Authored by Dr. Paul D. Lindstrom, taken from his radio program titled “There’s No Place Like Home.”
In the process of accumulating knowledge, it is very important for your child to learn facts and methods. However, it is vital to your child’s education that he learns to study.
How should you study?
There are many books, and even courses on the subject. People are realizing that even the finest brain is a tool, and if is it used improperly, it will not help a child to excel.
The Basic Principles
The basic principles behind productive studying are actually very simple. As a parent, can easily instruct your child in some of the basic “how to’s” of studying. In doing so, you will be helping him to be a good steward of his time and talents.
Listen
One of the most basic principles behind good studying in school, particularly in college, is to listen closely to the teacher. Usually note taking and outlining are the best ways to assure attentiveness. You can help outline your pastor’s sermons. Since you heard the sermon too, you will know if your child is efficiently absorbing key points, or missing them. Also, you will be able to help your child streamline his style if he takes many notes.
Outlining
Outlines of a class content are important because they guide a student’s outside work. In many high school and college courses, students must read hundreds of pages of texts or other material. Emphasize the importance of doing the reading, but show your child how to use his class notes as a guide to what the teacher thinks is important in the text. A highlighter or underlining pen for key sentences is advisable. Also, show your child how to summarize key points in the margin.
Note Taking
If a student has listened closely in class, taken notes, and done the assigned reading, actual studying for tests will be much simpler. If he rereads his class notes several times, and studies the highlighted sections and margin notes in his text, he will be quite well prepared. Often at this stage it is a good idea to re-outline an outline, or to write down lists of key points from memory. Study in sections, taking brief breaks when certain goals are accomplished.
Other Important Factors
Beyond this preparation, remember other factors. An important variable is the teacher. Does he give essay tests, or objective tests? Does he tell students what points he will cover, or does he leave it open? For an essay test, do a lot of scanning, and remember general points. For an objective test, focus in on key facts, sentences and details.
Textbooks
There are textbooks which list techniques which are helpful when a teacher expects a lot of rote memorizations and these can be found in a library. Look these up and help your child learn to use them. A lot of the key to success in studying is a positive attitude and perseverance. As a parent, help your child to achieve these, and you will help him to excel.
Here at Christian Liberty Homeschools, we want to help you be successful. Christian Liberty Homeschools has the tools you need to be successful.
Visit us at: www.homeschools.org
This book from Christian Liberty will help you study:
“How To Study” 2nd Edition; Author: Edward J. Shewan ISBN: 978-1-932971-34-7
https://shopchristianliberty.com/how-to-study-2nd-edition
Overview:
“You’re not born learning how to study and get good grades on tests… it takes practice, dedication, and some handy hints never hurt! Using straightforward language, this book examines seven areas that can be improved: reading and reading aptitude; writing, composition, and research skills; study habits; and test taking.
Written from a Christian perspective, biblical advice and scripture is used throughout. Learn how to take notes, outline your paper, list your references, review and memorize, and more. This book cuts across all subjects in the curriculum, selects the basic skills, and visually shows how each skill is acquired. It is useful for both teachers and young people.”
5 Star Reviews:
“Great book!” Posted by CeeCee “My 15 y/o son has started to read this book and it is well written and inspiring. He is actually putting into effect the suggestions the book has given, on his own!!! Thank you for such a great guide!”
“Great book” Posted by Christine Field, Senior Correspondent, The Old Schoolhouse™ Magazine “As my children are getting older, I am increasingly concerned that they are equipped with skills for high school and college. A great deal of our focus in the middle school years is on learning study skills, and research and writing skills. This little book is written to the student and covers all aspects of the study process. He spends a great deal of time in the beginning of the book talking about time management. Most of us need help in this area! He shows the student how to chart and manage their time effectively. The rest of the book is dedicated to improving skills, including reading, writing, composition and research. This is the kind of book you could read together with your child, or give to a middle school student to study independently. It’s a valuable investment is your child’s higher education.”