Annual study tricks, tips and techniques

I hope that you weathered Irene. Floods, an earthquake, a hurricane –– what a summer! I’ll bet you’re ready for September and the beautiful autumn that is fast approaching.

As the seasons change, it’s also time for my traditional trifecta: three columns I run at this time of year. This week, I’ll reprise what’s become a staple for many years: “Study tips, tricks, and techniques.” Next, a “College admissions checklist” for seniors and their parents. And finally, my annual anniversary column, as the Principal’s Office begins its seventh year.

Since the study tips column first ran, it’s been without a doubt the most-requested piece I’ve written. I attribute that interest to the fact that the suggestions apply to students of all ages, kindergarten through college. These tips worked for me as a student; I used them with my own kids; I go over them with my Hofstra students; and I share them with my third-grade granddaughter Rebecca. As a matter of fact, I’m concurrently running a radio version on my WCBS broadcasts. However, there is one major difference in the Herald this year. I’m dividing the 10 tips into two installments— five this week, five the next.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m not asking students to study more; rather, I want them to study better by making more efficient use of the time they put in. Logging hours is not enough; they have to be productive.

I’ve tweaked the list a bit this year. Let’s get started.

1. Designate a pleasant workplace to study without distraction. Of course, a dedicated student desk is ideal, but not always possible. A bridge table in the den, reserved for the student, is fine. In college, I made some good decisions— and some not-so-good decisions. One of the better ones was to forsake the undergraduate library at night, which was the place to see and be seen. Instead, I found a study carrel next to a picture window across the way in the graduate library. For three to four hours each night, I had uninterrupted study time. In retrospect, I can say it made a huge difference for me.