Travel soccer teams, debate tournaments, and well-building trips to Guatemala: These are the new normal for high achievers. I was always a good student, but I can’t help wondering whether I would’ve been able to keep up in today’s environment.

That’s why at SuperCamp we teach the best ways to use time effectively, especially when it comes to studying. Knowing how to study effectively, and especially how to study effectively in a short time, can start to bring things into control for overwhelmed students. Much of our curriculum is based on Quantum Learning, a system that I devised with my team, as well as Hebbian learning, from neuroscientist Donald Hebb.

To make sense of all of this, we’ll explore how these techniques apply during two distinctly difficult transitions that students make during their academic career: into middle school and into high school. With programs and strategies geared toward all three age groups, SuperCamp has got you covered!

Hebbian Learning and the SuperCamp way to study effectively

“The School Valley” – 5^th and 6^th grade. For many students and parents, this can be the first serious school hurdle. In most school systems, it’s at this age that students move from a single classroom into moving between five to seven teachers a day. Sometimes combined with a new school, this change can prove seriously difficult.

What’s more, each of these teachers wants to challenge and push students. This can lead to tons of homework (and accompanying breakdowns). What’s worse, it’s at this age that schoolwork can get beyond the level of most parents’ knowledge. Reaching out to unresponsive teachers, who often have over 100 students, can be another source of frustration.

It’s at this age that we believe students can get a jump on creating habits that will serve them for the remainder of their academic career (and life!). Introducing Quantum Learning techniques can play a big role.

The one that I would like to address here is what we call the first Quantum Learning Brain Basic: “Neurons that fire together wire together.” This may sound like a silly rhyme at first, but it’s actually based on the work of the neuroscientist I mentioned, Dr. Hebb, and a building block of a style known as Hebbian learning.

The principle is that information is learned by creating neural pathways, which in turn build a neural network. For students struggling in school, class, teachers, or even the structure itself may start to trigger a negative association in their brain. This means that the problem goes beyond a bad attitude: negativity is actually now a neural pathway.

At SuperCamp, we believe in the “SuperCamp shift,” that allows students to reframe how they think about learning. Instead of lectures we learn interactively, through games, music, and even physical events. As we do this, neural networks that were stuck in a rut begin to have a positive association with learning – that it can actually be fun! Hebbian learning gives middle schoolers a fresh perspective.

“Do it for the Resume” – High school. It’s not exactly breaking news that high school students these days are overwhelmed. As our culture shifts toward emphasizing accomplishment at a younger and younger age – even CEOs have been getting younger and some of the top players are still in their 30s! – high schoolers feel the pressure.

This can be especially tough on natural introverts, who would rather spend time alone than join a club, go on a class trip, or play a sport. With the rise of video games (I know some parents are nodding knowingly right now) the problem is even worse. Introverts can immerse themselves in virtual electronic fantasy worlds that don’t require them to leave home at all.

As if this isn’t enough of a problem on its own, some super-achieving high schoolers have a two-page resume by the time they reach the 12^th grade. In fact, there is an increasing phenomenon of students completing high school in three years!

We address the high school arms race at SuperCamp in two ways:

First, we teach how to study effectively. We look at this problem from a number of perspectives. Psychologically, we have students create affirmational signs (e.g., “I believe in myself!”) to hang in their homes. More practically, we have students designate study areas, experiment with music to enhance their learning, and use daily planners.

On an even more fundamental level, we help students identify their preferred learning style.  Whether a student prefers learning through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic strategies, all learn through all learning styles to varying degrees. Being aware of learning styles and their impact on learning makes a big difference for students in their ability to learn effectively as well as their joy in learning. I’ve had breakthroughs with students who were kinesthetic learners (that is, they learned best by actively “doing”) and were forced to sit in classrooms and take notes for years of schooling.

Sometimes what parents and teachers mistake for a motivation problem is actually an issue with a disconnect in teaching and learning styles. School is a lot more fun once concepts start to click easily and don’t feel forced. Teaching a student about which learning style works best for him is also a major part of how to study effectively in a short time. This makes juggling multiple activities a whole lot easier.

