For the kids that fool around, they'll do that. For the kids that space out, they'll do that. And for the kids that pay attention, they'll do that.
What no one seems to pick up on are the subtle tips teachers give to students that highlight important parts of the material. Important tips that the teacher probably repeats more than once.
Important as in...it's going to be on the test you knucklehead so pay attention!
Of course, as teachers we will never come right out and say that. But it happens in every class. Teachers are giving out clues that scream "Study Me!" at the top of their lungs.
And students? Well, they hear it as just more noise that doesn't sound as nice as their ipod.
So, for the parents out there that would like their kids to have an edge at test time, here are three things your child can be aware of that will automatically boost their grades, assuming that they study.
1 - Take very careful notes the day before a test. If the teacher talks about a topic, it will be on the test. If you ask a question and the teacher doesn't pay much attention to it, you probably won't see it on the test. Try to notice what the teacher keeps referring to. You'll see the same topics come up on the test the next day.
2 - Ask questions. Find out if the test is going to be similar to the ones you've taken so far. If not, how will it be set up? What about material that you consider unimportant. Ask the teacher and see if they feel it is unimportant as well. Also, look at quizzes you've taken leading up to the test. Many times a teacher will use the same questions on the test itself.
3 - Go see the teacher the day before the test for extra help. You will get even more information, sometimes the actual test questions, if you stay for extra help the day before. Teachers like kids that stay after trying to get help (unless you're a screwball that wasn't paying attention in class...then forget it!). But, by and large, if you show interest and stay after, you're going to get a goldmine of insider information.
You see, teachers want their students to do well. No teacher sets out to trick students so that they do poorly. Yet, teachers can't openly tell you what you want to hear (What's on the test?). They do, however, tell you in very subtle ways that can save you time and get you better grades.
Just look for the clues and I'm sure you'll see for yourself.
What ever the circumstances, there is one important thing to know about memorizing. Your child needs to be good at it if they want to succeed in school.
And the sooner they begin learning how to memorize, the better.
Besides the fact they are developing a skill that is used in every class every day, they are separating themselves from other students that aren't aware of the importance of memory skills.
Most kids just wing it when it's time to study for tests or prepare presentations. If they remember some of the information they studied the night before, they're happy.
But your child doesn't need to settle for that approach. Here are some reasons why you need to help them develop strong memory skills. Skills that can make a dramatic difference in their learning almost immediately.
Reason #1 - Helps to eliminate learning deficiencies. According to Dr. Mel Levine, founder of All Kinds of Minds, an institute dedicated to helping children learn, many learning problems can be traced to an inability to memorize.
For example, math problems occur because a child can't remember the steps to a formula. English problems crop up when a child can't remember important points to make in an essay. Science problems arise when a child can remember the procedures to an experiment.
Strengthening memory skills is one of the solutions Dr. Levine and others propose.
Reason #2 - Develops self confidence. If your child is able to memorize more easily than others, they feel like a million bucks. They aren't afraid to study and they look forward to showing what they remember in class.
When they have an effective system for remembering information, they feel less stress at test time and get better grades. They're calm and relaxed...the perfect mental state to do well in big moments.
Reason #3 - Allows time to build critical thinking skills. It is never too early to begin thinking about the material you're studying. In fact, it's clear that the earlier any habit is formed the stronger it gets over time.
When your child is able to remember, retain and recall information easily, they have more time to think about what they're studying.
While others are fighting to remember important points to include on a test, your child has the points memorized. All that's left is to put them down on paper in a logical fashion.
In summary, don't take memory training lightly. It is not as difficult as it sounds. And once your child learns just a few techniques, they'll begin developing a powerful memory that will make a dramatic difference in their education.
Jim Sarris has sinced written about articles on various topics from Foreign Language, Learning English and Family. Jim Sarris is a veteran teacher and author of two books on memory, Comic Mnemonics for Spanish Verbs and Memory Skills Made Easy, a book/DVD that helps students remember more of what they study. No struggles, no hassles, no headaches. For a free report an. Jim Sarris's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.