Greetings!
Check out this clip: http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741 and check out Playing For Change: http://www.playingforchange.com/. This group is dedicated to creating global harmony by bringing music to all ages and groups. And because we often have music breaks, jam sessions, and even use music rhythms and melodies for studying and fact retention at The Learning Studios, I thought this would be a great little pause in your day. Play the clip all the way through and get inspired!
The Learning Studios
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
New York Times: Your Story in the Times
Dear Learning Studios Alums,
Here is a chance to tell your story in 1,000 words or less. Click on the link provided here: http://www.nytimes.whsites.net/edlife/ and tell your tale. The best part...you can share your unique experiences about college, get your mug online, AND The New York Times will compensate you. Take a stab, and when you are done, send us your submission too!
The Learning Studios
Deadline: May 15, 2009
Here is a chance to tell your story in 1,000 words or less. Click on the link provided here: http://www.nytimes.whsites.net/edlife/ and tell your tale. The best part...you can share your unique experiences about college, get your mug online, AND The New York Times will compensate you. Take a stab, and when you are done, send us your submission too!
The Learning Studios
Deadline: May 15, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
HELP! Hints for Studying
The Learning Studios Tips for Studying:
- Practice makes...Permanent. Create a routine; set aside a particular time each day for study and revision and stick to it. By making studying a part of your every day school routine, you won't be limited to 'cramming' for exams and tests.
- YourSpace. Create your own study environment; this should be away from interruptions and distracting noise. Make sure you have adequate light and air (no bat caves here), a comfortable chair and appropriate desk space. If you can study with your ipod in your ears while texting and ocassionaly watching tv then you've got us! However, if you find Kelly Clarkson's new album distracting or The Killers just makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs, put it away until you finish your Calc homework.
- Got the Time? Create a timesheet, grid, excel file, notebook scribbling, phone app, series of twitters, Facebook message, etc. with a timetable of some sort. With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organized and methodical way, allotting the appropriate time for each without becoming overwhelmed. And best of all, you won't forget anything!
- Take care of You! We know vending machines are fun. So are Slurpees from 7-Eleven. And Red Bull can keep you wired all night. But try to mix that H20 in there more often than not. Eat your vegetables and keep sugary foods to a minimum. Even when you think there's no time with your AP schedule, count some sheep and get your zzzzzz's. Studies show your memory significantly declines with lack of sleep. Regular physical exercise makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at least fit in some regular exercise as often as you can. Be creative with this- chase the dog around the house, take the stairs instead of the elevator, power walk, skateboard- just keep moving!
- Positive Reinforcement Works on Fido: Reward yourself for time spent on task studying. When you have accomplished something on your timetable (ah hem-see above) allow yourself some time to watch a television program, spend time with your friends, play on your wii, have some hobby time- just do something you enjoy.
- Variety is the Spice of Life: Have variety in your study program. Do you always start with your English homework because you find it's the easiest? Do you then put off your Geometry homework becauase it's harder? Study different subjects each day and change the order in wich you attack your assignements. Do different types of work and revision in each study session. Switch it up. It tricks your brain into thinking it's new and keeps it thinking fresh.
- Be Prepared: Before you even start studying, make sure you have all the things you'll need. Calculator? Laptop? Binder paper? Pencil/pen? Water? Avoid interrupting your concentration by having all the appropriate materials with you before you start a session of study. And if you just have to text or call your friends, do it, and then put it out of your mind.
- Pop Quiz Hot Shot: Test yourself on what you have just studied. Find more problems that are similar to the ones you have worked on. Try explaining the material to someone else- if you can't explain it or answer the questions they ask, odds are you need to go back and get a better grasp on the information. You can ask your parents, family members, or friends to quiz you on what you have just learned, use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers. Quick reviews after study sessions have proven to increase memory retention.
- Can I Get Some Help Here?: Ask your teachers for guidance and help. Being proactive about your education is the best way to stay on top of your studies. Teachers are there for you and passionate about the subjects they teach. When you feel you are struggling or if you're having trouble - whether it's grasping a new concept or understanding something you learned earlier in the year- get in there! Do not wait thinking you will pick it up or because you don't want your teacher to know you are having trouble. Teachers expect you to have questions-they will be happy to help!
- Don’t Hit the Panic Button!: When exam time comes, remember you have followed a study routine and have been revising your class work. You have no need to worry! Bring some water and the materials you need, make sure you’ve had a snack, and remember you are positive and confident!
Academic Communities?
Though Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's book, Living History, a somewhat controversial recount of her 8 years as first Lady was met with criticism, her earlier publication It Takes a Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us received a Grammy for its recording and great praise, becoming an instant best seller. In it, HRC talks about the concept “It Takes a Village.” While of course she first referred to raising children and how our “villages” or “communities” are integral to the development of our children and the future roles in our society, Secretary Clinton discussed how in reality it takes a village for us to solve the global problems we are now facing. I think in reflecting on these opinions, it's an easy step to apply to higher education and provides a method for problem-solving within high schools, tutoring, and advising along the path to this ultimate goal of accessing colleges and universities, and essentially arming students with important knowledge.
If you agree with this premise, then a big question has to be what an advising community is and who are the members of an advising community- an academic "village". First, how do you define a community? To me a community is a group of individuals who by location, interests, or needs bond together for support, for work, or for a common purpose. Thus, my use of “advising community” can refer to a community of parents, educators, tutors, advisors, and counselors. We are not all members of one advising community, but members of a variety of advising communities focused on specific issues, topics, or students.
The advising communities can be and should be comprised of a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, roles, and responsibilities. Because systems and procedures can always be made more efficient, it is then crucial for educators and advisors to take the lead to form these communities as we are the link between all of the varied members of the community and can provide the common language for the community’s work with students. By the strong collaboration and networking we build through our advising communities, we can be certain that students do not fall through a crack or seam in the community as they enter, move through, and graduate to higher learning institutions.
So what do you think? Does it take an Advising Community to advise a student and affect his/her academic success? If so, what are the advising communities you are a part of? How would you form a community of find your place in one? What do you think are the most crucial aspects to a child and learning? What do you think your role is as a parent? What do think the role of The Learning Studios is or should be?
If you agree with this premise, then a big question has to be what an advising community is and who are the members of an advising community- an academic "village". First, how do you define a community? To me a community is a group of individuals who by location, interests, or needs bond together for support, for work, or for a common purpose. Thus, my use of “advising community” can refer to a community of parents, educators, tutors, advisors, and counselors. We are not all members of one advising community, but members of a variety of advising communities focused on specific issues, topics, or students.
The advising communities can be and should be comprised of a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, roles, and responsibilities. Because systems and procedures can always be made more efficient, it is then crucial for educators and advisors to take the lead to form these communities as we are the link between all of the varied members of the community and can provide the common language for the community’s work with students. By the strong collaboration and networking we build through our advising communities, we can be certain that students do not fall through a crack or seam in the community as they enter, move through, and graduate to higher learning institutions.
So what do you think? Does it take an Advising Community to advise a student and affect his/her academic success? If so, what are the advising communities you are a part of? How would you form a community of find your place in one? What do you think are the most crucial aspects to a child and learning? What do you think your role is as a parent? What do think the role of The Learning Studios is or should be?
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