Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a part of our everyday lives, for better or for worse. AI in schools can create personalized learning experiences and offer help in grading. However, students are discovering that programs like ChatGpt or GPT-4 can do their homework. These programs, designed to sound human, can answer homework questions and write essays. This leads to plagiarism, reduced critical thinking skills and the necessary research for a proper education. TOP 3 WAYS TO RECOGNIZE AI WORK: You know your child best! The work will not be written in the TONE of your child. AI does not use a personal writing style, so your child’s sense of humor, irony, rhythm of speech, or personal stories, will be missing. The wording may sound a bit advanced or stilted. Trust your gut, if you think it does not sound like your child it probably is not. Is the grammar just a bit TOO perfect? Most students are not working at a perfect level. This could be a giveaway if you find no grammar or spelling mistakes. * However, AI may not follow MLA standards taught in school, and your child may forget to change the format. This will be a pretty good clue. Finally, if your child’s grades have improved, but you have not noticed extra time being put into the work or that they are working with a tutor, you may want to find out why. This may feel invasive, of course you trust your child, but because AI is so common your child may not realize that using it for homework is cheating. Teachers have many students, so they are not always able to tell when a student is using AI to do homework. Certain schools, however, have begun to use tools such as AI text classifiers. They are able to weed out AI work, and if a student is caught using AI to write an essay, it comes with the penalty of plagiarism. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Talk to your child about the importance of Independent thought. AI denies your child the gift of creativity and learning how to think critically. These skills will need to follow them into adult life. Not doing the necessary research also misses out on so much knowledge and problem-solving. Explain that ChatGPT and other such programs are responding with previously embedded information. It is not information that has been fact-checked and, therefore, may be incorrect. This is not a research tool Talk to them about academic integrity. Inform them that not using their own work is plagiarism and cheating. Let them know the repercussions of being caught. Finally, explain that schools and teachers are becoming more savvy about detecting work done by ChatGPT. If they are not using an AI text classifier, the teachers are much more aware of what to look out for.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGES AND WRITING COMPETITIONS We are at that summer midway point. Which also means finding new ways to keep your child engaged and active in their minds. There are many summer camps out there, but there are also plenty of resources at your finger tips. Summer reading and writing prevents learning loss while maintaining a sense of play and imagination. As it may be difficult to be self-motivated without deadlines or a social group, I have included some wonderful online Reading Challenges and Writing Competitions for your child to enter. After an exhaustive search, I have compiled some of the best and recent (2024) sources that will link you directly to the challenge and competition sites. Of course any of our tutors can help guide your child through any of the summer reading and writing challenges they choose, or we can personalize a plan for them. ******* READING CHALLENGES: Scholastic offers a summer challenge for children ages 3-13. There are 10 downloadable badges for goal completions as well as book lists according to age. https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/reading-challenges-kids.html PBS Kids for Parents Summer Adventure has reading charts, and activity ideas It also has math activities and out door adventure ideas. https://www.pbs.org/parents/summer The New York Times challenge has students read any 2024 article published in their paper and kids can write in, or even video their response. They publicly list the winners-The New York Times! The National Education Society has an amazing source of information to help you raise your readers. Amongst many, their list of summer reading challenges includes Barnes and Noble summer reading program where you can receive a free book, and Pizza Hut’s ‘Camp Book It’. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/get-serious-about-summer-reading Don’t forget to check your local libraries, many have summer reading challenges of their own! ******** WRITING COMPETITIONS: Writing competitions deliver a fun angle to writing. They deliver prompts, deadlines, the feeling of being linked into other’s writing and do you need an extra motivator?! Many come attached with cash prizes! We Are Teachers is a personal favorite site offering some of the best writing competitions for students up to age 18. https://www.weareteachers.com/student-writing-contests/ The National Youth Foundation is geared towards diversity and empowerment and has 4 competitions: “I Matter” poetry and art, Amazing Women’s Edition, Youth Writing Workshop and Student Book Scholars Contest. The site also offers a library of the past winners works to read. A very positive site! https://www.nationalyouthfoundation.org/our-programs If you love the idea of having your child published you can go to Young Writers USA. https://www.youngwritersusa.com/contests And two other helpful sites with informative lists of competitions: Aralia -Top 9 Writing Competitions: New Pages: https://www.newpages.com/young-writers-guide/young-writers-guide-to-contests/#July