The second thing that we do for our students is have them take ownership of their education. By the time your son or daughter is entering high school, he or she will probably have an understanding of why education and academic success is important. Even so, we often find 9^th graders approaching school with a growing sense of dread.

We help create ownership by reminding students to ask themselves “What’s in it for me?” (or, as we say at SuperCamp, WIIFM). Sure, students will face boring classes, difficult exams, and group projects with classmates who are less than helpful. There’s no way around these truths.

But the next time you hear your child griping, remind them that there are actually some pretty important reasons for them to go to class, study for their test, and do their best to work in groups. By having a discussion that begins with WIIFM, students will end up verbally acknowledging the importance of what they’re doing.

Parting words

At SuperCamp we show students how to use time effectively starting at a young age. When middle-schoolers begin applying Hebbian learning concepts that some students never get a chance to learn at all, the results can be astounding. For your son or daughter, it makes becoming a super-achiever a whole lot more achievable.  Unlock their potential by enrolling in SuperCamp today!

The post How to Study Effectively at All Ages appeared first on SuperCamp.

10 THINGS TO DO THE WEEK BEFORE EXAMS

1. Find out what kind of test will be given in each class and adjust your studying accordingly. For objective tests use memory techniques and concentrate on details; for essay and subjective tests, go for the “big picture.”
2. Ask each teacher how much will be review of material from past tests, how much will be on new material, how much based on notes, textbooks, handouts, films, etc.
3. If you missed any class sessions, get an A-student friend’s notes for that day to include with your own.
4. Analyze former tests with corrected answers.
5. Gather material you think will be covered on the test and organize it, highlighting key points and writing key words in margins to indicate main ideas.
6. Identify and focus on the material you don’t know, rather than going over and over the stuff you already know.
7. Make up a sample test and answer the questions.
8. In study sessions, study your hardest material first when you’re most alert.
9. In study marathons, take mini-breaks every 50 minutes to do something physical—run up and down the stairs, play with your dog, do some push-ups, etc.
10. Get some aerobic exercise every day to reduce stress and stimulate thinking—jogging walking, swimming, dancing, etc.

5 THINGS TO DO THE DAY BEFORE EXAMS

1. If there’s anything you still don’t understand, ask your teacher to explain it again. Keep asking questions      until you really understand it.
2. Review important material briefly just before bed. In the dream state, your mind can resort, recreate       and review material so that it becomes even more powerful and clear the next morning.
3. Give yourself positive messages: “I studied as well as I could. I will be able to remember the material easily.”
4. Make sure you have everything you’ll need for your exam ready for the next morning.
5. Get plenty of sleep.

10 THINGS TO DO THE DAY OF EXAMS

1. Review your notes one more time.
2. Eat a nutritious breakfast.
3. Get some exercise—it encourages a better supply of oxygen to your brain during exam time.
4. Allow enough time to get to class early. Rushing causes stress and mental crunches.
5. Make sure you can see a clock from your seat so you can budget your time.
6. Give yourself positive messages: I know this information and I’m going to get an A.
7. Take deep breaths. Close your eyes and imagine a relaxing scene.
8. When you get the test, write down key facts or formulas in the margin immediately.
9. Answer the easiest questions first!!!
10. Read over all of your answers before handing in your test.

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#1 – PREPARE

Prepare yourself by cultivating a winning attitude. Maintaining a positive attitude is a vitally important learning asset, and has a tremendous effect on your success. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you’re right.” Remember, your attitude is your choice—you can choose to keep it positive.

Prepare your space by creating a “home office” for study. Make sure it’s comfortable, quiet, and well-lit in an area where you can limit interruptions. Play baroque music softly in the background while you’re studying, and upbeat music for breaks. Hang inspirational signs to remind yourself: I am an excellent learner! Remember that school is only one place where you will be learning. Make sure your home study area supports your learning.

#2 – FOCUS

Focus by being clear on your outcome. Define what you want to achieve and in how much time. Chunk your content into small sections then focus your attention on one piece at a time. Take short breaks between sections of content.

#3 – MAXIMIZE

Maximize your learning by utilizing strategies for all learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Use visual notes and posters, use color, talk to yourself (yes, out loud), and move around while you’re learning, making up motions to remind yourself of main points.

