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Tag: Study Skills
Tricks of the Academic Trade
Online tools are useful homework management techniques for students. Yet, with the plethora of online tools available, knowing which tools are actually worthy can be tricky. So, here’s a couple tools that are student-tested and recommended: Wolfram|Alpha: a searchable database for all academic subjects, including solutions to exact math problems. For an additional fee, students can…
Guest Post: Life After Getting Into College
Kai is a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Class of 2016. He will graduate with an Aerospace Engineering degree, as well as completed the requirements for medical school. He also runs on the USNA Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field Team. Below are Kai’s reflections on the transition from high school to college: __________________________________________________________…
On Being Sick
As we enter the winter season, this year’s class of bacteria and viruses will be waiting to greet students with open arms. While no one intends to be sick, sickness is an inevitable part of life. Yet, once sick, students resist taking time to rest, so as to “not fall behind.” Sickness is disruptive, forcing…
The Chronicles of Procrastination
Bravado When first given an assignment, especially a project due beyond the end of the week, we’re often overly confident that we’ll complete the assignment in stages, so there won’t be a last-minute-panic-tear-streaked-temper-tantrum-tazmanian-devil-whirling-dervish kind of effort in the 24 hours before the deadline. We pridefully chalk up previous “all-nighters”, as “all in the past”, determined…
“The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same”
One hundred and sixty years ago, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “You may say the wisest thing you can, old man – you who have lived seventy years, not without honor of a kind – I hear an irresistible voice which invites me away from all that. One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded…
There’s No Excuses
Elementary school has recess for a reason – pent up little kid energy can get in the way of focusing on the academic task at hand. Adults and teens are no different; we just have to be more deliberate about making “recess” in our lives. If The President and Vice President can do it, there’s…
“When You Cheat You Only Hurt Yourself”
Although, generally cast in moral terms, academic cheating can be explained by examining practicality and circumstance, rather than attributing to simply a character weakness. Understanding when people cheat can help show the complexity of why people cheat. In 2012, 125 Harvard undergraduates were investigated for sharing answers on a take home final exam, and approximately…
Test Taking Tips
As high school Juniors prepare for the SAT and ACT this spring, some test taking tips from Creative Marbles favorite, eight-year old commentator, who offers his thoughts about getting ready for exam time. As an added bonus, his advice can help with everyday classroom tests as well.
Ahead of the Curve: November 7, 2013
From the News: Black and White and in the Red: Student Newspapers Scurry to Make Ends Meet, New York Times October 31, 2013 Why Teach English? The New Yorker August 27, 2013 UC Classes Too Big, Teacher Aides Too Few, Report Says, San Francisco Chronicle November 6, 2013 [Note: UC refers to the University of…
Ahead of the Curve: October 29, 2013
From the News: College Financial Aid Drops – Families Pinched, San Francicso Chronicle October 23, 2013 Is College Tuition Too High? Of Course (Not), Higher Education Data Stories Blog October 15, 2013 So Many Students – So Little (Counseling) Time, Sacramento Bee October 28, 2013 From Clients: On-going Common Application Technical Issues: From recommenders not…
Learning with a Purpose
Let the semester unfold slowly–looking to make adjustments to your learning process–as your interactions with both the teacher and your other classmates set the tone for your learning experience. This is easier said than done, especially in the later years of one’s youth, when influence creep seems to be in full swing with the attendant…
When and How Do I Prepare for the SAT and ACT?
The three hours and forty five minutes of SAT and ACT testing time tests patience, as much as knowledge. However, developing mental stamina to endure the testing experience, as well as learning to perform under timed conditions, can come with effort and a little foresight. First, reviewing previous test-taking experiences can help expose areas of…
The Great Math Divide
When a math grade goes south, often parents assume an academic tutor is the answer, as the problem must be a lack of understanding. Students often draw the same conclusion, under the reasoning that the “teacher can’t teach.” The latter sentiment of the student is what needs further examination; for while the student may…