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Homework Helps
Do we hafte, Mom??!
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This article is not
for students that love to do homework and study! This
is for all of you that would like to do less and get
more out of it. Interested?
First of all, your brain is brilliant but kind of
boring. It likes to have things the same way all the
time to be in it's "comfort zone". That
means: try to do your learning at the same time and
in the same place every day. Keep the noise down (away,
I should say) and avoid disturbances (like little
brothers and telephones). I don't need to mention
that your desk or learning surface should be almost
empty so that the brain is not distracted....Or do
I .......?
One more thing. Everyone has his/her high and low
points of the day. This is called "Biorhythm".
Most people have a definite low around 2 P.M.
Are you a "morning person"? Well, if you
are you're kind of lucky. That is the time you are
in school so please pay attention! You'll save yourself
a round of learning by staying quite alert in class.
Raise your hand and take part like crazy (teachers
love this!) and make good notes (mind maps, underline
important items with color in your books, etc.)
If you are a night person, you'll probably wake up
about the time school is over! Hmm, this could be
a real problem. Maybe a good old tape recorder could
help.....
Seriously, you'll be doing your best work around the
time everyone else goes to bed. Great! Since you might
have missed most of class because you were asleep,
you'll need to use all sorts of reference materials
and maybe a nice bit of Internet/MultiMedia. Hey,
turn off that TV!!
Just make sure you don't try to study when you're
tired or stressed out. Nothing sticks. If you're interested,
I could divulge some more learning and study tips.
Let me know! : )
Linda Langeheine
...
Hi, again!
You asked me about ways to get started on your homework
so, here goes:
Assuming your desk is clear and all your learning/
resource materials within reach, you could just start.
WHAT? You're not in the mood after spending the entire
day at school and the whole afternoon speeding from
soccer to piano lessons?!
No wonder. Your brain needs a break. Your body, too.
Just make yourself comfortable in your chair a few
minutes. CGo e your eyes and just observe your breathing
for awhile...... Just let your breath stream into
your body bringing new energy and fresh motivation......
Let the old air containing your exhaustion and inner
resistance flow back out... New strength and motivation
in....... Tiredness and hopelessness stream out......
Perhaps you could think of a single word that gives
you new energy and lust to learn...... Perhaps a word
like JOY..... DELIGHT.... PLEASURE....... SATISFACTION........
Each time that you take a new, fulfilling breath,
think this inspiring word......and "tank up"
for your fresh start with learning ........ and success.....Open
your eyes now and take a DEEEEEP breath. Stretch and
move around to activate yourself and - let's
get started!
Assess all of your assignments
and write each one on a self-sticking Post-It. If
an assignment seems too formidable, just "chunk
it down", that is, divide the task into smaller
portions. Write each portion on a sticky note. Be
sure to reward yourself for each finished portion
(get a drink, go to the toilet, move around a bit,
eat an apple). These small breaks are just as important
as pure learning time because your brain keeps chugging
along, working further on the subject you just finished!
Dear old brain!!!
Don't let your breaks take longer
than 3-5 minutes, though. You'll get out of touch
with your homework and start moving into relaxation
mode. This makes it tough to get on with your work.
Arrange the assignments with an
easy one at first. The next assignment should be one
of the tougher ones, as you are really getting concentrated
now. Alternate reading/rote learning assignments with
written ones. That way you don't wear out your writing
finger and your attention won't suffer from one-sided
learning. Be sure to separate your language learning.
That is, DO NOT learn french words immediately after
tackling your new german words. This confuses even
the best of brains.
I think that is enough for now. Even your brain
needs a little rest....
P.S. I lied! I am not quite finished. If you want
to condition your brain to look forward to homework
( Stop laughing, I am SERIOUS!), do your homework
and learning at the same time and same place every
day. This way you condition your subconscious to feel
strange, if you don't start working
at that time! Try this for at least 4 weeks. Aww,
come on! Give it a try!
Linda Langeheine
(Linda Langeheine is a trainer/consultant in the
subjects time management, conflict management, learning
skills and memory techniques, business English for
Germans, business German for English speakers, public
speaking, creative decision-making & problem solving,
mind-mapping as well as interview and discussion techniques.
She also performs as a cello soloist in concerts and
teaches at the Cologne School of Music. She has written
7 books, many articles and book-reviews. She is often
asked to hold workshops and give speeches.)
A tidbit a day keeps the bad grades away!
Glad to hear my little letters are making a difference!
Wow!
