Ok so I’m not doing so well in my APUSH class. I’m not sure if my study methods are working for this particular class. I read the chapters, take class notes, and re-read the material in my AMSCO book. I have trouble expressing the changes that happened during a period of time. </p>
My text book will present a series of events/people and what they did but the questions will ask how it “affected” so and so which is what kills me on quizzes/tests. </p>
I’m currently meeting with my teacher like 4 times a week, exams are in 2 weeks, and my average is a 65. </p>
I know it is too late to bring it up this trimester but I want to score as high as possible on the trimester exam to show some type of improvement. </p>
Note: I’m a Math/Science student so history is kind of like my Achilles heel. </p>
I’m not sure what I can/should do.</p>
Sometimes studying too much can be detrimental, to an extent. Also, reading notes, reading the textbook, and AMSCO is not studying… that’s reading.</p>
Studying is testing yourself, knowing the definitions to vocab words, being able to recall important accomplishments of certain presidents, leaders, politicians, etc. when somebody mentions their name. You should be able to tell me in three sentences or less what the causes of, events of, and results of the war of 1812 were, for example. </p>
Try not to be so “book smart” about everything. You don’t need to memorize specific details. Be more “street smart” about the topics covered in APUSH. </p>
Just try a different approach, because obviously what you’re doing isn’t working. I was doing the same thing as you before: taking excessive notes in class, listening to the lectures, reading the textbook, taking notes while reading the textbook, and then reading AMSCO the few days leading up to the test (tests are every three weeks for me). I was doing *okay *- and by that I mean low-mid Bs (still the highest grades in the class). Lately, I’ve stopped reading AMSCO, I’ve stopped taking notes while reading the textbook, and I haven’t been reading the textbook as intently as before… and my test grades have improved (a little, but still very steady) to mid-high Bs… which is okay, because I still maintain an A in the class.</p>
If you haven’t already, buy the Barron’s AP USH flashcards. Know every one of them that pertains to the time period you’re currently studying, and work your way through them throughout the year. They are rather helpful, and are a quick studying tool.</p>