Whether you are reading for pleasure or for pain an assignment, there are five pre-reading steps that will enhance your entire reading experience. The steps don’t take long, they are simple, and they are completely worth it. I recommend that you eventually establish a habit of methodically …
4 odd but great places to study in
As much as I suggest that you regularly do your homework and studying in the same location – doing so has so many benefits! – there are also advantages to mixing up your study environment from time to time. While coffee shops, book stores and …
Summer reading tips: 3 ways to make summer reading less painful
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Summer reading has a bad reputation. For some people, books and beaches go together as well as pickles and chocolate cake. (I think both combinations sound just fine, actually.) But here’s the thing: Summer reading is obligatory, and so you have …
How to improve your bad grade: 7 essentials
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. If you have a bad grade in a class and you’re totally fine with it, then you don’t even need to watch this video or read the rest of the article. If you have a bad grade in a class and you’re …
How to remember what you study: Best study trick ever
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Have you ever studied something to the point that you really think you know it, but then the next day you forget it all? Like, everything? Yeah. Me too. It used to happen a lot: I would study all night and feel …
How to prevent test anxiety: 7 ways to handle the nerves
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Test anxiety is completely normal. Everyone at some point feels nervous before an assessment. After all, it’s no fun to be measured. Some test anxiety is natural and beneficial because anxiety produces adrenaline, a hormone partially responsible for increased mental and …
How to write a thesis statement 101: Everything you wish you knew
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. You can’t write an essay if you don’t know how to write a thesis statement. Persuasive and analytical essays. The only writing assignments that don’t require thesis statements are poems, diary entries and summaries. What is a thesis statement? A thesis …
5 best school habits of smart students
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. What’s the difference between an A+ student, a C student and an F (oh dear!) student? The obvious answer is that students with higher grades score better on homework and exams than do students pulling off Cs and lower. But have …
How to study anything: 10 steps
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Whether you’re studying for a simple Spanish vocab quiz, or an end-of-the-year AP US History exam, you need a solid study plan. Below, I outline 10 steps that can teach you how to study anything. They’ve worked for me, and they’ve worked …
How to make a study guide
Study guides and schedules rock. If you’re lucky enough, you might already know how to make a study guide and this video/blog will just help you refine what you already know. If you’re incredibly lucky enough, your teacher might provide you with one before a …