Preface Acknowledgements About the Author Part I - Overcoming Obstacles and Negative Attitudes 1. Stinkin?, Thinkin?, and Other Roadblocks 2. My Homework Is Boring 3. Who Has the Time for Homework? 4. Just Add Water - Skill Development Takes Time 5. I?m too Tired to Study 6. Get a Coach - Your Very Own Personal Trainer for Studying Part II - Notebooks and Note-Taking Skills 7. Bring the Correct Notebook to Class 8. The How-Many-Notebooks-Do-I-Need Dilemma 9. Note-Taking Formats 10. Note-Taking Shortcuts 11. Taping a Class Part III - Homework Skills 12. Recording Assignments 13. Misplaced Homework 14. Why Even Do Homework? 15. Location, Location, Location - What is a Good Study Environment? 16. Sit on the Floor or at my Desk? ? Setting up an Effective Study Environment 17. Background Music and Homework 18. Wandering Focus 19. Pressure vs. Stress 20. Homework Schedules 21. Ready, Set....Don?t Start - Procrastination 22. Giving too Much Help to Friends 23. Too Much Parental Help 24. Brief Nightly Review of Notes 25. How to Read Informational Texts 26. Reading Rates 27. Take Notes While Reading? Part IV - Test Preparation and Test-taking Skills 28. Studying for Easy and Hard Subjects 29. Overcoming Spelling Problems 30. Is it Possible to Study too Long for a Test? 31. Mnemonics 32. Overwhelmed and Stuck 33. Finding Clues About Test Content 34. Study Cards 35. Long-Term Memory Formation; Rehearsal and Recitation 36. Memorizing Long Lists 37. Forgetting and Cramming 38. Directives 39. Food for the Brain 40. Preparing for Free Response Questions 41. Preparing for True/False Tests 42. Preparing for Multiple Choice Questions 43. Preparing for Open Book Tests 44. Problems Finishing the Tests 45. Proofreading 46. Study Groups 47. Remembering Locations - Episodic Memory 48. Should You Keep Your Eyes on Your Paper? 49. Analyzing Returning Tests Part V - Exams 50. Preparing for and Taking Exams and High-Stake Tests References Index
"Valuable for teachers and families. Peltz offers research-based strategies as he builds a partnership with students to challenge, inform, and encourage them." -Lucy C. Martin, Learning Specialist, McDonogh School, Owingo Mills, MD "All the issues and questions you have about work habits and study skills are here, along with student-friendly suggestions and ideas!" -K. Michael Hibbard, Assistant Superintendent, Ridgefield Public Schools, CT Partner with your students to realign their study skills and introduce new ones for success! Addressing common defense mechanisms and rationalizations students use to avoid studying, Dear Teacher: Expert Advice for Effective Study Skills offers ready-to-use, practical responses based on proven research for middle and high school classrooms. Experienced teacher and study skills coach William H. Peltz demonstrates how to introduce and promote easy-to-understand studying techniques and specific strategies for note-taking, doing homework, and preparing for high-stakes tests and standardized assessments. Cleverly written in a "Dear Abby" format, this resource enables teachers to become partners with their students to help them: Enhance their ability to concentrate and focus Organize their work Manage time Assume responsibility for their behavior Become more self-reliant This light, engaging book assists students in finding the requisite skills to succeed in school and in real-world learning experiences.