for quizzes. Almost all questions are there. I didn't keep up with class assignments and so now I have more to do. Try to do each one and not get behind, it is just harder on yourself.
- read the chapters before they're discussed in class.
I would do the questions in the workbook because if you know them for the quizzes you know them for the test, therefore you should get a good grade. Also, do the Internet assignments because they are easy points. Plus, try not to miss class since they are easy points right there. This is exactly what I did.
Keep up on the study guides in this class. It will be fairly easy to make a good grade and I wish I would have done a better job completing the study guides and reading in the book. I am glad that I listened very closely in class to help my grades on quizzes and tests and to give myself a better overall knowledge of American government.
I would advise you to keep up with your study guides. I was on top of it at first but as the semester progressed I began to let it go and before I knew it I was behind several chapters. Doing all the work I had to catch up on was discouraging it took me awhile to catch up.
Complete the study guide to the fullest. Make sure not to fall behind on anything or you will spend a whole semester just trying to catch up. Ask questions about material to. Keep an eye on the schedule, that way quizzes tests and term papers don't sneak up on you.
My advice for surviving this class is to do the study guides!! All the questions on the quizzes and exams come directly from the study guide. At first you may think " I already know this " and not do this study guides but later in the semester the information is not general knowledge, it will be helpful to have done the study guide.
1. Read required material and do study guide questions right after class or school. If you don't do this right off the bat, you will fail and make a blundering fool of yourself.
By doing all the work in this class you will succeed. This class is very simple if you complete all assignments. By doing the bonus assignments that helps out a lot. Also, being here every day is important-you receive points for being here everyday and 15 bonus points for near perfect attendance, overall I think this class is an easy A if you do your work, study for quizzes and tests, and take absence into consideration. This is how I am earning my this A. Also, Mr. Pettus has an interesting way in teaching - you learn a lot this way.
The advice that I offer is to fill out the study guide. If you do the study guide you should have no problems on the quizzes and tests. Another piece of advice is to stay on top of the writing assignments. If you get behind it can be hard to get caught up. Especially at the end of the semester. Most important though is to actually go to class. The more you go to class the better prepared you will be.
Make sure to answer all the questions in the study guide and ask questions if you're not sure about an answer. When sitting through a lecture take good notes and have a study guide out because many of the questions in the study guide will be discussed in class. This is a good way to make sure your answers are correct. Also try to attend as many classes as possible.
Doing the review questions helps a lot. Show for class often because those points help of a lot to. If you happen to miss some classes, be sure to do the bonus assignments because they're worth five points which makes up for missing a Monday or Wednesday. If you follow all of that advice all you have to do is turn in the research paper and you have a good chance of getting in A.
The study guide is your bible. Even if you don't understand the stuff. Find the answers and memorize them. It takes a while but it is worth your time. I also would recommend laminating or binding the study guide. It is more help to you then you can imagine. The lectures are in order in the study guide. So instead of wasting time taking notes, listen for study guide answers, use class time finding answers in the book so you don't have to do it home. The study guide is your lifeline!
Mr. Pettus is a very reasonable and good teacher. Just make an effort. The work he assigns is hard but fair, just do it and you'll be fine. Do your study guide!!!
Make sure you prepare for tests and essays and take them.
Advice I would give would be to stay on task. Turn homework in on time and not let it stack up to where you have a lot of work to do ask questions it never hurts to ask, a question is never a dumb one. Talk to Mr. Pettus and let him know that you're having problems, he is a nice guy and a very understanding instructor. You will like him!!
Going to the ACE Center was a big help. I would go there when I needed help with study guide questions. To be successful all you have to do this study the study guide and do the Internet assignments. Everything is real spread out so there's never any overload. If for some reason a student were to get overloaded Mr. Pettus was real good at doing anything to loosen the load.
I would make sure to answer all the study guide questions and if you are unsure of an answer ask. That helped me the most in the class. The study guide questions are where the questions for the quizzes and exams come from.
Do the study guide. It really helps you with tests and exams. I wish I read as much and not just skimmed through looking for the answers, but I still received good grades on test. I guess it really doesn't matter.
Take advantage of the study guide because if you master the answers you will get A's on tests. Also take full advantage of the 3 x 5 card Mr. Pettus allows on as a questions on quizzes. Study guide answers are in the ACE Center!