Maximize memory by creating mental images of the content. Make content meaningful by connecting it to something you already know.

Maximize motivation by finding the WIIFM (what’s in it for me). When you come up with ways the lesson will benefit you, your ability to focus and learn increases, it’s more fun, and time goes faster!

Maximize your thinking by analyzing the content. Ask yourself questions. Do I agree? Is this fact or opinion? What do I think about this material? Actively participate in your learning.

#4 – REVIEW

Use the 10-24-7 strategy to review your learning. Quickly review small chunks after 10 minutes, review important points and sub-points within 24 h ours, and review often during the next 7 days.

Use the theta scan strategy. Your brain moves information from short-term to long-term memory during sleep so just before you turn off your light, scan your notes and think about what you learned during the day that you want to transfer to long-term memory.

#5 – GIVE YOUR BEST EFFORT – and CELEBRATE YOUR LEARNING!

Don’t settle for less than your best! Track your progress, analyze your results, and consider what you can do differently next time. And always celebrate your successful outcomes as well as your progress along the way. When you give your best effort, learn from your results, and celebrate your learning, you succeed as a student!

Cultivate these 5 habits and you become a student who excels!

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Even if they’re taking notes, students’ minds still tend to wander. And unfortunately, without cultivating some habits to keep them focused, their notes may be little more than hurried, incomprehensible scribbles that end up being of little or no use to them. The main purpose of note-taking is to help us remember valuable information so our notes will be meaningless if they don’t trigger our memory.
Here are some hot tips we’ve put together to help students can stay focused and make their note-taking more effective. And although directed at students, they’re equally effective for anyone who wants to remember what takes place in a similar setting, such as a meeting.

1. Listen Actively
   Ask yourself, What does the teacher expect me to learn? Why? What is he saying? How does it relate to the subject? Is it important? Is it something I need to be sure to remember? Asking these questions keeps you focused on the teacher and the content being delivered, and helps you to separate what’s important from what’s not important.
2. Observe Actively
   Pay attention to clues you can pick up from the teacher and your reading material. Clues in the reading material can take the form of headings, bold type, italics, pictures, graphs, and diagrams. Some books have chapter outlines that contain important topics. Look at section and chapter summaries. Note the author’s or teacher’s conclusions. Look for physical clues from the teacher too. Every teacher has a unique style and you can pick up on important points by becoming familiar with that style. Activate your antennae to the teacher’s facial expressions, gestures, body movements, and raised or lowered voice. Notice when she repeats an idea or a word, and be attentive to what she writes on the board. Always sit as close to the front of the room as possible—it’s easier to pick up on important clues that way.
3. Participate
   If you don’t understand something or have questions about it, ask! Join in discussions. Some people hold back, worrying about what others might think. Surveys show that people in an audience usually think highly of those who participate, often envying them for their courage even if they resent them for the interruption. Besides, what’s the worst other people can think—that you’re selfish in wanting to gain new knowledge?
4. Preview
   If you know what the teacher is going to discuss, preview the material and find as much information on it as possible beforehand. Having some knowledge ahead of time will help you identify important points during a speech or lecture.You’ll also know which concepts are unclear to you, so you can be prepared to ask questions. As you hear bits of information, you’ll find it easier to see how they fit together in the big picture. Previewing is one of the most effective ways to ensure success and understanding.
5. Make the Auditory Visual
   Your notes should be personal and meaningful to you, just like snapshots. Have you ever noticed how a picture from a vacation or important event brings a flood of memories—things you’d forgottenWhen you’re taking in information, add visual associations to your notes like symbols, drawings, and arrows as they occur to you. This way, your notes, even if reviewed months later, will remind you instantly of the material you knew was important at the time—and need to recall now.
6. Making Reviewing Easy
   When taking notes, write on only one side of the paper. Use single sheets, not pages in a bound notebook. This way you can lay the sheets out in front of you or hang them on the wall later when you’re reviewing.It’s also helpful to copy key notes onto three-by-five cards that you can carry around with you. When you’re standing in line, riding a bus, or waiting for an appointment, you can take them out for a few minutes of extra study or thinking time.

Try these six steps and you’ll find your notes becoming much more meaningful—and memorable.

