Changes

*Understand the question first.  Students are missing points for not completely understanding the question.  Pause a moment after you read a question.  Read it twice.  Ask yourself, what is the point of the question?

*Understand the question first.  Students are missing points for not completely understanding the question.  Pause a moment after you read a question.  Read it twice.  Ask yourself, what is the point of the question?

*Skip the toughest questions and answer the other questions first.  But when the answer sheet is separate from the exam, be sure to leave a gap in your answer sheet for the skipped question.

*Skip the toughest questions and answer the other questions first.  But when the answer sheet is separate from the exam, as on standardized College Board exams, be sure to leave a gap in your answer sheet for the skipped question.

*When stuck, use a source other than the lecture.  On your written homework, you may use extra resources although the answers are almost always in the lecture.

*When stuck, use a source other than the lecture.  On your written homework, you may use extra resources although the answers are almost always in the lecture.

Tips in learning history:

Tips in learning history:

*Beware of over-reliance on authority.  Unless we're talking about the Bible, authority is not always going to be correct.  Every book contains mistakes or fails to explain a concept well, and it's beneficial to read many sources, because some authors will cover what others miss or describe a concept better.

*Beware of over-reliance on authority.  Unless we're talking about the Bible, authority is not always going to be correct.  Every book contains mistakes or fails to explain a concept well, and it's beneficial to read many sources, because some authors will cover what others miss.

*Learn history in small pieces.  I cannot grade all the papers in this course at one time, or even in one day.  After about an hour or two, I burn out.  But by grading in 45 minute periods each day, it is very enjoyable.  The material is easier to digest.  Could you eat one and only one meal each day?  No, we eat three meals so the food is easier to digest that way.  Same with learning history.  45 minutes each day for 5 days will be much easier than over 4 hours in one day.  You'll retain the material much better if you spread it out.

*Learn history in small pieces.  I cannot grade all the homework in this course at one time, or even in one day.  After about an hour or two, I burn out.  But by grading in 45 minute periods each day, it is very enjoyable.  The material is easier to digest.  Could you eat one and only one meal each day?  No, we eat three meals so the food is easier to digest that way.  Same with learning history.  45 minutes each day for 5 days will be much easier than over 4 hours in one day.  You'll retain the material much better if you spread it out.

*Avoid procrastination!  Don't wait until the last minute to begin your homework.  Set a goal for yourself, such as answering three questions each day until you are done.  Answering a few questions at a time doesn't take long, but trying to finish homework in one sitting when you are tired is difficult and produces poor results.

*Avoid procrastination!  Don't wait until the last minute to begin your homework.  Set a goal for yourself, such as answering three questions each day until you are done.  Answering a few questions at a time doesn't take long, but trying to finish homework in one sitting when you are tired is difficult and produces poor results.

This week, practice memorizing all of the presidents we have learned about.  Which ones have we covered so far?<ref>George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson.</ref>

This week, practice memorizing all of the presidents we have learned about.  Which ones have we covered so far?<ref>George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson.</ref>

Last week we learned about Andrew Jackson, who represented the common man.  He was a "Democrat".  The masses elected their military hero.  The Whig Party arose just to oppose Jackson.

Last week we learned about Andrew Jackson, who represented the common man.  He was a "Democrat".  The masses elected their military hero.  The Whig Party arose just to oppose Jackson, and before long nominated and won with war heroes of its own.

In accordance with his image as a common man, Jackson was against a national bank.  His military background caused him to be cruel to the Indians, heightening conflict there.   

In accordance with Jackson's image as a common man, he was against a national bank.  He was also cruel to the Indians.   

Although Jackson was a Democrat, which was then the main party in the South, Jackson's stance toward the South opposed nullification and secession.

Although Jackson was a Democrat, which was then the main party in the South, Jackson's stance toward the South opposed nullification and secession.