What everybody ought to know about Study Skills!

If you're like other parents, you know your children aren't doing all they can to prepare for tests. As an educational consultant, I work with hundreds of students who claim that they study best by reviewing their notes the night before an exam, and then blame their low test scores on their poor test-taking skills. Unfortunately, students don't get much in the way of training to prepare for tests. When they get low test scores, it's most likely because they simply don't know the material! So how do you teach study skills? It's really simple; read on.

Tell your children that they need to prepare for tests FOUR days before the exam. That doesn't mean that they will be studying around the clock for four days, it just means that they should engage with the material for about 30-60 minutes per day, for four days prior. Here's why. If your children block off time in their planners to complete one task to prepare for an exam, they'll have time to absorb the concepts, practice using them, and still have time to meet with the teacher if they have any questions. For instance, if they're preparing for a vocab test, they might do the following. Day 1: Define the words and write sentences; Day 2: Make flashcards and practice them; Day 3: Take a practice exam; Day 4: Write new sentences for the vocab they're still getting incorrect.

By giving your children the skills to ace a test, you're really giving them the key to success. After all, students' grades are largely dependent on quiz, test, and final exams. Teach your children how to study so they can enjoy the great feeling they'll experience when they get A's in class!

If you wish to learn more merit has some excellent education services focused toward accelerating the learning process. Call us at 831.462.5655 to talk to Susan our Director or stop by our college advisory.