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and to teacher groups as well, I always stress the point that the class has to be in a teachable mode. If there is chaos in a classroom day after day, not even Einstein would be able to concentrate. Teachers must insure that the atmosphere is conducive to student concentration. Parents need to complain to the principal if that doesn't seem to be the case in a particular class. Believe it or not, sometimes principals know this sorry situation exists but are hesitant to do anything about...until pressure from parents is put on them.

Students need to do homework. I know that the whole notion of assigning homework is often controversial but I believe that homework, when it is assigned properly, serves an enormous benefit. It must be regular, it must not be overly lengthy, and it must be collected and recorded. Homework reinforces the day's lesson. Not only that, but it also affects positively retention of the material taught. But it must be done by the student...every time it's assigned not just "most of the time." Further, it must be done to completion.

Students must study for tests. This can be a really thorny problem for students and parents. What does "studying" mean? It can be as simple as re-reading the lesson covered today, or this week or these past two weeks. Reviewing old tests in preparation for a major exam is useful. Student study groups can be powerful learning experiences if they function properly. Properly means the group of three or four must ALL be serious students who are not getting together to talk about the latest movie, sports contest or rock star. The time spent in group study must focus on study...questioning one another, asking one another for help or explanation.

In a nutshell, this is my sermon to students and parents and, sometimes, teachers. It's simplistic but it works. And I thank Regina everytime I give a talk on studying and success in high school.

Learn more about this author, Richard Holmes.
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