Did you know that 84% of Americans will celebrate the 4th of July and that 150 million hot dogs will be eaten?! The 4th of July is not just a day of BBQ’s, Beaches and Books with a BANG, but a day to spend quality time with friends and family. So to help you and your family get into the Spirit of 1776, we’ve put together some fun facts so you can show off your Independence Day smarts with our Stars and Stripes Trivia. A little warm up. Did you know… America actually declared independence on July 2, 1776 . That was the day delegates from the Thirteen Colonies met (The Second Continental Congress) to approve a resolution for independence from Britian……that’s right, the Declaration of Independence. It was officially approved on the 4th. 2 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence became President, and in a strange twist of fun fact history, Thomas Jefferson, 82 and John Adams, 90 both passed away on July 4th, 1826 within five hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. STARS AND STRIPES TRIVIA (answers at the bottom of page) 1. How many people signed the Declaration of Independence? 2. What year were fireworks first used to celebrate Independence Day? 3.How much money do Americans spend on fireworks every year? 4. How many stars and stripes does the US flag have? 5. Who designed the 50 star flag? 6. In Philadelphia, Pa. The Liberty Bell is rung how many times on the 4th of July? 7. Can you name the Thirteen Colonies? 8. What is the USA’s national animal? 9. **Bonus Question: Guess which company just got on the 2024 Best Service list on Newsweek? We did! (Cue Fireworks!) So If you need help with some of that American History or helping your Summer Scholars with their Independent learning, Flag up an award winning company. We are here and look forward to hearing from you! ANSWER KEY 1) 56 2)1777 – the very first year the 4th of July was celebrated. 3) Americans spend more than 1 billion on fireworks each year! 4) 50 stars for States and 13 stripes for Colonies. 5) Though there are contending stories on who designed the original flag, the 50 stars (changed for Hawaii and Alaska) was designed by 16 year old Robert G. Heft of Ohio, as a history class assignment…for which he got a B-. Don’t worry when his design was accepted by the White House his grade was changed to an A! 6) 13 times-One ring for each Colony 7)Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia. 8) American bison. The bald eagle is the national bird.
As we make our way back in from the Holiday break, the goal for the New Year may be to take care of falling grades and missing homework assignments, or simply staying on top of it all! Falling behind in school is a challenge that many children face, whether due to learning differences or personal commitments, if you find your child lagging in their studies, here’s a guide to help you navigate this challenging situation. **Recognize the Signs** Before taking action, identify if your child is genuinely falling behind. Signs may include: – A sudden drop in grades – Difficulty completing assignments – Increased frustration during homework time – Lack of enthusiasm about school or learning – Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or irritability Understanding these signs can help you determine when it’s time to step in. **Open Communication** Engage your child in an open and non-judgmental conversation. Ask them how they feel about school, which subjects they enjoy, and where they think they struggle. Creating a safe environment for expression helps them articulate their feelings and challenges. Share your observations and reassure them that it’s perfectly okay to seek help. If They Are Behind, Don’t Give Up! There are ways to get back on top… 1.**Talk to Their Teacher!!** Teachers are invaluable allies in your child’s education! Schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s performance and gather insights on their classroom behavior, participation, and tailored learning needs. Teachers can offer strategies to support your child’s learning, recommend additional resources, or connect you to special services if needed. If they have gotten behind in their assignments teachers are often willing to give points for material made up, or offer extra credit assignments. 2. **Assess Learning Styles** Every child has a unique learning style that can influence their academic success. Some children are visual learners, while others may excel in auditory or kinesthetic learning environments. Observe how your child absorbs information best. You might consider providing varied resources such as videos, interactive activities, or hands-on projects that align with their preferred learning style. 3. **Establish a Routine** Creating a structured daily routine can significantly improve a child’s academic performance. Establish specific times for homework, studying, recreational activities, etc. Consistency helps children feel more in control and develop better time management skills. It is also helpful if they have a study area that is organized, and free from distractions. 4. **Explore Evaluation and Support Services** For persistent academic challenges, it may be beneficial to evaluate your child for learning differences or disabilities. Consultation with a pediatrician or psychologist can provide clarity and direction. If your child is found to have specific learning needs, the school is obligated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan to tailor their education accordingly. *Also, if you notice signs of anxiety, stress, or depression, a school counselor or child psychologist is a valuable resource in navigating providing coping strategies. 5.**Stay Patient, Encouraging and Engaged** Show genuine interest in your child’s educational journey. Patience and encouragement play a large part in getting your child reinvested and feeling good about themselves. Set realistic goals that emphasize progress rather than perfection, celebrate small victories, whether mastering a difficult concept or improving a test grade. Reading together, discussing topics from class, simply talking about the school day can reinforce concepts learned in school. And finally, find Additional Support like Elite Tutors…. If struggles persist, consider seeking tutoring or after-school programs designed to provide extra assistance in specific subjects. Local community centers, libraries, and schools often offer resources and programs to help students catch up. Online platforms with interactive learning tools can also add an engaging dimension to traditional education. Here at Elite, we want you to know that if your student falls behind in school, you are not alone. We have tutors who can help with not only the subject matter needed, but with consistency, time management, and who serve as mentors invested in inspiring your child to see the joy in learning. Happy New Year on behalf of the Elite Team!
