Math word problems can be painful. And not just in the “I’m emotionally tired” kind of painful. We’re talking about the “my head hurts, I’m exhausted, that took too much work, I don’t know what’s next, I’m emotionally tired” kind of painful. And it’s not as if somehow when you’re studying you can avoid math […]
Middle school study skills: do you know which are most important?
Recently two of our team members were able to give a free study skills seminar in conjunction with LearningRx of Raleigh. It was a great night. We had some good interaction with students and parents. And they had free cookies. Isn’t “free cookies” the definition of a good night? Toward the end of our session, […]
How to answer multiple choice questions like a pro
Multiple choice questions are a staple of education. They may be less ubiquitous (<–SAT vocab word) than they once were. Still, we all have to take multiple choice tests. Students, it’s vital that you have a good strategy for answering multiple choice questions. Use this 4 step process to answer any multiple choice question like […]
How to overcome test-taking anxiety (and why you need to)
Test-taking anxiety is real. You know it. I know it. We’ve all had those moments where we experience the sweaty palms, the nervous jitters, the racing heartbeat. It happens. But should it? Test-taking anxiety negatively effects your performance when taking a test (similar to cramming for an exam). As unfortunate as that is, it’s true. […]
How to use the chunking method to memorize vocabulary
The chunking method does not sound like a memory device. Where I grew up, that was a way to throw something – you had the tossing method, the hurling method, and the “chunking method.” (I hear in other places in the world, that’s actually the “chucking method,” but to each his own). But that’s not […]
Doing your homework (the right way)
Today’s guest post on homework is from Robbie Fluegge, a Harvard University sophomore. We’ve all been there. It’s already late at night and you haven’t started your homework assignment that’s due tomorrow. Your friend said it took them a couple hours, but you’re not worried. You know that you can get it done. All that […]
Student memory tip: re-thinking flashcards
I have a love-hate relationship with flashcards. On the one hand, using flashcards seems to be an effective student memory tip. This is especially true of detail-rich information. After a few rounds of going through flashcards, students seem to be much better at recalling the information on those cards. It’s a memory strategy that has […]
4 effective types of notes to try taking in-class
What types of notes are the best to take in class? That’s a great question we want to address today, for two reasons. First, this question means you are taking notes in class. Ideally these will be handwritten notes rather than digital. But either way – whether you’re using Evernote or some old-fashioned pencil and […]