Doug Wiegand Rising Sun High School Proven Methods to Better Grades.

Doug Wiegand

Rising Sun High School

Proven Methods to Better Grades

Step #1“Visualize your Goals”

Understand the relationship between effective study and rewards

Benefits of Effective Study Habits

Better Grades Less Anxiety Gain more Knowledge Improve Self-Image Increase Your Opportunities

Short Term Goals

These can be one day to one year in length

Earn at least a 4 on the AP English Exam

Do my make-up work after an absence Take and do well on the SAT’s Read the chapter assigned instead of

playing X-Box or Playstation 3

Long Term Goals

These goals are one year to ten years away

Go to Law School Start at Cecil College, then transfer to

University of Maryland after 2 years Become a Registered Nurse Visit all 32 Pro Football Stadiums

Task Management

Cramming vs. Spaced Learning

“The Crammer”

You know who you are Night-before “studying” “Slapping-together” a presentation “I just don’t feel like doing it” “It’s not due till next week” C’mon, I’m a teenager, I need to have

fun” Does not delay gratification

“The Spaced Learner”

Spaces out the work into manageable chunks ahead of time

Enjoys their free time because studying is done

Is not stressed the night before an exam Is organized and confident for

presentations Delays Gratification

Which One First?

Delaying Gratification = Eating Veggies

“Time Robbers”

Activities that take up time with no positive educational outcome

“surfing the net” Being a text message addict Watching TV (except for Football) Playing for hours on end with your latest

phone/i-phone/cameraphone etc.

Time Management

Develop a weekly schedule Identify your “time robbers” Prioritize your activities Do not “overbook’ yourself Develop positive patterns (bedtime,

wake-up, meals, exercise) 15 hours a week will produce A/B

average

7 Methods to Proper Studying

7. Get proper rest. You should sleep 7 – 8 hours per night This allows the body and brain to re-

charge and re-energize

6. Take breaks when needed If you are starting to drift or lose focus, get up,

stretch, take 5 minutes or so then re-attack

5. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle No Drugs No Alcohol Exercise

4. Study in a quiet place with minimal distractions No radio, TV or Computer “in the

background”

3. Be Comfortable (but not too comfortable) Being too comfy will facilitate getting

sleepy Be at a desk in a well-lighted room Studying in bed or while laying on the

couch is a bad idea

2. Use 20 minute “Concentration Blocks” Humans can only truly concentrate for

about 20 minutes in a row. Take breaks in-between blocks

1. Develop your own Style Understand the way in which you learn Do you need visuals? Are you a kinetic learner? Figure out what works best and implement

your own style

3 Last Realities ( in my opinion)

1. Avoid Study Groups, most times it just becomes a social hour

2. Test Anxiety is a Myth. Poor preparation is the real diagnosis.

3. Financial Success is contingent upon Academic Success.

Thank you!