For many students, graduation is a rite of passage. It is an experience akin to prom, or getting married— something you’re supposed to do. But there’s another subset of this population. That is the one that focuses on creating generational change. That is to say, first generation graduates. This expression refers to individuals that are the first in their families to graduate. Whether it be from high school or college, there is something meaningful about changing what had come in the past. There is something beautiful about this change. What are the statistical differences? Some say once you get in, you’re set. But that is not entirely true. For first generation college students, there are statistics that suggest getting to the point of graduation is the hardest part! A 2016 study found that about 60% of college students 6 years after entering college did not obtain their secondary degree. The same study found that students who are first generation tend to use necessary offered resources like financial aid more, however resources that focused on well being, like counseling, were used less. This indicates that first gen students may not be clued into the opportunities to support a healthy lifestyle with coping mechanisms in college. Beautiful positive facts First generation students may experience unique challenges that are difficult to hear about. However, the experience is poignant for that fact alone. Some key points to remember for first generation college students includes increasing support for this demographic. 73% of colleges and universities have a formal definition of this cohort. This means institutional recognition of the unique struggles for first generation students. This results in experiences such as experience-based cohorts that share resources through shared identity. Further, this leaves space for programmatic efforts that tackle the same issues as mentioned above— mental and social health. Overall, the percentage, some ⅓- ½ of all college students today are first generation, and their experiences increasingly significant and recognized.
It’s May! Are you feeling like, “Change is overwhelming me.. How do I handle it?” Welcome to the season where school ends, and summertime looms. Standardized exams are impending; final exams, and assignments are being disbursed. Therefore, for many, there’s a lot that changes in this time, so it can be important to think about how to handle changes. Find humor in changes. Actually, there are a lot of biological benefits to finding the sweet, funny spot in changes. Those lovely endorphins are released and we are able to do affiliative bonding, or strengthen social bonds, with others surrounding us. This helps us cope. Find the meaning in the fear. It’s easy to fear new changes like going to a new grade. Or getting a certain grade in a class. But if you take some time to think about why you might be feeling the way you do— relating it to a desire to perform well, or please others, or be a good student— you might be able to reduce the pressure on yourself. As such, you might be able to think of other ways you can fulfill these identity roles. Does being a good student just mean getting good grades? Or does it mean that you tried your best to study? Fearing change is a sign from our emotions that something is up, and deserves to be looked into. Thinking about why we have fear helps us reduce it. Plan ways to take change in stride. If you are overwhelmed by the thought of change, you can act in ways to mitigate that feeling of being overwhelmed. Make small plans to keep a sphere of control. Additionally, ask for help and advice from people in your life that have been through the same situation before. Lastly, try to find organization in your schedule so that you can handle changes like a new school year or a new entire school, one step at a time.
FOCUS- is an increasingly valuable and scarce resource. Despite being a “self-generated” behavior, there are many variables that impact the focus that an individual may have. Before getting into the tactical details, we first must understand what tasks look like in our minds. Our brains must use “task sets” in order to focus. What does this mean and look like? Well, in simple terms, our brain simplifies what it means to have a set of knowledge and skills to complete a task. We make mental assessments of the needed amount of knowledge to complete a task, versus the knowledge we have. Then, we analyze the needed amount of skill and compare it to our own. Based on these quick calculations, we then decide how much effort a task will require. Finally, we base our approach to handling a task by this calculation— will we be able to get it done with our skills and knowledge? In order to harness this knowledge for productive good, we should consider making space and time for tasks. In computer science there is a rule called the 90/90 rule. This rule cheekily suggests that it takes 90% of the effort to get 90% of work completed. Then another 90% of effort to finish the 10% of the task. Ultimately meaning there’s always more work than anticipated! We will always require more time for big tasks. Making time in your calendar to focus is very important to consider. You want to be sure of your own ability to gather resources and relevant information to make the most of your brain!!
