WICOR
What does WICOR stand for?
Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading
What is a Level 1 question?
Gathering information, e.g., “What is…?
Name one phase of Focused Note-Taking
Taking notes, Processing, Connecting, Summarizing
What does SLANT stand for?
Sit up, Lean forward, Ask questions, Nod, Track the speaker
What does GPA stand for?
Grade Point Average
Give one example of a WICOR strategy used in class.
Socratic Seminar, Focused Note-Taking, etc.)
Give an example of a Level 2 question
Compare…” or “Explain why…”
Why do we summarize notes?
To identify key ideas and make connections
Why is binder organization important?
Helps keep materials accessible and supports academic success
Name one type of college.
Community college, university, technical school
Which WICOR component focuses on asking questions?
Inquiry
What makes a Level 3 question different?
Applies knowledge to new situations, e.g., “Predict…”
What is the purpose of an Essential Question?
Guides your thinking and note-taking
Name one tool you can use to stay organized.
Planner, calendar, eBinder
What is a “reach school”
A school where admission is less likely based on your academic profile
Explain how WICOR strategies work together during a Socratic Seminar.
Writing prepares questions, Inquiry drives discussion, Collaboration occurs during dialogue, Organization structures notes, Reading provides evidence.
Create one Level 1, one Level 2, and one Level 3 question about the topic “College Readiness.”
Level 1: What does GPA stand for? Level 2: Why is GPA important for college admission? Level 3: How could GPA requirements influence your long-term goals?
Describe the difference between “Processing Notes” and “Connecting Learning” phases.
Processing involves reviewing and revising notes for clarity; Connecting links new information to prior knowledge or other subjects.
Why is SLANT considered an active learning strategy, and how does it impact classroom engagement?
SLANT encourages posture, participation, and attentiveness, which improves focus and communication during lessons.
Explain the difference between a “reach school,” “match school,” and “safety school.”
Reach—hard to get into based on GPA/test scores; Match—fits your academic profile; Safety—almost guaranteed admission.
Give a real-world example of how WICOR can help you succeed in college or a career.
Using inquiry to ask clarifying questions in a meeting, writing to summarize key points, organizing tasks in a planner, collaborating with team members, and reading reports for context.
Why is it important to use all three levels of Costa’s questions during tutorials?
Level 1 builds understanding, Level 2 deepens thinking, and Level 3 applies knowledge to new situations, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving.
Explain how summarizing and reflecting on notes can improve your performance on exams.
Summarizing identifies key ideas, while reflecting helps evaluate understanding and adjust study strategies, leading to better retention and application.
Design a weekly organization plan that includes binder checks, planner updates, and goal monitoring.
Example: Monday—update planner; Wednesday—binder check; Friday—review goals and adjust tasks for next week.
Why is understanding financial aid and scholarships critical for college planning?
It helps reduce debt, makes college affordable, and influences decisions about which schools to apply to.