By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Knowing how to write a summary of a text is one of the most important skills for school and work. It’s even important outside of school, like in everyday conversations with people (Hey, what was that movie about? How’s that book …
Memorization vs. understanding: The ultimate study secret
By Katie Azevedo. M.Ed. When it comes to studying, there is a major difference between memorization and understanding. I’m going to explain the differences and when to use each method, but let’s start with this simple but important distinction: Memorization is temporary and limited to …
9 tips for taking timed tests
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. In this post, I’m sharing 9 tips for taking timed tests. Timed tests include standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and AP exams; they also include school exams that have to be completed in one class period. Tests are naturally anxiety-producing …
8 goal-setting tips for students
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. This tutorial offers 8 goal-setting tips for students, although many of the tips are solid strategies for goal-setting in general – for anyone. Goal-setting is all the rage around the new year, but I think most of that is simply traditional …
Before you shut down for school vacation, do this
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. School vacations come in all shapes and sizes. I also know that the moment any of these vacations begin, you’re slamming your device closed, chucking your backpack in the closet, and disconnecting from school entirely. I am all for the last …
4 ways to use flashcards to study
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Flashcards are one of the most inexpensive, easy-to-find, and effective study tools you can possibly use. Yeah, I know there are approximately one bazillion cool apps and digital study websites available now, but I stand by my claim that old-school flashcards …
ADHD and procrastination: 5 tips for task initiation
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Procrastination is normal, everyone does it, and it essentially serves a fundamental purpose: to avoid pain. But procrastination is also a self-destructive behavior that can lead to troubled relationships, poor academic performance, low confidence, and anxiety. ADHD and procrastination go hand-in-hand …
The ultimate 5-day study plan
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Here’s the scenario: On a Monday, your teacher tells you there will be a test on Friday. Knowing it’s “only Monday,” you won’t even think about the test until Wednesday, at which point you tell yourself I’ll just study tomorrow. But …
10 productive things to do when you don’t have homework
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Days without homework are the best. Whether it’s just one homework-free night, a weekend with nothing due on Monday, or even a whole vacation week with no long-term assignments hanging over your head, the feeling is liberating. While you should take …
Homework management system: Calendar vs. assignment notebook
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. I’m frequently asked about the difference between a calendar and an assignment notebook. They are not the same. At all. While both are essential pieces of a student homework-management system, they each have a unique function. The bottom line: Neither a …