Studying nowadays seems nearly impossible. With all that’s going on in the world, there doesn’t seem to be an opportunity for good mental rest and reset that we all really need. Sometimes, it can even be harder to focus! Some studies even suggest that having too many distractions can even affect our senses! When our minds are focused on one or multiple tasks, less mental energy can be focused on more acute senses like smell, taste, and hearing. That’s why sometimes you can’t hear a parent calling when you’re playing video games or reading a book. So, what are some great science backed ways to make sure you’re focused? You might hate to hear it, but reducing phone use is a great way to start off being less distracted. Some studies suggest that the average person looks at their phone once every 12 minutes. That’s a lot of mental distraction! Charge your phone outside of your room. Make the screen black and white to reduce addiction. Delete applications off your phone. All of these strategies will give you a better experience with your mind. Clear your setting of distracting words. Before embarking on a long study or focus period, try to clear your mind by writing down any anxious thoughts. Write in a journal before. Or, if you want to listen to music while focusing, make sure it doesn’t have any words that could also be distracting and reduce your ability to focus. Exercise. How will exercise help you focus? While this may not be an “in the moment” trick, it certainly is a long term habit that will make focusing easier. Exercise is known to boost dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels which all affect focus and attention. But! A twist to the exercise is always good for you adage is to exercise at the study table. How do you do this? Get a standing desk. Or change up the chair you use to sit and study. Read notes while pacing. All of these gets the blood pumping and can help improve concentration. Take a break! This is another potentially counter intuitive one, but sometimes, your brain just needs a little reset to be able to get back into the concentration game!
Holistic Approaches Marketing often suggests that academic institutions value quantitative assessments such as GPA and standardized exam scores. These are considered predictors for success in students. But, applicants widely understand that holistic forms of evaluation are valid for candidates in applications. So, how can we account for these differences? What should universities consider when it comes to performance in school and how we can accept students? Essay Content Can Indicate SES In a Stanford study of 60,000 undergraduate applications to the University of Southern California, content written in the personal statements/ essays of applicants were better predictors of socioeconomic status and influence than SAT scores. That might seem obvious. The SAT has recently gone under fire for being a predictor of wealth, more so than a predictor of competence. The study further demonstrated that essays with more content on “human nature” and “seeking answers” tended to be written by applicants with higher reported SES statuses. In contrast, essays with more content about “time management” and family relationships tended to be written by students with lower SES statuses. This correlation shows that certain essay topics may be the framework for recruiting students from a range of backgrounds. Some colleges and universities have begun to account for this impact and consider it in assessing college applications. A Personal Approach to Success A metaanalysis of research papers studied the relationship between socioeconomic status and success in college. They summarized some remarkable learnings. For example, research suggests the importance of social support in success for Latino students such as believing in one’s ability to perform in college. More specifically, believing in one’s capacity as a learner, being excited about learning, and feeling cared about as a student and a person. Many papers suggest that historically underrepresented students, or those from low SES, encounter challenges when they get to college. These make it difficult for them to take advantage of their school’s resources for learning and personal development. This challenge begins when applying for colleges, as students self-select in and out of opportunities they may not feel adequate for, even though their holistic applications may suggest otherwise. How College Can Influence Your Future The topic of socioeconomic status and how it influences applications is very important. SES impacts beyond college itself. Over the course of an individual college graduate’s lifetime, some studies suggest, they will make 1 million dollars more than an individual who has not graduated from college.
Distilling your whole identity in one short statement is certainly a herculean task. How can you get to all the depths of who you are and what makes you worth admissions to a college or program in so many words? Writing a personal statement isn’t easy, but there are ways to break down the complexities of the process and of your own story to help you craft the best personal statement. In this blog, we will break down the process in several parts. Know Thyself Don’t be afraid to take some time to write in some diaries. Reflect on your achievements, and on your worst days. Reflect on the subjects you love, the people you love, and the experiences you love. A personal statement should be reflective of what the title suggests, PERSONAL. Being able to express a clear version of who you are into your writing means you can have the ability to make yourself irreplaceable to the admissions committee. How much can you share in your personal statements? As long as it feels relevant and honest, feel free to make your essay personal. Know About the School/ Program Don’t tell the admissions committee what you think they want to hear, because that can often come off as trite and cheesy. You want to make sure you’re as specific as possible when making applications. Ask yourself, how can I contribute to this school? Is there a particular program the school offers that your experiences would relate to? Use the language, the titles of professors, and all the specific details you know about the program and school in your statement. This helps admissions connect your story with theirs. Add Spunk Are you someone that likes to make jokes? Do you get teased for being grammar obsessed? Or do you like poetry? Rhyming? Arguing? This is what you want to sprinkle into your essay. Add elements of flavor and spunk, or even uniquely well-written language and grammar, into your writing, and you’ll add one more detail that makes you memorable. Draft While surely you will craft a spirited, engaging personal statement by following those tips above, the most useful tip will be to ensure you write not, not two, but multiple drafts. Have a select number of individuals that you love in your life read through the personal statement and address if they feel it’s the most reflective of who you are. Ask them to check for grammatical errors and flow. But, make sure you feel it’s most reflective of who you are and the story you want to tell. Multiple drafts will help you in this process.
