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Dear Teacher
Expert Advice for Effective Study Skills



April 2007 | 240 pages | Corwin

"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.


 
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

"Using a refreshing student-centered format, Peltz offers a treasure trove of research-based strategies as he builds a partnership with students to challenge, inform and encourage them. His wisdom and caring leap off the page! He knows the techniques and understands the learners. This comprehensive text will be valuable to teachers and families interested in building study skills. With Peltz’s knowledge, guidance and hope, the often troublesome area of organization can be managed!"

Lucy C. Martin, Learning Specialist
McDonogh School, Owingo Mills, MD

"A welcome new addition to the 'how-to-study' field. The question-and-answer approach is entertaining for students seeking help to improve their study skills, and the thoughtful recommendations obviously originate from an experienced professional."

David H. Griswold, Author, How to Study

"All the issues and questions you have about work habits and study skills are here, along with student-friendly suggestions and ideas! This banquet of strategies can be digested one at a time to satisfy a specific need or they can be part of a full meal of self-improvement."

K. Michael Hibbard, Assistant Superintendent
Ridgefield Public Schools, CT

"A top pick for both middle/high school and college-level reference libraries catering to students who want to learn how to study more effectively."

The Bookwatch, June 2007
Key features
  • Each strategy is introduced with a student letter in a "Dear Abby" format
  • Strategies are organized according to need, such as Taking Notes, Doing Homework, Preparing for Tests, and Preparing for Exams
  • Offers ready-to-use, easy-to-understand, research-based skills that have proven effective in actual middle-school and high-school classrooms
  • Teachers can help students to:
    • Enhance ability to concentrate/focus
    • Get organized/organize material
      Manage time
    • Assume responsibility for their own behavior
    • Accept consequences for their actions
    • Become more self-reliant

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface


Purchasing options

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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ISBN: 9781412938839
CAD$ 54.95

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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