Valulable Lessons in Learning

I was just browsing the New York Times when I found this article by Tara Parker-Pope.  I am helping a student prepare for the SAT's and found it to have good advice. (Oct 7, 2014)

The author was looking at a book that challenges the notion that high test scores equals true learning.  He feels students need to study smarter.  "How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where and Why It Happens" by B. Carey.

I summarize these as follows:

1. Change your study environment time to time. Desk, kitchen table, Starbucks, etc.
2. Talk about your learning to either yourself or study mates.
3. Review the information one to two days after learning it the first time.
4. Sleep better ie: foreign language test go to be early and wake up to review.  Math test study late and then sleep as long as possible.

It is amazing what the brain can do if you just change the way you study...

Interesting News on Brain Synapses and Autism

In the article "Study Finds That Brains With Autism Fail to Trim Synapses as they Develop" by Pam Belluck in the New York Times 8/22/14, scientists discovered an effect inform studying brains of children with autism.

They found, "malfunctions in the system of clearing out old and degraded cells, a process called autophagy".  A child is born with many  synapses or connectivity in the brain.  As a child grows, the brain lowers these synapses.  Scientist found that children with autism had too many synapses.  This could be causing the noise sensitivity, flapping, etc.

"If all parts of the brain  talk to all parts of the brain, all you will get is noise."  This might be one of the causes of autism.

Now the real research begins as what we can do to intervene help reduce the synapses.

Almost the 4th of July

Life was very busy for the last six months.  I started two other blogs.  One for parents on how to help with their child has trouble learning.  I also wrote a blog for teachers on teaching in 2013.  I see I need to update the title.

I was busy about six hours a week.  Other students came in and out for help on an as needed basis.  My student who had trouble learning to read now likes reading.  My high school students still can not do math.  Mainly because they won't study, do homework, or show up to school on a regular basis.  Tutoring once or twice a week cannot overcome an attitude that says "I can't".

When a student tries, I can make a difference.  Trying to learn math in three sessions because a student is confused is still difficult.

I do make math interesting and fun.  I combine technology and repetition.  I purchased math books because many students today say their teacher does not use a book.  They only have worksheets to work with.  I am old school.  I like a book to look through.  I like to see examples.  I do google things often.  I have trouble learning from videos though.  So not every student can look at a video and understand.

I am enjoying a small summer break but plan to start tutoring again in August so students can feel empowered for the new school year and keep on track.

I bill once a month.  That keeps down on the paper work.  Next year I will try to sub more.  It is a great way to see what is going on in the classroom.