Unfortunately, I am going to make myself quite unpopular
right now:
If you do a bit of work on EVERY subject EVERY day,
you'll will not suffer from the "test preparation
blues". NO, I have not gone batty! Your brain
doesn't forget anything once it has found its place
in your long-term memory. Ay, there's the rub. It
may not be Go t but
What's the difference? Not much, if you are sweating
and moaning under test pressure. Or even under the
pressure of some educator's stern stare.
Think of your long-term memory as a storage room.
Ask the clerk at the 'front desk' for some information
often enough, he is not going to
keep storing this often needed material in some dusty,
old drawer way in the back room, is he? Smart as he
is, he'll have it up front, ready for your next "order"!
So, what's the trick?
Keep those orders coming. No, I don't mean hamburgers,
I mean information. By looking into your books and
notes each day, you keep the information you need
to know 'on hold', so to speak. It is not necessary
to relearn it each time you might need it. The goodies
are always on the front burner. Ready to get yourself
a plateful. (Sorry for the bad comparison - it's lunchtime....)
Don't make it too easy on yourself. Ask yourself questions
and try to answer them. Say the material out loud.
Tape it and then listen to it while taking a relaxing
bath. Act it out in the most dramatic (and hilarious)
way! Make mind maps (more on that in a later letter).
Draw pictures.
It sometimes helps to make a list of all your subjects
and put checks next to them each time you go over
the material. This keeps you 'honest' as far as check-up
frequency is concerned. Or use a large calendar.
Please do not use this tip, if you want to stay
at your present level. This method makes you even
better!
USE WITH CARE!
Linda Langeheine
...
What is your favorite "Learning Style"?
Howard Gardner of Harvard has identified seven distinct
learning styles. According to his theory, "we
are all able to know the world through language,
logical-mathematical analysis, spatial representation,
musical thinking, the use of the body to solve problems
or to make things, an understanding of other individuals,
and an understanding of ourselves. As currently
constituted, our educational system is heavily biased
toward linguistic modes of instruction and assessment
and, to a somewhat lesser degree, toward logical-quantitative
modes as well. Students learn in ways that are identifiably
distinctive. The broad spectrum of students - and
perhaps the society as a whole - would be better served
if disciplines could be presented in a numbers of
ways and learning could be assessed through a variety
of means." The learning styles are as follows:
Visual-Spatial - think in terms of
physical space, as do architects and sailors. Very
aware of their environments. They like to draw, do
jigsaw puzzles, read maps, daydream. They can be taught
through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools
include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings,
3-D modeling, video, videoconferencing, television,
multimedia, texts with pictures/charts/graphs.
Bodily-kinesthetic - use the body
effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon. Keen sense
of body awareness. They like movement, making things,
touching. They communicate well through body language
and learn well through physical activity, hands-on
learning, acting out, role playing. Tools include
equipment and real objects.
Musical - show sensitivity to rhythm
and sound. They love music, but they are also sensitive
to sounds in their environments. They may study better
with music in the background (please push classical
at about 60 beats per minute). They can be taught
by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically,
tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments,
music, radio, stereo, CD-ROM, multimedia.
Interpersonal - understanding, interacting
with others. These students learn through interaction.
They have many friends, empathy for others, street
smarts. They can be taught through group activities,
seminars, dialogues. Tools include the telephone,
audio conferencing, time and attention from the instructor,
video conferencing, writing, computer conferencing,
E-mail.
Intrapersonal - understanding one's
own interests, goals. These learners tend to shy away
from others. They're in tune with their inner feelings;
they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well
as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can
be taught through independent study and introspection.
Tools include books, internet, creative materials,
diaries, privacy and time. They are the most independent
of the learners.
Linguistic - using words effectively.
These learners have highly developed auditory skills
and often think in words. They like reading, playing
word games, making up poetry or stories. They can
be taught by encouraging them to say and see words,
read books together. Tools include computers, games,
multimedia, books, tape recorders, and lecture.
Logical -Mathematical - reasoning,
calculating. Think conceptually, abstractly and are
able to see and explore patterns and relationships.
They like to experiment, solve puzzles, ask cosmic
questions. They can be taught through logic games,
investigations, mysteries. They need to learn and
form concepts before they can deal with details.
Dear TEACHERS! At first, it may seem impossible
to teach to all learning styles. However, if you move
into using a mix of media or multimedia, it becomes
easier. If you understand learning styles, it becomes
apparent why multimedia appeals to learners and why
a mix of media is more effective. It satisfies the
many types of learning preferences that one person
may embody or that a class embodies. A review of the
literature shows that a variety of decisions must
be made when choosing media that is appropriate to
learning style.
Next article: Are you suffering
from too much homework? Send your experiences and
opinions to:
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