<r>Hi Everyone,<br/>
<br/>
A colleague of mine shared with me the white paper below. Raises several good points regarding teaching your children the proper study skills for success in high school and beyond. <br/>
<br/>
Secrets of Middle School Success<br/>
<br/>
By <URL url="http://www.getsupergrades.com"><s></s>Danny E. Brundage<e></e></URL> and Marilyn Chisholm <br/>
<br/>
Secret #1 Motivation<br/>
<br/>
There are two basic types of motivation that drives students: Intrinsic motivation (it brings them pleasure, or it’s important) and extrinsic motivation (they do it for a reward or to avoid punishment.) During middle school years, many students are extrinsically motivated: they want to please parents or teachers, they want to compete with their peers, etc. Extrinsically motivated students usually want to get maximum output (grade) for minimum work. The parent or a teacher can actually use this motivation to the student’s benefit by convincing the student that, if they get organized and develop certain learning skills, their schoolwork will become easier.<br/>
<br/>
The good news is that people tend to be motivated to do things that they are good at. So, as the student adopts these new skills and becomes better at school, intrinsic motivation is likely to take over and drive the student to even better performance. This leads to the next secret.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #2 Organization<br/>
<br/>
Some people seem to be naturally organized, but most middle school students tend to have a problem with organization. Part of the problem is due to the difference between elementary school, where there is usually a single teacher to direct the student, and middle school, where the student has several teachers and is being asked to be more responsible for herself. for students, teachers and parents. This can be frustrating for parents, teachers and the student.<br/>
<br/>
Getting organized involves using both processes and tools. Parents can help their child to develop a set of processes that they repeat every day until it becomes habit. For example, many students don’t tend to write down their assignments in a single place during each class, and then make sure they have that assignment list when they get home.<br/>
<br/>
There are also a set of simple tools like schedules, assignment sheets, and bulletin boards that can help the student develop good habits of organization.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #3 Active Listening<br/>
<br/>
At the middle school level, much of the information is still given directly by the teacher, so listening plays an important role in learning. Unfortunately, many middle school students are not very good at listening. Young people are easily distracted and think about other things.<br/>
<br/>
A good way to develop good listening skills is by practicing what we call Active Listening. Active listening involves two simple things: The first is to ask yourself questions about what is being said. Examples of such questions might be – what is coming next? <br/>
<br/>
The second activity involved in active listening is taking good notes. Taking notes requires the listener to pay closer attention to what is being said, and allows him to pull his attention back if it strays. There are two additional benefits to taking good notes. If the student reviews his notes within 24 hours of a class, his retention of the material can go up as much as 50%! That alone can make a big difference in school performance. In addition, good notes become a great tool to help the student study for tests.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #4 Reading for Information<br/>
<br/>
In elementary school, most reading assignments are about learning to read. This begins to change in middle school. It is assumed that students know how to read fairly well. Now, students are expected to use reading as a tool for learning. This is new to many students and it requires a different skill set. Just reading through the material doesn’t mean that you are learning it.<br/>
<br/>
One method that can help students acquire these new learning skills is called SQRW, which stands for Survey, Question, Read and Write.<br/>
<br/>
In the first step, Survey, the student scans through the whole section in a particular way: she reads the first few sentences; all of the headings and sub-headings, and looks at the pictures, diagrams and charts, reading the captions.<br/>
<br/>
In the next step, Question, she makes up a series of questions based on the chapter headings and sub-headings.<br/>
<br/>
In step three, Read, she reads through each section carefully, searching for answers to her questions. <br/>
<br/>
And, in step four, Write, she writes these answers in an area under the original questions.<br/>
<br/>
This may sound like a lot, but with a little practice, this can become automatic. And, as a bonus, these questions and answers become a great study aid for tests.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #5 Time Management<br/>
<br/>
There are two parts to Time Management. The first part of time management is having a schedule that covers all of the student’s activities during the school week. This schedule should include time for classes, after-school activities, meals, homework, etc. The key here is to make a habit out of creating a schedule and sticking to it. It is important to include some personal time that is unscheduled.<br/>
<br/>
The second part of time management is planning how to use the allotted homework / study time. Each day, the student should spend a few minutes planning out the order for doing homework, school projects, and studying. An added benefit of this process is that many people enjoy checking off tasks as they are completed. Some students like to give themselves a reward after completing their task list – such as playing their favorite video game or calling a friend.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #6 Taking Tests<br/>
<br/>
Finally, in order to be a good student, you must do well on tests – there’s no way around it. So, what does it take to do well on tests? There are 3 key ingredients:<br/>
<br/>
#1 Know What’s On the Test<br/>