The end of February marks the time to start thinking about those AP exams, and other major exams like the SATs in general. In this month’s blog post, let’s check out strategies to effectively calendar and create a study schedule that works for you! Here are 4 considerations. Don’t just study It’s important to create a schedule that accounts for your humanity. Make sure to include times you’ve designated for fun and for rest. Block these times regularly in your calendar. Study challenging concepts at the right time You don’t have to get up at 6AM in the morning every morning to do well on your exams. While you’re organizing your study schedule, make sure you are accounting for YOUR best work hours. If you’re an early bird, or a night owl, be sure to acknowledge your unique best hours. Not all study time needs to be long Got a 30 minute ride to hang out with friends? Waiting for dinner to cook? Use these spare moments to review your flashcards and give your brain a quick rehash of concepts that are easy to forget. Take a practice exam Whether it be for a final, an AP exam, the SATs, GRE, or other standardized test, make sure to go through a practice test at least ONCE to get all the first time exam jitters out. You may not be able to replicate the entire experience, but you WILL be able to have a better understanding of and familiarity with the exam’s logistics and format. Now that these broad considerations are in, it’s time to organize your calendar. There are 3 important steps. Calendar your exam date Add in a treat for the day after, and some last minute flashcards for the day before. The week of, make sure you’re getting a combination of rest and review. Plan out your monthly goals After taking a diagnostic test, add in monthly goals to get a sense of how far you are from your goal score. Take at least one diagnostic test during each month so you can measure your progress. Figure out the hours per week you want to study. Once you have a sense of how many hours you can put in, you can see how much time you will need per day and when you can study more complex material you’re struggling with, given timeslots that are longer. As you can read, there is a lot of strategy and planning that comes with organizing your study schedule. The biggest advice? Make sure you can stick to it!
There’s a lot going on in the world of education right now, and we are learning not only new content, but new ways to show our learning. So, February marks the time to prepare for these new formats of exams. Some of these exams are formatted in a way such that they are hybrid or online. How are this year’s exams different? Let’s start with AP exams. For some popular college credit receiving exams like AP Biology or AP Calculus, it appears the exam will retain much of its pre-Covid structure. Most AP exams will still be in person with paper and pencil, in May. The exam will be administered for many students at the same time, at their specific schools of attendance. Testing centers which host many students taking exams are also prevalent. For a comprehensive look at the policies and guidelines of these standard format exams — which remain standard from many years past, click here. Still however, the pandemic is a factor in exam administration. For AP exams like AP English literature and AP World History, there will be a selection of exams hosted still in school, but online in a digital format. The key takeaways to understand for how these exams will operate differently are: The school must have applied in fall of 2021 to administer the exam online The exam will still be taken at the school in a proctored setting Students will be able to go back and forth online with questions Schools may be able to provide Windows, Mac, Chromebooks or even Ipads for the exam Digital and paper exams will be taken in different locations within the school For graduate degrees, the online format is also variable. The GRE is a good example to understand. A grueling 3 hours and 45 minutes, this exam is known to be tough even prior to the pandemic. With the shifts in learning, the GRE averages 1.5 million test takers with a mean score of around 150 out of 170 for the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections. The exam is entirely administered online. Here are some of the considerations for GRE for adult learners of this time: You can edit your answers and preview sections There is a built-in calculator function You can mark/ review answers on the digital format You can take the exam at home or at a testing facility At home testing is available 24/7 and proctored by an online human proctor. To read more about these exams, click here. With all of these exam changes, it will be interesting to see how students this year fair with online test scores! Seems like a good time to goal-set, and get help tutoring if you need it!
As the next semester begins, we see a current spike in COVID-19 cases. Masks are increasingly necessary and a part of our day-to-day living. So, just like making a strategy for attaining goals, industrious students and teachers familiarize themselves with the CDC guidelines on masking up. However, these guidelines change regularly. Masking as a Part of Culture The changes are so frequent that in true internet-of-things, Generation Z style, memes on the CDC proliferate— joking about all the possibilities of what “the CDC says.” But jokes aside, scientists are creating their content related to masking. For example, novel research looks at how wearing a mask might be related to different levels of emotional awareness. What Science Suggests Scientists who focus on visually impaired individuals studied a sample of 119 individuals. The study focused on the tone of voice, body language, and other emotional indicators. According to this study, the younger the tested individual, the higher the rate of inaccuracy between reading emotions. Children 3-5 years old had the most severe disadvantage in discerning emotions with mask wearers. Such inability led to facial misinterpretation and resulted in some behavior that could be considered inappropriately aggressive. However, for those who were older and grew up with a sense of emotional awareness more acute based on years of practice without a mask, this inability to read emotions correctly was not as dramatic. Younger children “faced,” if you will, all the consequences. It Would Be Best To Mask Up Anyways… While this study may not entirely prove that wearing a mask makes you meaner, it suggests causation between mask-wearing and emotional intelligence. But, perhaps the question is moot. It seems mask-wearing will be a way in congested settings like schools for the foreseeable future. Regardless of how a mask affects emotional development, we are sure that it positively impacts our health. That certainty means you should probably mask up anyways.