I would tell students that in order to do well in this class that you must read the chapters and fill out the study guide questions. Read the material so you can participate in the class discussions and activities. If you do the things that I mentioned above then you should have no problems passing this American government class.
Pay attention. The classes tsn"t that hard, but government is very confusing. Between laws, acts, an established agencies with their dates they are very similar. Always ask when you are uncertain.
- Do all study guide questions
The advice that I would give is just keep up with the work and study hard. Don't forget to show up for class.
The main thing you have to do is keep up with your study guide. The guide is the foundation for the class tests and quizzes so take advantage of it. Also make sure you do the Internet assignments, they add up in points at the end of the semester.
Do the study guide and make good use of the 3 x 5 note card allowed on test! When class activities are scheduled for the next day, make sure to read the assigned text to further understand the questions imposed.
Keep up with the study guide-religiously. All the test material is study guide. Also research your essay questions.
I would say the biggest thing that helped me was keeping up with the reading. I found that if I read the material in that the study guide I didn't have to do much studying other than that. Plus the work wasn't that bad. I also came to class and paid attention. The lectures, I found to be interesting and enhanced what I had read in the book.
This is my second time in this class. I failed the first time, but I am happy to say now I'm passing. What did I do different? The first time I took this class I didn't do any Internet assignments, no bonus assignments, didn't keep updated on my study guide, and didn't do the research paper. The second time around I did them all. I made a B.
My advice is simply just do your study guide. He gives you all the answers to the quizzes if you just do the study guide. He makes it very simple.
You need to answer the study guide questions. It is a must. Take time to fill out a note cards. Do the paper due at the end of the semester. Those things are very important. Be here everyday. You get bonus points for perfect attendance. Ron is a great teacher.
- take advantage of the note cards for the essay part of the test. It helps a lot!
- do the Internet assignments
- bonus is also helpful
Master the study guide. If you work out the study packet you will do well.
The advice that I would give is to do the study guide. At first I didn't do the study guide because I thought it was a waste of time. Soon enough I realized my grade was faltering so I had to do it. As with every class just doing your homework will really pay off. Ron is a great teacher and he shows that he actually cares about us. This is something no other teacher has, so Ron really wants you to succeed.
Keep up with the study guide. It will help a lot with his tests. Take all the extra credit things he will give you. They are easy and help lot.
I realize when I filled out my notebook that it helped me on my quizzes and tests. In getting the essays before the test and being able to bring an index card in with my essay help my grade out a great deal.
DO THE STUDY GUIDE!!! You have this done you will get an easy A.
First Mr. Pettus is very cool, he will do anything he can to help. To pass this class with a B, show up, do the Internet assignments, and fill out your study guide. Not hard at all. The study guide has the answer to every multiple choice question in the class. And if you can't find some answers in the book don't worry just ask him. I have taken Mr. Pettus' government class twice now, so I know what's up. And if you want an A just do the research paper.
I would say take your time and fill out your syllabus. It has most of the exact answers on the quizzes and exams. Also always do the note card for the essays. Bonus assignments will help if you forget an Internet assignment. Turn in all of your papers.
Do the study guide questions. All the tests come straight from those questions. Make the index card for the test it is very helpful. Basically, just come to class and do the work and most likely you will get an A.
I did well in this class by using the materials we were given. The questions for each chapter will help enormously on the quizzes and tests. Also write the note card you are allowed to use on the exam, you are just plain stupid if you don't! Do the bonus assignments if you need, they only take about five minutes. Just do the work, plain and simple.
As you take this class you need to read your book and fill out the study guide. When taking your quizzes make sure you study. Along with that study for all tests.
People have their own individual methods of being successful in their classes, so what I did in this class may or may not help you. He's going to tell you to read the book: it's a good idea but if you're like me, you don't have that much time, so instead I just looked in the book for the answers to the study guide. Do all the Internet assignments-they are not that hard and together they are worth 125 points.
Keep up with the text reading, chapter questions, and assignments. If you first read the chapter questions then read the text the answers will stand out immediately. This beats just looking out the answers without doing the reading. Also do your research paper along the way. Hand in topic, bibliography, an outline when do. This will help tremendously in the end because the paper will be three force completed in the rest will be easy. This can be a very informative class if you read chapters - take advantage of it. Don't be lazy, don't cheat, do the right thing.