<br/>
It is important to know what material is going to be on the test. Some teachers will just tell the class. In this case, the student should write it down. Other teachers might hand out a study guide. However, some teachers only give clues. Here the student needs to listen carefully for these clues. For example, things that the teacher tends to repeat or spend a lot of time on are likely suspects.<br/>
<br/>
#2 Learn That Material Well<br/>
<br/>
Once the student has a good idea of what is going to be on the test, she must learn that material well. This requires that the student review this material from class notes, reading notes, handouts, flashcards, etc.<br/>
<br/>
#3 Rehearse for the test<br/>
<br/>
By rehearse, we mean to attempt to create the test-taking situation as closely as possible. One approach is for the student to make up a test using questions like those that are likely to be on the test. She can get some ideas from handouts, homework assignments, textbook questions, etc. She should also include questions used during reading assignments. Once a set of questions has been made, the student should take the practice test in a quiet place where she is not likely to be interrupted. Set a time limit and stick to it. <br/>
<br/>
In addition to being good practice, this will reveal any holes in the student’s knowledge of the material. Hopefully, the student will be more prepared and therefore, more relaxed and less anxious at test-taking time. <br/>
<br/>
Getting Extra Help<br/>
<br/>
The six “Learning Skills” discussed in this paper are considered fundamental for being a good student. It has been shown that, on average, students who have these skills perform at least a full grade above their peers who don’t. And, these students tend to like school more and to be more engaged in learning.<br/>
<br/>
<URL url="http://www.getsupergrades.com"><s></s>SuperGrades!<e></e></URL> is a learning program designed around these fundamental skills. SuperGrades! teaches these skills in language that students relate to, in an interesting and entertaining way. SuperGrades! is a unique program designed to help students, ages 11-14, to develop these critical skills that are the foundation for good school performance. Our team of experienced educators and course designers has collected the “best practices” in learning skills that are used by top students. As your children work through this unique program, they will learn the Power Secrets of Learning. Within 4-6 weeks, you’ll see a measurable improvement your child’s grades and perhaps in his or her enthusiasm for school.<br/>
<br/>
SuperGrades! isn’t just for students who are having difficulty in school. It can help B-students become A-students, and A-students become more efficient learners by equipping them in a short time with skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. <br/>
<br/>
If you believe that your child should be performing better in school, the <URL url="http://www.getsupergrades.com"><s></s>SuperGrades!<e></e></URL> program could be your answer. He might just look at school in a completely different way.</r>
<br/>
A colleague of mine shared with me the white paper below. Raises several good points regarding teaching your children the proper study skills for success in high school and beyond. <br/>
<br/>
Secrets of Middle School Success<br/>
<br/>
By <URL url="http://www.getsupergrades.com"><s></s>Danny E. Brundage<e></e></URL> and Marilyn Chisholm <br/>
<br/>
Secret #1 Motivation<br/>
<br/>
There are two basic types of motivation that drives students: Intrinsic motivation (it brings them pleasure, or it’s important) and extrinsic motivation (they do it for a reward or to avoid punishment.) During middle school years, many students are extrinsically motivated: they want to please parents or teachers, they want to compete with their peers, etc. Extrinsically motivated students usually want to get maximum output (grade) for minimum work. The parent or a teacher can actually use this motivation to the student’s benefit by convincing the student that, if they get organized and develop certain learning skills, their schoolwork will become easier.<br/>
<br/>
The good news is that people tend to be motivated to do things that they are good at. So, as the student adopts these new skills and becomes better at school, intrinsic motivation is likely to take over and drive the student to even better performance. This leads to the next secret.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #2 Organization<br/>
<br/>
Some people seem to be naturally organized, but most middle school students tend to have a problem with organization. Part of the problem is due to the difference between elementary school, where there is usually a single teacher to direct the student, and middle school, where the student has several teachers and is being asked to be more responsible for herself. for students, teachers and parents. This can be frustrating for parents, teachers and the student.<br/>
<br/>
Getting organized involves using both processes and tools. Parents can help their child to develop a set of processes that they repeat every day until it becomes habit. For example, many students don’t tend to write down their assignments in a single place during each class, and then make sure they have that assignment list when they get home.<br/>
<br/>
There are also a set of simple tools like schedules, assignment sheets, and bulletin boards that can help the student develop good habits of organization.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #3 Active Listening<br/>
<br/>
At the middle school level, much of the information is still given directly by the teacher, so listening plays an important role in learning. Unfortunately, many middle school students are not very good at listening. Young people are easily distracted and think about other things.<br/>
<br/>
A good way to develop good listening skills is by practicing what we call Active Listening. Active listening involves two simple things: The first is to ask yourself questions about what is being said. Examples of such questions might be – what is coming next? <br/>
<br/>