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IS YOUR TEEN “studying” while lying across the bed, tapping on a computer, yakking on the phone or texting, mouthing along with music—with papers sliding everywhere?

Such study “habits” can be improved, according to Bobbi DePorter, president of the Quantum Learning Network and co-founder of SuperCamp (www.SuperCamp.com), which offers seven- to 10-day residential learning and life-skills programs each summer. The Quantum Learning School program (www.QuantumLearning.com) is an offshoot that so far has trained thousands of educators to institute similar learning techniques during the school year.

“School is kids’ work,” DePorter says. “But when adults have work, often they have home offices. These work for kids, too.”

DePorter, author of six books, including The Seven Biggest Teen Problems and How to Turn Them into Strengths (Learning Forum Publications, 2006), says setting out to design and equip a teen office sends the message that school—and study—is important. “We want to create lifelong learners. Learning is a discovery process, not just facts, but also the ability to make connections and analyze. An office makes it serious business,” she adds.

Often parents want to keep the kids in view during homework hour. But DePorter suggests the teen office be away from distractions. “People need to focus on one thing at a time,” she says. This means the office can be in the child’s room or another non-public area of the house.

Creating the study environment 

Think about your child and his or her learning style. Is your child a reader? Or does the youngster prefer visual cues?

DePorter has two grandchildren with different styles. Her grandson is very active and cannot sit long in a straight chair at a desk. His office has a bucket seat he can sprawl in. His desk comes to him—on rollers. It has a well for pens and pencils to keep them corralled and a ledge to keep items from falling off. He also has a floor lamp instead of a desk lamp. Her granddaughter is more visual and prefers bulletin boards, with all her lessons on the wall and updated. She also has a more conventional desk chair.

All kids should have a large paper calendar on the wall with important due dates of projects and upcoming events. Encourage the child to think about how long each will take and note that.

Music can inspire learning—music with no words, that is. DePorter suggests “brain-friendly” background sounds such as baroque music—Bach, Handel, Pachelbel, Vivaldi. “This simulates the rhythm of the heart,” she explains, “helping you be both relaxed and alert.”

DePorter says teens need to prepare the subconscious mind for learning. She recommends putting affirmations on the wall, ideas such as “I believe in myself,” “Everything I do deserves my best effort,” and “I can learn this!” The youngster can make these on the computer.

Provide the bins, shelves, cubbies and drawers necessary to keep the space picked up and restful. Clutter can lead to scattered thinking.

Study guidelines 

Besides allowing the teen to select colors and equipment and co-design the “business-of-learning” space, DePorter suggests parents set a time for homework and then not nag to get the child started on it. “Some kids need time after school for sports or a break,” she says. “Every child is different.”

“Parents,” DePorter says, “need to commend for effort, not just a grade or mark. Listen more, talk less.” She recommends engaging the child in conversation about school while in the car. This practice can warn of problems or difficulties in school that can be headed off before they become too serious.

As a last resort, of course, you can always say, “Go to your office!” This will seldom be necessary, however, because your teen will be organized, thoughtful and creative, and have a Handel on Bach. C

By Star Lawrence (in Costco Connection, August 2011)
Star Lawrence is a freelance journalist in Chandler, Arizona.

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Are their grades up to par? Do they have the social and emotional skills to succeed in life? To excel?

If you’re asking these questions, you’ve probably been researching academic camps and enrichment programs to be sure your child is well prepared to excel in life. Rest assured, you’re not alone. I can’t tell you how many summer camps and leadership courses I checked out before finally finding the one that truly transformed my son into a scholar.

Last July, I sent my seemingly know-it-all fourteen-year-old to SuperCamp’s Senior Forum, a 10-day residential summer program held at Stanford University. Even though he thought he knew it all, I knew better. He lacked self-confidence and this impacted his communication and peer relationships. SuperCamp claimed they transformed participants to excel both personally and academically. When I called, the consultant told me they taught leading-edge learning skills that built competence and confidence. It was just the things my son was lacking. So I signed him up, and it’s one of the best things I ever did.

Of course, he wasn’t exactly positive about the idea. But once he figured out that he’d be leaving home without mom and dad to spend 10 days with other teenagers at a well-known university, he started to warm up to the idea—just a little. Nervously, we drove him to the campus. Ironically, it was just few days before Independence Day, and independence—being self-sufficient, independent, confident—is what our son would soon discover.

