Debate homework's merits all you want, but compare our typical 180-day school year with Israel's 216 and Japan's 243, and its significance is hard to dispute. Then layer that with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's study of forty industrialized nations, and again we come up short. Thailand's students log in 30.5 school hours every week, followed by Korea with 30.3 hours and China with 26.9 hours. Then comes America, ranking thirty-sixth with 22.2 hours a week--and for only 180 days. That's simply not enough--certainly not to get the job done right.Our ever-expanding curricula and standardized testing requirements leave little room for the cementing of new ideas and ownership by our students. That's homework's job. This essential bridge bolsters new learning--and oftentimes highlights areas that require further instruction. Says the National School Public Relations Association, "Homework is key to a child's success. Critics of the American education system point to other countries whose students show a high level of achievement and attribute that success in large measure to the many hours of homework they are assigned every night." And that's in addition to their extended school time.In 1900, then Ladies Home Journal's editor Edward Bok labeled homework "barbarous." Later, the American Child Heath Association compared homework to child labor, calling it "a killer of children." And, despite the evidence, some folks still question its merits. Said one parent: "My child has better things to do with his time that spend it on homework." Declared another: "As a parent of four children, I wish schools would give less homework--or better yet, no homework. It is unrealistic to expect working parents to help kids do homework at night." Fortunately, not everyone agrees.According to a 2008 MetLife, Inc. report based on a Harris Interactive online survey of more than 1,000 teachers, 501 parents, and 2,101 students:* 75% of students say they have enough time to complete their schoolwork.* 85% of parents believe their children are receiving the "right amount" or actually "too little" homework.* 77% of students and more than 80% of teachers and parents say homework is either "important" or "very important."* 75% of students say they typically do 30 minutes of schoolwork a day.* 45% say they spend one hour or more each weeknight.* Teachers reportedly spend 8.5 hours or more each week preparing and grading homework.The right amount and difficulty of homework promotes good learning habits and skills, extending and reinforcing class work, while promoting accountability and achievement. Says Dr. Harris Cooper, America's foremost homework researcher: "Eliminating homework makes no more sense than piling it on." He's found that high schoolers derive no academic benefit from putting in more than two hours a night; for middle schoolers, 1-1/2 hours should suffice.So, face it: homework is here to stay, and parents can make all the difference by talking up the work of schools and helping establish a reasonable homework/study schedule. First, set the stage with some after-school physical activity and a healthy snack--think peanut butter-smeared apple slices, not chips and soda--before your child hits the books--hardest subject first. Starting at the kitchen table is ideal, so time wasting, daydreaming, and/or frustration can be readily monitored. Meanwhile, screen incoming calls, to be returned later in between assignments. Parents, also . . .
1. Look at your child's assignment book daily; doing homework should never be a choice. 2. Ask, "What did you learn in school today?" instead of "How was school?" 3. When you hear, "I did it all in school," check the work to be sure; then suggest reviewing and free reading. Ditto in the case of "I have no homework." 4. Always encourage textbook note-taking, flashcard making, and reviewing. 5. Make sure a classmate is called to collect and bring home work or leave it in the main office for after school pick up when absence is unavoidable. 6. Ensure finished work is put in a homework folder for easy access the next day.
Much can be accomplished when parents make schoolwork a top priority and work in concert with schools by keeping abreast of what's being taught, supporting their kids' academic efforts, and contacting teachers when concerns arise. In other words, stay in the know and make sure homework gets done--on time, all the time.
Together with supervising student teachers at Gwynedd-Mercy College, my career as a middle school learning specialist spans 30 years, much of it reflected in my many presentations and publications for parents, teachers, and students, including Getting School-Wise, Other-Wise and School-Wise, ESL Activities for Every Month of the School Year, and most recently, 149 Parenting School-Wise Tips, Intermediate Grades & Up and the monthly School-Wise Books Newsletter
Friday, November 28, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
College Study Tips
College Study Tips by Gene Grzywacz
In school, you were always told to study, but did anybody actually teach you how to study? From elementary school to high school you were on your own. The only thing you knew about studying was that there would be consequences (failure, poor grades) if you did not study. If you know how to read and want to take the time to improve your grades, read on. You will have an advantage over the other students when you know HOW TO STUDY.