It’s a year! After a year of reflecting, dreaming, and expressing gratitude to teachers in the Covid 19 Pandemic, we’ve come to an impasse on making the most of our pandemic lives. So what’s the next step? Meeting goals doesn’t just come with designing your life. It comes with a strategic, brain-aware way to approach accomplishment. Challenging Yourself Neuroscientists have been interested in goal setting and how to challenge the experience mentally. Students making academic goals can also learn something from neuroscience. The neuroscience community suggests that even HAVING goals is helpful to direct the way our brain forms connections and thoughts. More goals = more connections. A new framework suggests that making changes in behavior requires a shift in two axes: level of skill, knowledge, the ability needed for action; and status of motivation. An example of this behavior on the high ends of motivation and level of skill and familiarity is navigating a new city for the first time. This action is HIGH on both axes because it shows an exciting challenge necessary to undergo if one is traveling. There is motivation and dexterity. Considering Executive Function So, how would you use this new framework? Well, thinking about the brain’s executive function (how various parts of our brains work together to complete a task that requires attention, working memory, inhibitory control, and planning) provides insight. Executive function rests on taking novel experiences and information and responding to them to normalize a response. This activity is referred to as “habit formation.” Suppose the brain is a limited resource with constant energetic needs. In that case, executive function is also limited in its ability to perform tasks and choose which ones are the most important to standardize and form a habit. What does this suggest? Practice! Practice makes more than perfect. Perhaps another obvious solution, but a plenty important one. Using our brains to actively work on a goal and doing it over and over simply by quantity is a neuroscientifically suggested method of achieving your goals.
To Design A Successful Education, Start at Winter Break Design thinking is a burgeoning field and phrase that piques the curiosity of many industrious individuals. Across disciplines, design thinking has mapped the way for increased satisfaction in life, career, and now education. So, a combination of reflection and neuroscience intersect here. As we find ourselves in the Winter season, it is worth thinking about designing a more successful life and how starting at Winter break can begin that path in education. What is Design Thinking? The Harvard University School of Education denotes Design Thinking as “In practice, … a structured framework for identifying challenges, gathering information, generating potential solutions, refining ideas, and testing solutions.” Tenets of this process include intentionally failing and repeatedly trying new things until something sticks. A standard summary of the process looks like these five steps done over and over until a solution: Empathize. Think about yourself, your community, your audience. Is there a challenge that comes to mind? Define. After considering those that the challenge affects, think about why this problem exists and define that challenge clearly. Ideate. Brainstorm different ways you can address the challenge. Intentionally list assumptions of the challenge and attempt to defy them. List out bad ideas too! And impossible ones Prototype. Come up with solutions you’d want to test. Then, narrow down what is feasible Test. Test your solutions! See what works, what’s helpful, what’s not, and then try again! As you can see, the process reflects thoughtfulness and emphasizes trial and error. What does Design thinking have to do with happiness? In 2018, Yale University was one early academic institution that brought the concept of design thinking to the forefront of education. In a class entitled “Psyc 157: Psychology and the Good Life,” psychologist Laurie Santos taught students how to regulate their daily lives and include moments of gratitude and self-care. As a part of the course, tenets of Design Thinking were encouraged, such as empathizing with yourself when you are experiencing new activities— actively asking, “Is this bringing me joy?” Another positive mindset that derives from Design Thinking is the concept of relating who you are, what you believe, and what you do. If you get stuck answering these questions, use the Design Thinking method! Santos has since renamed her class “The Science of Well-Being,” and some 3 million individuals are now taking the course online. How do I use Design Thinking during my winter break? So, when it comes to implementing Design Thinking into your life and particularly your academic career, it’s important to remember what you care about. First, take time this winter break to consider empathy for yourself, whether as a student or parent. Then think of challenges you’ve faced in these roles of your life. What’s not working? What feels hard? Next, come up with some solutions that may be impossible to happen: daydream about that vacation, take your favorite class on baking, and get perfect grades without studying so hard… Then consider, “what might be some possible solutions to these challenges that nurture me and are feasible?” For example, does it make sense to do fewer activities to have more energy on the subjects you love? Does getting organized in school and with all the calendars prove helpful to make sure you have time to study when it counts and relax when you can? Lastly, make sure to test out some of these ideas! Organize your calendar! Read a little more on that subject that’s been challenging! Talk to your teachers and see how you can optimize your studying for that ONE challenging class. Remember, Design Thinking is all about trying things out until you find something that works. This is the perfect time to strategize for the upcoming year during winter break! To design a successful education, start at winter break!
