Book reading, interesting questions, and a tip for effective study skills
December 4th, 2009
Students and parents make a great audience
We had a book reading and signing at Clayton Books in Clayton CA last night. I greatly enjoy the interaction with students and parents.
The lively discussion produced some interesting questions. One, from a parent, was: “What if my child has trouble focusing while studying, but not during a test?”
The question was provocative because on the surface it looks simple: her child tends to get distracted when she studies, but on the test she can stay focused. However, the issue is one of consistency. Because the student is also an athlete she has trained herself to stay focused when she’s on the field. She knows she needs to do that in order to win. Studying is a different story: because she’s smart and capable she has figured out– as all smart and capable students do– how to get the least amount done at the last possible moment. This actually causes a lot of stress. People call it “procrastination.” I call it doing something other than what you should be doing.
When you are supposed to be studying, you need to study. If you don’t, and you stay disconnected from the material, your stress keeps rising and your performance will suffer. Put simply, you just won’t be that well prepared than if you study in a focused manner.
We talked about the best way to study: set a timer and then study in 30-40 minute chunks. After each chunk take a short break (short means short! — no TV, internet or naps). Do that three times. After the third 30-40 minute chunk you can take a break of a half hour. Repeat this process once or twice more.
You will be amazed at how much you accomplish.
A young and interested reader!