The Need to Study
We are all taught early on that there is a need to study. Once you reach college, the need to study increases as the material becomes harder. There are very few people who can memorize the course material and spill it back on an exam. You need information in the form of a textbook, handout, or study guide. Prepare yourself to study, get the necessary reading and writing materials and prepare for success.
Studying does not mean that you are less than intelligent. Not studying is the real symbol of ignorance. A college education is very important, and more than likely you have had to struggle to get where you are. When the test comes back with a failing grade, you will feel very frustrated, maybe to the point of giving up.
Prepare to Study
You should have an "action plan" for studying. You wouldn't go on a date or to a party without a "plan", so preparation is necessary. It is not that much fun, but the extra effort will pay off. Make sure you are in a comfortable place where you can focus. If there is a lot of noise or music, or somebody vying for your attention, you will lose your concentration. You can buy the extra reference material from a book store, but trying to use it with the television on will not be effective. Make sure the television is off, the music is off, the phone is disengaged. Keep your mind on the subject you are studying and try to avoid distractions.
Break Time
Do not wait until the last minute to review your study guide. Take the time to look over the information, you may find things that are not familiar, or different from what you thought at first. Have a set time for your study sessions, pace yourself over a reasonable period of time so you are not overwhelmed by information. Take frequent breaks to allow the information to register in your mind. Rest your eyes to avoid a headache, and eat healthy snacks. It is a good idea to stay away from caffeine, sugar and those ever-so-popular "energy drinks".
Take Note!
Rewriting the information is a good way to retain the material. You can re-write your classroom notes. This is a "rehearsal" for the mind, and re-introduces the information to your mind. You may find something you missed or misunderstood. Also translating margin notes and hastily scribbled notes will provide mental exercise for your study habits.
Take good notes in the classroom, if you cannot keep up you may wish to record the lecture and replay it when you are able to write the information down. The better and more detailed notes you take in the classroom will help you when you are studying.
Join or Start a Study Group
What you want out of a study group are students who take the material and the course seriously. You are not there to discuss the latest reality shows or focus on mindless gossip. You can all pitch in to purchase and share the reference materials. Most college students could use a financial break. If a group of people focus on the class material, you could pick up information you missed or provide missing information. Also, hearing another person's take on the class materials may give you a better understanding of the class.
by Gene Grzywacz
http://bruteforcestudyguide.com/page4.html
In school, you were always told to study, but did anybody actually teach you how to study? From elementary school to high school you were on your own. The only thing you knew about studying was that there would be consequences (failure, poor grades) if you did not study. If you know how to read and want to take the time to improve your grades, read on. You will have an advantage over the other students when you know HOW TO STUDY.
The Need to Study
We are all taught early on that there is a need to study. Once you reach college, the need to study increases as the material becomes harder. There are very few people who can memorize the course material and spill it back on an exam. You need information in the form of a textbook, handout, or study guide. Prepare yourself to study, get the necessary reading and writing materials and prepare for success.
Studying does not mean that you are less than intelligent. Not studying is the real symbol of ignorance. A college education is very important, and more than likely you have had to struggle to get where you are. When the test comes back with a failing grade, you will feel very frustrated, maybe to the point of giving up.
Prepare to Study
You should have an "action plan" for studying. You wouldn't go on a date or to a party without a "plan", so preparation is necessary. It is not that much fun, but the extra effort will pay off. Make sure you are in a comfortable place where you can focus. If there is a lot of noise or music, or somebody vying for your attention, you will lose your concentration. You can buy the extra reference material from a book store, but trying to use it with the television on will not be effective. Make sure the television is off, the music is off, the phone is disengaged. Keep your mind on the subject you are studying and try to avoid distractions.
Break Time
Do not wait until the last minute to review your study guide. Take the time to look over the information, you may find things that are not familiar, or different from what you thought at first. Have a set time for your study sessions, pace yourself over a reasonable period of time so you are not overwhelmed by information. Take frequent breaks to allow the information to register in your mind. Rest your eyes to avoid a headache, and eat healthy snacks. It is a good idea to stay away from caffeine, sugar and those ever-so-popular "energy drinks".
Take Note!
Rewriting the information is a good way to retain the material. You can re-write your classroom notes. This is a "rehearsal" for the mind, and re-introduces the information to your mind. You may find something you missed or misunderstood. Also translating margin notes and hastily scribbled notes will provide mental exercise for your study habits.
Take good notes in the classroom, if you cannot keep up you may wish to record the lecture and replay it when you are able to write the information down. The better and more detailed notes you take in the classroom will help you when you are studying.