How Your Crazy Covid Dreams Might be Helping You Learn As winter approaches, the days are shorter and nights longer. Besides spending time in self-reflection, now’s the time for plenty of naps and sleeping. As a result, you might find yourself having stranger dreams than usual. Some studies now suggest that such dreams may result in memory consolidation. They can also result in an ability to understand complicated experiences digested during the day. Lots of strange dreams during Covid Are you having lots of strange dreams during the Covid pandemic? When looking at a sample of 1091 Italian participants and asking for their self-reported experiences in slumber, one study found that “dream frequency, emotional load, vividness, bizarreness and length” were all rated higher during the pandemic when compared to a pre-lockdown period. You are not alone. Additionally, individuals noted a higher increase in “negative emotions” when assessing their dreams. Finally, predisposition to some factors, such as sensitivity to depression, were predictive of such “strange” dreams. Dreaming to learn Tufts University neuroscientist Erik Hoel suggests that these dreams may be a process our brains go through to learn. His reasoning? Well, we know that dreams are amalgamations of experiences that we have throughout our days. Dr. Hoel believes that due to the monotonous nature of our lockdown experiences, our brains may be trying to create novelty in our subconscious minds to help us glean insights from what would otherwise be routine experiences. Therefore, these strange dreams may serve as intelligence in our working memory to teach us from new experiences, whether real or imagined at night. Practice makes perfect While these researchers try to make sense of the bizarre and unanticipated externalities of a global pandemic, many different hypotheses are coming into play when analyzing dreams. Another assumption is that dreams are ways our brains allow us to practice responding to real-life situations that have not yet occurred. Thus, the more you can “practice” in your dream, the more you can be prepared to perform in real life. What’s weird? Despite there not being one consensus when it comes to why we are experiencing dreams that are “strange” during Covid, there is a lot of interest in the field of understanding such experiences. As a result, the concept of “overfitting” is an idea that has permeated circles of scientists asking why we dream the way we do. This concept argues that dreams are weird because if they weren’t, we’d never be able to get new insights into our daily lives. Dreaming strange dreams might be normal, just as much as learning, whether you expect it or not, can be. Either way, your crazy Covid dreams might be helping you learn!
At first we were concerned with October exhaustion, now, it’s time to use self-reflection to measure your academic success! Importantly, as a diligent student, you must ask yourself questions through self-reflection in critical moments. Over time, these reflective questions will build an understanding of how you best approach education, and contribute to your success as a lifelong learner. How are you doing? Have you reflected lately on your educational process? Additionally, have you taken stock of your school work and learning, noting where you did well and didn’t? Students, teachers and all in the education space may react differently to questions of self-reflection. So, it’s no wonder that reflection is important! With November coming upon us, now is the best time to take stock of your progress and for students to check in with themselves while learning. In order to make sure you getting the most out of your educational process as it continues to build over time, here are some questions to consider: What have I learned? When was a time when I struggled with learning a new concept? Where do I learn best? What are the characteristics of these places? How do I learn best? What are the tools I’m using? Who do I learn best from? With? What are their characteristics? Which subjects are the most interesting to me? Reflection drive direction Asking self-reflective questions like those above during this fall season will help you perform better as a student. Studies suggest that self-reflection helps with a “growth mindset” attributed to Carol Dweck, psychology professor of Stanford University. Those individuals who exhibit a mindset that they are able to grow and learn through their failures and challenges are able to achieve more of their goals. Self-reflection such as asking these questions, or even any others you think of, is the cornerstone to measure your academic success to ensure continuous improvement. As Shakespeare once said, “know thyself”.
