Choices are good. It gives us a sense of control and freedom. We can choose how we want to live our lives, spend our time and money and the activities we do. However, choices have consequences, Sometimes, having a moments fun in class can, over time, become a regular distraction from working and we can lose focus. A simple experiment with the Grade 8 demonstrates this. We did the same lesson twice in class for an hour each lesson. And then a test on the same question/lesson format showed that only of students were focused on task.
The difficulty with some consequences is that it may far in the future. It is difficult, for instance, at Grade 7-8 to realise that slacking of now will have dire consequence in grade 12! Ask the grade 12s!
So how can we ensure that we make choices that lead to success? be smart. Do the work. Focus on learning and understanding. Ask the questions. Be totally involved, engaged and accountable for your choices. As an easy guideline – the right choices are generally NOT the easy ones.
Grade 7-8 have tests next week to round up previous unit skills. Grade 7 on Integers and Grade 8 on Triangles. All the resources for studying for these tests are on Google classroom. I hope they make the right choices.
Grade 11 and 12 have more challenging schedules and are now feeling the pressure of choices made in the past. However, there is still time to turn it around. Draw up a realistic schedule of work, study and leisure. Make sure it helps you to prepare adequately for exams – and then stick to it.