Stupid,stupid Earth Science.

[AutumnDae]

I really hate it.

I am NEVER going to use it. I know I have absolutely no idea where I want to go in life, but I do know that I will not be a geologist or an Earth Science teacher. That much I can guarantee.

I really have a hard time paying attention in the class, and then when we do a test it all looks like new material. The teacher doesn't give out worksheets or quizzes halfway through the chapter or anything, so I have no idea if I really know the material or not.

Does anyone have any tips on how to focus more in that class, or easier tips to study or something? I already sit in the front, and I made that decision so it would be easier to focus. I take notes while he is talking, and I use highlighters, because I know it's easier to retain when you use them or something.

He suggests studying your notes every night, but that's really hard for me to do. I could make more of an effort I guess. Or actually try and do the chapter review.

I ask questions, a lot of questions actually, because I don't understand. They are honest questions, but he gets mad at them. They are usually something like "Can you explain that again, I really don't understand how *insert idea* works?" He usually looks at me and a.) says it the exact same way. I heard him the first time, but I didn't understand it! or b.) ignores the question and keeps talking like nothing had been asked.

I just want to do well in his class, that was one of my New Years' Resolutions.

[Zephyr]

Well, it sounds like you're doing your half of the work to be successful,
So ask your teacher about the possibility of quizzes to help keep you on track.
To be honest your teacher sounds like he doesn't even want to be there.
By blowing off your questions, he's not doing his job very well, at all.

Personally from my experience, when there's the threat of a quiz,
I sure as hell pay attention and read the material.

Perhaps you could talk with him after class about this,
Or go in and ask him to re-explain the material when he has more time on his hands.

[Oblivion]

I agree with Steph.
The best I can think of is just making yourself pay attention. Talk to him, and ask him if he can help- private quizzes, or after school tutoring.

But honestly he doesnt sound nice. Maybe you could ask around other science teachers for help, or even go to other school science teachers. They should know the material, if not exactly what hes looking for.

[AutumnDae]

Well, it sounds like you're doing your half of the work to be successful,
So ask your teacher about the possibility of quizzes to help keep you on track.
To be honest your teacher sounds like he doesn't even want to be there.
By blowing off your questions, he's not doing his job very well, at all.

Personally from my experience, when there's the threat of a quiz,
I sure as hell pay attention and read the material.

Perhaps you could talk with him after class about this,
Or go in and ask him to re-explain the material when he has more time on his hands.

We as a class, and me personally, after class, have asked him for quizzes midway through the chapter. The first time we asked he actually laughed at us. LAUGHED!

He doesn't want to be here. Usually for about a third of the period he sits there either a.) reading the paper b.) doing something on the computer (We think it's Fantasy Baseball) or c.) trying to find something for us to do.

He doesn't give out worksheets, no quizzes. The only grades that he takes are on our labs and tests.

I don't know why I don't study. I just don't. Because it's not interesting. His schedule isn't very structured, so he may say "test at the end of the week" and then it will be in the middle of the next.

I have gone to him for extra help during my study hall, when he has a free period, but honestly it's a waste of time. He doesn't answer my questions. He beats around the bush and then says "Okay?" and I stare at him. He tells me to look it over tonight. Which I don't, because I don't want to look over something and be completely confused. Sadly, he is the only Earth Science teacher in our school. Except for my next door neighbor. But I can't go to him for help because he has a class during my study hall. And he uses a different text book and stuff.

[pizzamon]

I'm taking biology right now and it's so much info. I take notes and everything, but it's just a lot. I study and am doing pretty good, but I want to do better too. The best thing for me as well as you would be to study the notes during free time and ask others in your class for help. I know free time shouldn't be for studying, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices. Maybe also try looking for tutorials on the web. Sometimes they can help understand difficult concepts.

Your teacher sounds kind of like my algebra 2 teacher. He sometimes just gives us a hand out with notes photo copied and says starts your homework. When he teaches he goes over things and then asks, "do you understand" and we're all like "what?", but he does go over the homework when we check it if we need help, so not exactly like your teacher.
Good Luck