Doug Wiegand

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Proven Methods to Better Grades

• Doug Wiegand
• Rising Sun High School

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Step 1Visualize your Goals

• Understand the relationship between effective
  study and rewards

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Benefits of Effective Study Habits

• Better Grades
• Less Anxiety
• Gain more Knowledge
• Improve Self-Image
• Increase Your Opportunities

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Short Term Goals

• These can be one day to one year in length
• Earn at least a 4 on the AP English Exam
• Do my make-up work after an absence
• Take and do well on the SATs
• Read the chapter assigned instead of playing
  X-Box or Playstation 3

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Long Term Goals

• These goals are one year to ten years away
• Go to Law School
• Start at Cecil College, then transfer to
  University of Maryland after 2 years
• Become a Registered Nurse
• Visit all 32 Pro Football Stadiums

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Task Management

• Cramming vs. Spaced Learning

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The Crammer

• You know who you are
• Night-before studying
• Slapping-together a presentation
• I just dont feel like doing it
• Its not due till next week
• Cmon, Im a teenager, I need to have fun
• Does not delay gratification

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The Spaced Learner

• Spaces out the work into manageable chunks ahead
  of time
• Enjoys their free time because studying is done
• Is not stressed the night before an exam
• Is organized and confident for presentations
• Delays Gratification

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Which One First?

• Delaying Gratification Eating Veggies

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Time Robbers

• Activities that take up time with no positive
  educational outcome
• surfing the net
• Being a text message addict
• Watching TV (except for Football)
• Playing for hours on end with your latest
  phone/i-phone/cameraphone etc.

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Time Management

• Develop a weekly schedule
• Identify your time robbers
• Prioritize your activities
• Do not overbook yourself
• Develop positive patterns (bedtime, wake-up,
  meals, exercise)
• 15 hours a week will produce A/B average

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7 Methods to Proper Studying

• 7. Get proper rest.
• You should sleep 7 8 hours per night
• This allows the body and brain to re-charge and
  re-energize

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• 6. Take breaks when needed
• If you are starting to drift or lose focus, get
  up, stretch, take 5 minutes or so then re-attack

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• 5. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
• No Drugs
• No Alcohol
• Exercise

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• 4. Study in a quiet place with minimal
  distractions
• No radio, TV or Computer in the background

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• 3. Be Comfortable (but not too comfortable)
• Being too comfy will facilitate getting sleepy
• Be at a desk in a well-lighted room
• Studying in bed or while laying on the couch is a
  bad idea

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• 2. Use 20 minute Concentration Blocks
• Humans can only truly concentrate for about 20
  minutes in a row.
• Take breaks in-between blocks

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• 1. Develop your own Style
• Understand the way in which you learn
• Do you need visuals?
• Are you a kinetic learner?
• Figure out what works best and implement your own
  style

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3 Last Realities ( in my opinion)

• 1. Avoid Study Groups, most times it just becomes
  a social hour
• 2. Test Anxiety is a Myth. Poor preparation is
  the real diagnosis.
• 3. Financial Success is contingent upon Academic
  Success.

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Thank you!
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