1. Students should not take this instructor for granted.
Probably the most helpful thing to do in this class is to do the study guide. It not only helps prepare for class, but also for the tests and quizzes. Reading the chapter will help prepare you for classrooms simulations, as well as the lecture. This is a great class, have a good time with it.
Allow yourself to take an interest in how the government workers. Before you start reading each chapter, read over your study guide questions for that chapter. And then, before reading the chapter flip through the pages of the chapter making a small mental outline of each subject an area that will be covered. Keep your study guide beside you all times. Make sure you are in a comfortable and quiet environment because it can be easy to get distracted from this reading. Luckily this text book is written better and more up-to-date than the dinosaur textbooks you may have had that were written back in the 70's.
Study your study guide a lot to and make sure all your answers are correct. For the Internet Writing Assignments finish those early because they are easy and it's hard to get caught up if you have a quiz and two Internet assignments to do. Attending class is a half to, not because you're supposed to but because you get help on the study guide and you may get bonus points just for attending.
Do not procrastinate!! I am the biggest one and it is now a week until finals and I still have an eight page paper due and a couple Internet assignments to finish. The teacher is great and understanding. If you ever get passed by a speeding red corvette don't flip the driver off - it is probably him. As long as you keep up with your questions and research paper then this is the funnest and easiest class. I would tell everyone to take this course.
My advice would be to keep up to date on the reading assignments and the study guide. If you keep up on the study guide given to you it is a very good source to study for quizzes and exams. I would also think that you should keep up with all the written assignments and make sure you write them well. Also do all the bonus assignments. They do help.
Writing the research paper would have helped me get the grade I wanted and I regret not writing one. However, making the effort to come to class everyday and paying attention to the lectures made all the difference. Reading the text can be long and boring. But going over the chapters more briefly and attending class, listening to the lectures is an easier way to learn the information and a lot less painful.
- do the study guide - everything you need to know is in there.
My advice that I would give to you would be to just show up to class. Because a lot of the stuff that we talked about in classes is what was on the quizzes and tests. Doing the study guide always helps. Because this isn't exactly the hardest class there is just a lot of dates and names to remember.
Make sure to read the chapters you go over. Also go over the study guide. The study guide is a very big deal in here. If you do the study guide and do the Internet assignment you will pass with flying colors. Oh, also try not to skip over twice in the class for bonus points at the end of the semester. PS don't get your books stolen.
Definitely do the study guide questions and skim over the chapters before the next class so you have a better understanding of the material he's talking about. Doing the research paper would be a good idea too since it can only help your grade.
The advice that I would give is to do the study guide. It's not for a grade but it will definitely help you get a good grade because all the questions on the quizzes are from the study guide. This is the only piece of advice that I strongly suggest. I know I'll make sure I do the study guide when I have to take this class over again!
If the idea is that you want to do well in this class the best thing to do would be come to class and do the study guide, every question on the quizzes are in the study guide. And questions from the test are from the quizzes. I only did this maybe twice but I got good grades on them when I didn't do it to I failed.
To be successful in this class you should complete the study guide. Do a little day by day. Come to class, ready to pay attention and take notes if needed. I tried to pay attention, I took notes, and completed the study guide to give me a better understanding of American government. Turning in the homework, completing all assignments passed out, studying for tests and quizzes. The 3 x 5 card really helped me out as well as the essay reviews. I believe all these things help me to be successful in this class. The group projects help me get a better understanding of how our government works.
Read the chapters before class. I read the chapters and did the study guide. The more you attend class the more you learn and get out course.
Don't fall behind on the Internet assignments. Do the bonus assignments. Go to class. If you do your homework it is real easy to get a good grade. Get a headstart on the research paper because it's a pain to do it all in one night. The study guide is answered in full by the teacher in the ACE Center. Always write the essay questions on your note card before taking the test.
My best advice would be to read the chapters and do the study guide. I would recommend doing this before class, so you can listen. Although it's not necessary to listen to get a good grade, the talks are interesting and you can learn a lot. Before tests, just read over your study guide questions. For exams make a 3 x 5 card with the essay notes that he gives you to study from. Those are plenty to write your essays on. Maybe put key word from study guide questions to. Best advice--do your study guide!!
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