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When somebody says they can't draw... Is it true?
In reality, most people draw each and every day.
The basic function of drawing is to make marks onto a surface to communicate ideas and information. Making marks is usually done with pictures and writing.
"You can draw if you can write"
Drawing pictures uses the same skills as writing a message.
You don't think about what you are doing when you write...
* You are forming lines
* You are drawing circles
* You are creating curves
It is easy for you to write. Writing comes naturally to you. You were taught to write from an early age. The skills come easily to you.
When you draw exactly the same skills are being used...
* You can use a series of lines to draw a house
* You use a combination of curves to draw a face
If you take time and are willing to put in the effort, you can learn to draw... there is nothing to stop you improving your drawing skills.
Here's a challenge... Take a pen or pencil and draw a cat or a dog. If you aren't used to drawing the result will disappoint you. Your drawing might not look anything like a cat or a dog.
This isn't going to shock you because you already know that you can't draw.
The surprise might be to learn that many artists would also fail to get an exact likeness.
The biggest challenge when you learn to draw is to sharpen your powers of observation.
By looking more carefully at the dog and cat you see more. Look closely at the head...
* See the shape of the head
* See how the ears are placed on top
* See the eyes
* Look at the nose
In seconds you discover a better understanding. The picture in your mind will be strong and crystal clear...
"Now, draw your dog or cat once more and you will see a vast improvement
In reality, most people draw each and every day.
The basic function of drawing is to make marks onto a surface to communicate ideas and information. Making marks is usually done with pictures and writing.
"You can draw if you can write"
Drawing pictures uses the same skills as writing a message.
You don't think about what you are doing when you write...
* You are forming lines
* You are drawing circles
* You are creating curves
It is easy for you to write. Writing comes naturally to you. You were taught to write from an early age. The skills come easily to you.
When you draw exactly the same skills are being used...
* You can use a series of lines to draw a house
* You use a combination of curves to draw a face
If you take time and are willing to put in the effort, you can learn to draw... there is nothing to stop you improving your drawing skills.
Here's a challenge... Take a pen or pencil and draw a cat or a dog. If you aren't used to drawing the result will disappoint you. Your drawing might not look anything like a cat or a dog.
This isn't going to shock you because you already know that you can't draw.
The surprise might be to learn that many artists would also fail to get an exact likeness.
The biggest challenge when you learn to draw is to sharpen your powers of observation.
By looking more carefully at the dog and cat you see more. Look closely at the head...
* See the shape of the head
* See how the ears are placed on top
* See the eyes
* Look at the nose
In seconds you discover a better understanding. The picture in your mind will be strong and crystal clear...
"Now, draw your dog or cat once more and you will see a vast improvement
http://www.geosoc.org/schools/pass/
Study Guides for testing, reading, writing, and classroom participation
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/reading.html
Reading Your Textbooks Effectively and Efficiently
"I think I am studying, but my test and quiz scores are still not what I would like them to be. On the Tests, Quizzes, Lab work, or Projects I thought I knew it.... but I guess I didn't. What went wrong?"
First and foremost you should realize that if you are not doing as well as you would like to be doing, you must change some of your habits. The problem is NOT going to get better by continuing to use the same ineffective method of study and classroom behavior.
Use this list of questions and possible answers to find out if there might be some ways to improve your study methods.
Did I read the directions?
Perhaps I should be sure and read all the directions and the information in the problem before I procede.
When writing lab work or projects did I refer to the format information given and follow those formatting guidelines.
Did I rush and make careless mistakes?
Maybe I need to read the questions / directions more carefully.
Have I been working on my lab work or projects well before the night before they are due.
Did I not study the right information?
How do I find out / predict what will be on the Test or Quiz? I should use the schedule & assignment page as well as the "vocabulary" and review questions at the back of the chapter to find out the topics.
Did I study the right information and forget it during the Test or Quiz?
Perhaps I need to study more effectively so that I can retain more. Have I been listening in class for study suggestions?
Have I tried several of the ACTIVE study methods suggested in the list above?