Overwhelmed in October? Students, parents, and teachers all understand the feeling of being overwhelmed this year. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic exacerbates this feeling. It’s time to support our teachers. Because of Covid, fatigue takes a new depth in meaning this October, teachers note the month as the most challenging work-wise. This slump— referred to as ‘October exhaustion’— occurs when the ambitious goals set during the summer are faced with realities of student performance and added layers of work. So, this year giving a little extra TLC to your students’ teachers may make a difference in their education. Here are some ways to support our educators as October comes to a close. Celebrate success with your teachers! Has your student learned a new, critical skill this year with the help of your teacher? Has the transition from online to in-person (to potentially online again!) been particularly well-thought-of? Even the slightest note of gratitude can be meaningful to hear in this unprecedented time. Growth is happening! It may be a good reminder for you too. If you have something nice to say, share it! Practice psychological safety. Because many businesses going remote, there is no spare time to do much relationship building. That’s why when there is a designated time to communicate, like parent-teacher conferences, you want to make the most of your time. Practicing psychological safety means sharing just enough compassion in your communications and asking open-ended questions such that teachers will feel safe to open up to you and express their genuine concerns for your student. It may be an outlet for you to express yours too. Offer face time during Covid. This is not a suggestion for personal phone calls. Considering the current world of online learning, encouraging a “video on” rule for your student’s online education helps. Context allowing. Teachers appreciate being able to see facial feedback. Research suggests it stimulates such emotions as empathy and emotional connectedness— all behaviors that would contribute to the success of your student’s education. Further research also indicates that seeing the faces of students increases motivation for teachers. Build community. In addition to teaching itself, teachers are tasked with long-term curriculum planning, communicating with admin and parents, and a deluge of other tasks. By building a community among other caretakers, you add one more safety net for your student’s education and support teachers through community. Reflect to Support! Maybe your student is struggling during this time because your teacher needs support too. Be sure to reflect on desired outcomes for the school year. What can you easily communicate with your teacher that would support understanding the needs of your student? This small act of awareness goes a long way in conserving mental space, giving room for teachers to breathe as they move toward the winter months.
Most students juggle a full course load in addition to extracurricular activities. Often, this mix of textbooks, athletic wear, and club fundraiser materials can be jumbled together. We have compiled eight fantastic organization solutions guaranteed to make Marie Kondo proud. 1. Label all of your files and folders With digital note-taking, online textbooks and virtual classrooms increasing in popularity, it can be to overlook your laptop’s organization. Create files for each course, and store all related materials accordingly. 2. Assign every item a place Within each folder, be sure to label all of your assignments and to keep track of draft numbers. There’s no panic like submitting your essay at the last-minute, only to realize you cannot locate the file. 3. Consolidate your binders into one Instead of lugging around multiple binders per class, consolidate your materials into one. Then, choose dividers with labels in order to differentiate classes. You can also use folders to store loose paper, just be sure to make each folder class-specific. 4. Maximize storage space. Use zip files to compartmentalize large pdf files. Take advantage of Sunday evenings to clean out superfluous paper and trash. Utilize double sided printing and take notes using the front and back sides of your paper. By making the most of every item and space, you will increase your sense of order and cleanliness. 5.Use a calendar or planner Write down all upcoming deadlines, events, and appointments in a planner. Make sure to include times, addresses and relevant notes to help jog your memory. If hard copy calendars aren’t your style, try Google calendar and sync the data with our email and smart devices. You’ll never be late or miss a due date again!
Ample emphasis is placed on the SAT and ACT for high school seniors. These are touted as the “biggest” exams of a student’s life. However, for the private school pupil, the High School Placement Test (HSPT) proves a major undertaking. What is the HSPT? The HSPT has existed for five decades. It is used to assess an eighth grade student’s preparedness for the ninth grade. High schools nationwide interpret HSPT scores in order to make admissions decisions as well as to award scholarships and assign curriculum. What is a good score? The number of correct responses generate a raw score that is then converted into a composite result. Students receive a composite score in three areas: Total Cognitive Skills, Total Basic Skills, and Battery Composite. Although the scoring is standardized, competitive criteria differs from institution to institution. Note that scores at the 50th percentile reflect the national average performance. Is there an official prep guide? Many parents fret over how to prepare their young ones for the HSPT. According to the Scholastic Testing Service, Inc (STS), there is no formal prep guide for the exam. Completion of academic work through the first semester of eighth grade should adequately prepare your child for the test. Still, many guidebooks exist to help preview the types of questions featured on the exam. Shopping for an HSPT preparation guide can be tricky. Always search for the most recent edition of the guide to ensure the most up-to-date material. Read reviews from previous buyers and prioritize copies that feature full-length practice exams. Finishing Touches As with all standardized exams, the preparatory measures can make a major difference. Ensure your student gets a full night of rest and eats a complete breakfast. Send them to their exam with two number two pencils and a wristwatch so they can track their pace. Most of all, once they complete the exam, celebrate! The most challenging aspect of the high school application process is behind them and all that is left to do is await the results. Good luck!
