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!