Middle M/J Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Learning Strategies

Learning Path

• Time management
• Planning
• Personal learning style
• Types of tests
• Reviewing strategies
• Memory triggers
• Memory tools
• Study techniques

Thinking

• Right/left brain
• Multiple modalities
• Oral communication
• Goals (short and long term)
• Flexibility, balance, prioritizing

Reading

• Eye focus
• Scanning
• Main idea, details
• Audience
• Point of view
• Tone
• Note taking strategies
• Predictions
• Mind mapping
• Pre-, during-, and post-reading strategies

Writing

• Creative and critical aspects of writing
• Clustering
• Reference materials
• Fact and opinion
• Validity and reliability of sources
• Formal and informal language
• Tone
• Introduction, body, conclusion
• Prewriting, drafting, revising, publishing
• Audience

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***

***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.  

To achieve success, students are expected to submit work in each course weekly. Students can learn at their own pace; however, “any pace” still means that students must make progress in the course every week. To measure learning, students complete self-checks, practice lessons, multiple choice questions, projects, discussion-based assessments, and discussions. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers; the minimum requirement is monthly. When teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.