On the final day of the Senior Forum, we attended the closing ceremony. The son we had dropped off a mere 10 days earlier was not the same person. He was over-the-top excited. He could not stop talking about the new friends he had made and the life-changing moments he had experienced. The emotion and joy in his voice—it was so wonderful to see him so excited, positive, and passionate about something.

During the closing ceremony, my son actually spoke—in front of a packed room. He had never done anything like this before, and I must say it brought me to tears. He thanked his mother and me for giving him the opportunity to attend SuperCamp. He thanked his team leaders for bringing out the best in him. And then he actually apologized on stage to his mother and me for being a know-it-all. He said he had learned more in the past ten days then he had in the last ten years.

Once we were home, the things he had learned became more evident. He conducted himself with integrity. He was sincere, authentic, and believed in his own abilities. His relationships with his friends changed. They grew into solid bonds with affinity and common interests. And once he was back in the classroom he applied the new skills that would help him learn. From effective listening and note taking to improved memorization and retention—the results were nothing short of remarkable.

I know one thing for sure—this program went way beyond my expectations in preparing my son for college, career and life! The friends. The experiences. The learning and life skills. I truly believe this 10-day SuperCamp program has prepared him to excel throughout his life. So if you want to help your son or daughter find their true potential this summer, there’s only one program that accomplishes so much in so little time—SuperCamp.

Summer enrollment at Stanford and five other prestigious campuses for junior high and high school students is going on now. Check out SuperCamp.com or call 800.228.5327.

The post Is your teen prepared? appeared first on SuperCamp.

Focus takes more than willpower.

Most students want to improve their focus. They want to reduce their homework time. They want to retain more information from their study sessions. They want to perform well on exams.

But many well-intentioned teens sabotage their focus without realizing it.

If your teen is struggling to stay on task, ask them to consider these potential focus-destroying factors and pick two to work on this week:

1. Studying at the dining room table

It’s hard to focus when family members are constantly passing by or starting conversations. A dedicated study space minimizes disruptions. Pick a quiet room or corner and create a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable furnishings, good lighting, and a few plants.

2. Tackling the easy subjects first

There’s no need to make hard subjects harder! Approach them with a fresh, energized mind and save the easy stuff for later. If math is your most difficult subject, work on that homework first before moving onto English or history.

3. Studying for hours without a break

Instead of pounding out a three-hour study session, take a break every 30 minutes. You will work through the material faster and retain more of it long term. The breaks don’t have to be long. A few minutes of listening to music or stretching is all it takes to reenergize the brain.

4. Slouching

Slouching is as bad for your brain as it is for your back. At SuperCamp, we teach students to sit up and lean forward as part of our SLANT protocol. Good posture triggers the mind to be more alert.

5. Not asking questions in class

Instead of glazing over during lectures, ask the teacher questions and participate in discussions. This helps you engage with the material on a deeper level. (Plus, you will score brownie points with the teacher!)

6. Procrastinating until the last minute

Anxiety is the enemy of focus. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by planning study sessions in advance. For example, on Monday list all of your assignments for the week, and then decide when each one will be completed. Having a plan in place reduces procrastination.

7. Jumping right into writing assignments

Avoid writer’s block—and the distractions that come with it—with a quick brainstorming session. You will be less likely to drift off or get distracted if you have a clear plan.

8. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair

Nagging discomfort distracts even the most focused student. This is yet another reason to have a dedicated study space—one that accommodates an ergonomic office chair and desk set up.

9. Arriving late to class

It disrupts other students, it annoys the teachers, and it leaves the offender feeling flustered long after the class resumes. Arrive early and take a few moments to review your homework, especially on test days.

10. Thinking negatively

It’s hard to focus when negative thoughts are flying through our heads. This is doubly true when those negative thoughts are personal! Celebrate your abilities and accomplishments on a daily basis. As you become more confident, the self-criticism will fade away.

These are just a few of the strategies teens learn at SuperCamp to help them focus at school and at home. For more information about our academic summer camps, please call 800.228.5327. Ready to sign up? Call us or enroll online.

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