Strategies and Techniques
John Eggler

Task Precision

4. Graphic Organizers
I use graphic organizers to allow students to view their notes and class material in a different manner. I believe the use of charts and concept maps allow the students a different type of opportunity to review their materials and see relationships among variables. This allows the students to use another tool in studying for examinations.

Reason for Use
Since I am a visual learner and I have been exposed to learning styles inventories and techniques, I wanted to make sure my students understood that there are many ways of organizing material. This is especially true for review and test preparation.

Observations
Whenever we did group work, I used some form of graphic organizer to summarize material. I noticed some students were adopting these to organize their own materials. I also noticed a few students used these methods in bluebooks before they wrote an essay on a test.


5. Project Sheets
Since I require a term project, I have my students hand in various sheets as they are evolving their work. This is done to keep them on task and to allow them to see for themselves how they are doing in terms of keeping deadlines.

Reason for Use
I find that using these sheets which must be turned in periodically during the semester is a good way of breaking up an assignment. It also reminds students about deadlines. This can be used to promote task precision and responsibility.

Observations
I find that a large number of my students use these sheets effectively. However, I have quite a few students that turn in these sheets late; they are also the ones who complain about books not being available in the library or elsewhere when they go looking for materials. They are the ones who will come to see me about changing their topics.