Join or Start a Study Group
What you want out of a study group are students who take the material and the course seriously. You are not there to discuss the latest reality shows or focus on mindless gossip. You can all pitch in to purchase and share the reference materials. Most college students could use a financial break. If a group of people focus on the class material, you could pick up information you missed or provide missing information. Also, hearing another person's take on the class materials may give you a better understanding of the class.
by Gene Grzywacz
http://bruteforcestudyguide.com/page4.html
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
10 books that are guaranteed to make you succeed
Any person in the world will benefit hugely from reading even just one of these books. I recommend reading them all.
1. Think and grow rich - Napoleon Hill This book is the essential guide for learning how to think like a rich person. Hill's easy step by set formula includes no guesswork; this book was written after an in depth study of the world's richest people. Hill compiles the list of attributes he discovered were common amongst virtually all successful people. If you plan on becoming rich I would recommend reading this book before starting your journey.
2. How to win friends and influence people - Dale Carnegie Have you ever wondered how to persuade others to your way of thinking or how some people just seem to be able to make friends easily? This book outlines the simple rules to enjoying the cooperation of everyone you meet.
3. The master key system - Charles F. Haanel This timeless classic clearly explains the link between your inner and outer worlds. Rumour has it Bill Gates read this book as a student.
4. The power of positive thinking - Norman Vincent Peale How thinking positively can help you to believe in yourself and improve all aspects of your life.
5. The seven habits of highly effective people - Stephen R Covey This popular book has been sold millions of times, the world over, for a very good reason. Quite simply, it describes the standard for good leadership and harmonious relationships.
6. Rich dad, Poor dad - Robert Kiyosaki Kiyosaki will challenge the very way you look at money, and basically flip your viewpoint upside down. Most people's relationship with money is backward. Do you learn your financial facts from rich people or poor people?
7. Lead the field - Earl Nightingale A concise handbook on how to become the number one in your industry!
8. Awaken the giant within - Tony Robbins Robbins is the master ambassador for taking massive action. Reading this book may well stir that sleeping giant lying dormant within you, into waking from its slumber.
9. The power of now - Eckhardt Tolle This book was not what I expected it to be but exceeded what I thought it would be. A real paradigm shifter. Become more conscious today.
10. The magic of thinking big - David J. Schwartz A user's manual for setting big goals and how to achieve them!
Joseph William
Visit http://josephwilliamsuccesscoach.blogspot.com or www.knowers-ark.com
1. Think and grow rich - Napoleon Hill This book is the essential guide for learning how to think like a rich person. Hill's easy step by set formula includes no guesswork; this book was written after an in depth study of the world's richest people. Hill compiles the list of attributes he discovered were common amongst virtually all successful people. If you plan on becoming rich I would recommend reading this book before starting your journey.
2. How to win friends and influence people - Dale Carnegie Have you ever wondered how to persuade others to your way of thinking or how some people just seem to be able to make friends easily? This book outlines the simple rules to enjoying the cooperation of everyone you meet.
3. The master key system - Charles F. Haanel This timeless classic clearly explains the link between your inner and outer worlds. Rumour has it Bill Gates read this book as a student.
4. The power of positive thinking - Norman Vincent Peale How thinking positively can help you to believe in yourself and improve all aspects of your life.
5. The seven habits of highly effective people - Stephen R Covey This popular book has been sold millions of times, the world over, for a very good reason. Quite simply, it describes the standard for good leadership and harmonious relationships.
6. Rich dad, Poor dad - Robert Kiyosaki Kiyosaki will challenge the very way you look at money, and basically flip your viewpoint upside down. Most people's relationship with money is backward. Do you learn your financial facts from rich people or poor people?
7. Lead the field - Earl Nightingale A concise handbook on how to become the number one in your industry!
8. Awaken the giant within - Tony Robbins Robbins is the master ambassador for taking massive action. Reading this book may well stir that sleeping giant lying dormant within you, into waking from its slumber.
9. The power of now - Eckhardt Tolle This book was not what I expected it to be but exceeded what I thought it would be. A real paradigm shifter. Become more conscious today.
10. The magic of thinking big - David J. Schwartz A user's manual for setting big goals and how to achieve them!
Joseph William
Visit http://josephwilliamsuccesscoach.blogspot.com or www.knowers-ark.com
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