Study like a Champ (or not!)

STUDY LIKE A CHAMP by Regan A. R. Gurung and John Dunlosky is subtitled “The Psychology-Based Guide to ‘Grade A’ Study Habits.” And while the information might be helpful (more on that in a moment), the text fails to offer an attractive cover or a truly compelling message. The New York Times recently published a guest opinion piece by Jonathan Malesic which commented on how important the desire to learn truly is. Honestly, it seems rarer and rarer as students (and their parents) chase grades instead of learning for its own sake. Gurung and Dunlosky, psychology professors at Oregon State and Kent State, respectively, had an opportunity to address this trend and failed. 

They do cite work by John Hattie which reinforces the importance of self-motivation and the way in which a student approaches studying. However, STUDY LIKE A CHAMP itself is written as though the intended audience is other psychologists (maybe some teachers or education administrators would be curious, but even they would likely tire of slogging through this text). Even though Gurung and Dunlosky say “you” (seemingly addressing student readers) frequently, this manuscript is not geared to a middle or high school student. Explicitly modeling a poor writing style and dryly explaining metacognition or the cycle of self-regulation (in a figure without a memorable diagram) are not going to attract converts amongst the many students struggling with building better study skills. The authors need crisper language and at least some images to attract attention – the preview text references Table 1.1 (a summary of key skills?), but it is not provided. There is a Figure 1.1 and an Exhibit 1.1 which again gives a subtle clue as to how research oriented and unengaging this supposed study guide is. There are attempts to be helpful such as ending each chapter with a summary, plus flowery "key training tips" and "go for the gold with advanced reading." However, consider Chapter 2's suggestion: a thirty-four page scholarly article in the Journal of Educational Psychology. Really?!

We know (especially given disruptions driven by COVID) that students need help/guides/tools now more than ever. Other publishers (e.g., Adams Media, Crown, and DK) produce books on study skills (we also reviewed these), many of which have real-world contributions from educators. STUDY LIKE A CHAMP is a disappointment; even this short 2020 article, also published by the American Psychological Association, is a more accessible overview. Turn instead to Outsmart your Brain by Daniel Willingham (review forthcoming). 

Organization and Motivation ... part 1

We have all seen the news in the past few months about the difficulty that students are having with motivation and managing their workload in a remote learning environment. Of course, we see some of these issues every year with teenagers since learning how to learn is one of the most important skills we teach and reinforce. Therefore, I am posting reviews of a number of new books from different publishers (several small ones, included) which offer tips, tricks, and advice for setting goals (a common theme) and avoiding procrastination. Some are directed at students themselves and others to the concerned adults in their lives.  

EAT THAT FROG! FOR STUDENTS by Brian Tracy with Anna Leinberger has a truly attention-grabbing title, doesn’t it? The authors (a motivational speaker and a former high school teacher) build on previous works written for a business setting in order to outline “22 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Excel in School.” For example, they concentrate on actionable steps and begin with three key pillars: self-esteem, personal responsibility, and setting goals. Subsequent sections review structuring time, establishing a study pattern, and handling the pressure to achieve.  There is a separate section on stress which advocates planning ahead, preparation and the intentional use of technology.  All good ideas, of course. I especially like the emphasis on tackling your major task first; however, I do wish there were more diagrams and images so as to create a more engaging space for potential teen readers.  (Berrett-Koehler)  3 stars

6 SUPER SKILLS FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING by Lara Honos-Webb is one of my favorites in this group of posts and is right on target for executive functioning skills as it aims to provide “Tools to Help Teens Improve Focus, Stay Organized, and Reach Their Goals.” The six super skills discussed in the text are finding gifts, setting goals, chunking, boosting motivation, managing moods, and finding focus; all are key as we try to help students navigate remote learning.  Honos-Webb, a clinical psychologist who has written several books about ADHD, notes that “research shows that self-discipline predicts your grades twice as much as IQ [does]”and she also points out how difficult it is to learn when one is especially anxious. Most schools are seeing an increase in failing (or near failing grades) and I think using some of the mini-exercises here (during advisery or homeroom time?) could really have a positive impact by increasing self-awareness and helping to reduce anxiety. Honos-Webb defines executive functioning and describes the importance of attention, planning, flexible thinking, emotional regulation, and impulse control. If nothing else, this text could build a vocabulary and mental checklist that will really benefit readers and students as they transition to lifelong learners.  (New Harbinger) 4.5 stars  ordered

Organization and Motivation ... part 2

These two texts are designed for high school students and older, offering suggestions about career choice, networking and juggling school and work projects. 

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 by Richard N. Bolles and Katharine Brooks is “fully revised and expanded for 2021,” the fiftieth anniversary edition (we reviewed earlier versions in 2015 and 2018). Subtitled “Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success,” this text explains that the process begins with you – not with the job market. Here, too, the authors point out the value of building confidence, taking actions, setting goals, and getting help when needed (a significant skill our students need to practice more often). In addition, Bolles and Brooks provide a self-inventory (Flower Exercise) and offer tips on creating resumes (transforming skills to action verbs) and conversing at job interviews. A valuable resource for any age, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 may be of particular interest to the many students who are contemplating a gap year after high school. (Ten Speed Press)  4 stars

HOW TO DO IT NOW BECAUSE IT'S NOT GOING AWAY by Leslie Josel is described as “An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done.” School Library Journal referred to this text as a “solid purchase.” I would be curious to see student reactions, but I do like the discussion of technology and frequent practical suggestions (turn off autoplay; close unnecessary windows; limit notifications) for its use.  There is a chapter on each of these topics: Time Management; Homework; Study Skills; Planning; Routines & Ritual; Organizing; Distraction; and Motivation. Josel, a human resources professional and entrepreneurial life coach, employs a conversational, inspiring tone ("to get the most out of this book, go through it at your own pace, on your own time and in your own way"). She acknowledges that students procrastinate for different reasons than adults. I thought Josel's suggestions for building habits and routines were very helpful, especially the ten questions she includes near the end (e.g., What are my priorities today? What could get in my way today? What is the smallest thing I am willing to do? How am I going to remember to remember?) And, like many Lerner publications, this one makes liberal use of diagrams, charts and images, further engaging students. Josel also offers several time management tips for students in this blog post and I was especially surprised to learn that her company’s award winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management is completely sold out. Our school chose not to offer planners for sale this year and I am not sure why as they do seem to be a helpful tool for many.  (Lerner (Zest))  4 stars