The second activity involved in active listening is taking good notes. Taking notes requires the listener to pay closer attention to what is being said, and allows him to pull his attention back if it strays. There are two additional benefits to taking good notes. If the student reviews his notes within 24 hours of a class, his retention of the material can go up as much as 50%! That alone can make a big difference in school performance. In addition, good notes become a great tool to help the student study for tests.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #4 Reading for Information<br/>
<br/>
In elementary school, most reading assignments are about learning to read. This begins to change in middle school. It is assumed that students know how to read fairly well. Now, students are expected to use reading as a tool for learning. This is new to many students and it requires a different skill set. Just reading through the material doesn’t mean that you are learning it.<br/>
<br/>
One method that can help students acquire these new learning skills is called SQRW, which stands for Survey, Question, Read and Write.<br/>
<br/>
In the first step, Survey, the student scans through the whole section in a particular way: she reads the first few sentences; all of the headings and sub-headings, and looks at the pictures, diagrams and charts, reading the captions.<br/>
<br/>
In the next step, Question, she makes up a series of questions based on the chapter headings and sub-headings.<br/>
<br/>
In step three, Read, she reads through each section carefully, searching for answers to her questions. <br/>
<br/>
And, in step four, Write, she writes these answers in an area under the original questions.<br/>
<br/>
This may sound like a lot, but with a little practice, this can become automatic. And, as a bonus, these questions and answers become a great study aid for tests.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #5 Time Management<br/>
<br/>
There are two parts to Time Management. The first part of time management is having a schedule that covers all of the student’s activities during the school week. This schedule should include time for classes, after-school activities, meals, homework, etc. The key here is to make a habit out of creating a schedule and sticking to it. It is important to include some personal time that is unscheduled.<br/>
<br/>
The second part of time management is planning how to use the allotted homework / study time. Each day, the student should spend a few minutes planning out the order for doing homework, school projects, and studying. An added benefit of this process is that many people enjoy checking off tasks as they are completed. Some students like to give themselves a reward after completing their task list – such as playing their favorite video game or calling a friend.<br/>
<br/>
Secret #6 Taking Tests<br/>
<br/>
Finally, in order to be a good student, you must do well on tests – there’s no way around it. So, what does it take to do well on tests? There are 3 key ingredients:<br/>
<br/>
#1 Know What’s On the Test<br/>
<br/>
It is important to know what material is going to be on the test. Some teachers will just tell the class. In this case, the student should write it down. Other teachers might hand out a study guide. However, some teachers only give clues. Here the student needs to listen carefully for these clues. For example, things that the teacher tends to repeat or spend a lot of time on are likely suspects.<br/>
<br/>
#2 Learn That Material Well<br/>
<br/>
Once the student has a good idea of what is going to be on the test, she must learn that material well. This requires that the student review this material from class notes, reading notes, handouts, flashcards, etc.<br/>
<br/>
#3 Rehearse for the test<br/>
<br/>
By rehearse, we mean to attempt to create the test-taking situation as closely as possible. One approach is for the student to make up a test using questions like those that are likely to be on the test. She can get some ideas from handouts, homework assignments, textbook questions, etc. She should also include questions used during reading assignments. Once a set of questions has been made, the student should take the practice test in a quiet place where she is not likely to be interrupted. Set a time limit and stick to it. <br/>
<br/>
In addition to being good practice, this will reveal any holes in the student’s knowledge of the material. Hopefully, the student will be more prepared and therefore, more relaxed and less anxious at test-taking time. <br/>
<br/>
Getting Extra Help<br/>
<br/>
The six “Learning Skills” discussed in this paper are considered fundamental for being a good student. It has been shown that, on average, students who have these skills perform at least a full grade above their peers who don’t. And, these students tend to like school more and to be more engaged in learning.<br/>
<br/>
<URL url="http://www.getsupergrades.com"><s></s>SuperGrades!<e></e></URL> is a learning program designed around these fundamental skills. SuperGrades! teaches these skills in language that students relate to, in an interesting and entertaining way. SuperGrades! is a unique program designed to help students, ages 11-14, to develop these critical skills that are the foundation for good school performance. Our team of experienced educators and course designers has collected the “best practices” in learning skills that are used by top students. As your children work through this unique program, they will learn the Power Secrets of Learning. Within 4-6 weeks, you’ll see a measurable improvement your child’s grades and perhaps in his or her enthusiasm for school.<br/>
<br/>
SuperGrades! isn’t just for students who are having difficulty in school. It can help B-students become A-students, and A-students become more efficient learners by equipping them in a short time with skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. <br/>
<br/>
If you believe that your child should be performing better in school, the <URL url="http://www.getsupergrades.com"><s></s>SuperGrades!<e></e></URL> program could be your answer. He might just look at school in a completely different way.</r>