Okay, this is definitely unofficial…
I’m not here to be controversial but I AM here to give students the best chance of getting THEIR best possible grades.
So first of all, let me explain what QWC actually stands for.
And secondly, I’ll reveal the very unofficial reason why it’s so important.
Many students prefer to TYPE rather than write when it comes to taking and making notes. And of course, There are a number of reasons and advantages of this.
However, there many scientific studies that prove that we remember more of what we write than what we type.
Here’s my take on things and how I explain this phenomenon to myself and students.
I often talk about the importance of command words in tasks and questions, but it’s probably no surprise that there’s a little more to perfecting exam technique. (In fact there are 6 different key elements).
What about the smaller, less obvious elements that are clues to crafting a great answer?
This week I look at the less obvious points to look for – just like the subtle observations that Sherlock is so famous for in his deductions.
Watch the video to get some specific examples I came across lately that caught some students out.
When we’re all so short on time these days, I like to be able to make use of my ‘dead time’ in any way I can!
And there are many ways for students to do this too.
Find out how I used a car break-down to my advantage and my top ways for your teen to use their time on a bus journey to help them reduce their stress and get more done.
Who feels like they always have enough time and couldn’t use an extra hour or two in every day?
No?
Me neither.
One reason is that WE have lots going on.
The other reason is THERE is lots going on.
These days it is veeeerrrrry easy to get distracted and things that should take half an hour, end up taking double that or even more.
By giving anything on a ‘to do’ list a timing your son or daughter can really start to give a task their all, get it done quickly and efficiently AND to a higher standard because they are more focussed and less distracted.
Often comments and feedback on a piece of work will be something along the lines of ‘give more detail’.
Or the marking criteria for a task will have wording something like ‘detailed analysis’ at grades A and B.
BUT (there’s always a but, isn’t there!) students are often a bit stumped when it comes to knowing HOW to give more detail.
It is NOT simply about writing more information.
This just often turns into waffle.
So how does your child get more detail in their answers?
Well it’s easy when your teen uses these 3 magic words.
(I even got stickers made up with them on!) 🙂
There has been TONS of research done on this question!
And there is a resounding yes… BUT only for a particular type.
Otherwise, it’s a big, fat NO… (Sorry kids!)
Good news is, hours upon hours of these ‘brain-engaging-chooons’ can be easily found for FREE (watch to the end of this video).