Perhaps I should make an appointment with my teacher to get some suggestions for new study techniques.
Did I study the right information, but not understand it while I was studying it?
Maybe it would be best not to wait until the night before the Test or Quiz when it is too late to get help. It is important to try problems in class, then try more practice at home, then ask questions in class or get extra help after school if the information is still unclear.
Do I understand the information now?
I must be sure to listen, think, take notes, ask questions to work for an understanding in class. Maybe I need to become a more active learner and ask for help when I am confused.
Did I study at all? Did I study long enough?
Maybe I should start studying; maybe I need to put more time in; or maybe I could be more efficient and effective.
Do I need to start doing my homework on a daily basis?
This might give me more time to let the material sink in as well as provide valuable practice.
Do I need to reread or rewrite my notes that I take in class?
If I don't understand something, I could ask questions the next day.
Did I practice enough, putting myself in a quiz-type situation, or did I just "catalog scan" my homework and assume I knew it?
Maybe I need to start reworking my notes, practices, vocab list, review questions, exercises, and quizzes.
Essays or short answers - did I not probe the question and answer it thoroughly enough?
Maybe I should answer the question, then ask myself why, how, or what, and then answer that.
Do I need to get extra help? Do I realize that my teacher is willing to give it?
Perhaps I should take the initiative to see her as soon as possible.
Remember, you are responsible for your own education. Take control and soak in as much as you can. Consider it a privledge to have access to the free education available to you. Most of the world does not have the good fortune that you do. As Louis Pasteur said, "Chance favors the prepared mind."
First and foremost you should realize that if you are not doing as well as you would like to be doing, you must change some of your habits. The problem is NOT going to get better by continuing to use the same ineffective method of study and classroom behavior.
Use this list of questions and possible answers to find out if there might be some ways to improve your study methods.
Did I read the directions?
Perhaps I should be sure and read all the directions and the information in the problem before I procede.
When writing lab work or projects did I refer to the format information given and follow those formatting guidelines.
Did I rush and make careless mistakes?
Maybe I need to read the questions / directions more carefully.
Have I been working on my lab work or projects well before the night before they are due.
Did I not study the right information?
How do I find out / predict what will be on the Test or Quiz? I should use the schedule & assignment page as well as the "vocabulary" and review questions at the back of the chapter to find out the topics.
Did I study the right information and forget it during the Test or Quiz?
Perhaps I need to study more effectively so that I can retain more. Have I been listening in class for study suggestions?
Have I tried several of the ACTIVE study methods suggested in the list above?
Perhaps I should make an appointment with my teacher to get some suggestions for new study techniques.
Did I study the right information, but not understand it while I was studying it?
Maybe it would be best not to wait until the night before the Test or Quiz when it is too late to get help. It is important to try problems in class, then try more practice at home, then ask questions in class or get extra help after school if the information is still unclear.
Do I understand the information now?
I must be sure to listen, think, take notes, ask questions to work for an understanding in class. Maybe I need to become a more active learner and ask for help when I am confused.
Did I study at all? Did I study long enough?
Maybe I should start studying; maybe I need to put more time in; or maybe I could be more efficient and effective.
Do I need to start doing my homework on a daily basis?
This might give me more time to let the material sink in as well as provide valuable practice.
Do I need to reread or rewrite my notes that I take in class?
If I don't understand something, I could ask questions the next day.
Did I practice enough, putting myself in a quiz-type situation, or did I just "catalog scan" my homework and assume I knew it?
Maybe I need to start reworking my notes, practices, vocab list, review questions, exercises, and quizzes.
Essays or short answers - did I not probe the question and answer it thoroughly enough?
Maybe I should answer the question, then ask myself why, how, or what, and then answer that.
Do I need to get extra help? Do I realize that my teacher is willing to give it?
Perhaps I should take the initiative to see her as soon as possible.
Remember, you are responsible for your own education. Take control and soak in as much as you can. Consider it a privledge to have access to the free education available to you. Most of the world does not have the good fortune that you do. As Louis Pasteur said, "Chance favors the prepared mind."
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