Study Skills by SOAR Learning

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45 Minutes of Study Skills Transforms This College Student’s Life!

May 21, 2013 By Susan Kruger, M.Ed.

Can you completely transform your abilities as a student in only 45 minutes? Keep reading to learn about one college student’s experience.

Last week, our new intern, Jessie, shared vivid details about the struggles she faced transitioning into college. (See part 1 here.) Jessie graduated high school with a 3.7 GPA, but college was a whole new ball game. So, my husband suggested that Jessie read my book, SOAR® Study Skills: A Simple and Efficient System for Earning Better Grades in Less Time.

Today, Jesse shares what study skills can do for her as she begins her most challenging year of college yet. The following words are 100% authentic. She followed the chapter on “How to Write Papers” to construct an outline. Then, she punched out the article below…

soar student testimonial

Meet Jessie, our new summer intern! She’s pictured here with her two favorite high school teachers (“Ms. D,” and my husband, Brian), after winning the State Championship for DECA, a student marketing association. April, 2011.

By Jessie Smude:

As I shared last week, my first semester of college was brutal! Slowly, I figured a few things out and pumped up my grades quite a bit. But now, I’m heading into my hardest year of schooling, my Junior year. So, I knew something had to change.

Fortunately, I’m lucky enough to be completing an internship at SOAR® Learning Inc. My employers have graciously offered to help fix my study woes, specifically:

  • Determining “what” is important to focus on for upcoming tests
  • Keeping up with reading from textbooks
  • How to write research papers
  • Taking notes in a lecture
  • Determining “when” to start studying for upcoming tests

The solutions came in the form of their best-selling book, SOAR® Study Skills. They specifically told me to focus on chapters 8, 9, 10, and 11.

I read these chapters over the weekend in about 45 minutes. The reading itself was light and easy, but the information was very powerful.

While reading all the ideas I kept thinking to myself, “Why has no one told me to do this before?! It would have made ‘this paper,’ ‘that project,’ ‘that test’ and so on so much easier!”

In chapter 8, I learned a lot of information on how to work with teachers, and how teachers can help me. It was very interesting to read information written by a former teacher because, it is not typical information you receive every day and in most cases may never get. From guiding me on where to sit in a classroom and what types of questions to ask, I learned tips that will help me interact with my teacher in order to get the best assistance possible from them.

Chapter 9 brought more great information about how to handle all those lengthy text books. The directions on how to approach them without sitting there for hours on hours staring at the words will help me tremendously in my upcoming school year. The method in the book is one that I have never heard before but already makes sense. Did you know that it’s not necessary to read EVERY word in the chapter to accomplish the goal of “reading” the chapter? It’s really just a matter of reading the “right” words and Susan certainly directs you through this easy process.

Then, I moved on to chapter 10 where I learned how to write a paper in the most organized way possible. I was taught proper grammar, spelling, sentence structure and all the basics in school. Those are all very important things to know, but if you don’t know what to even write or how to get your ideas started, then those things mean virtually nothing.

The 3-D Research Report Organizer that the book instructs you how to make is one of the most simple, yet potentially effective things I have ever seen. The steps it tells me to take while writing a paper will help me organize my thoughts and facts in a way that I haven’t yet figured out how to do. I know that this will help me become a greater writer in the next year.

Also, after I read this section, Susan was sharing a story of how she just taught this same organizing method for writing to entrepreneurs and executives that earn millions of dollars per year. If this process can work both them and middle school students then it must be both powerful AND simple. I’m excited to use the organizer for the first paper I’m assigned in the next semester.

Lastly, chapter 11 helped with what I needed to learn most, taking and studying notes. The book provided me with an actual example, with formatting and everything, of what my notes should look like and include. Not only does it tell me what to do, it tells me why. This really helped me understand the logic behind the parts of notes and why it is most beneficial to take my notes that way.

Studying the notes that I took was the biggest struggle for me when starting college. The book provided me with step by step directions on how and when to study the notes I take. That is an answer I have been looking for the past 2 years and an answer that was never given to me while in high school.

Reading the SOAR® Study Skills book was one of the most beneficial things I have read in the past 6 years (not to be biased). It provided me with answers to questions I had been looking for since I started college. I know that if I would have had this resource prior to starting, my GPA and overall academic experience would be much better. However, I cannot change the past so I am looking forward to implementing my newly learned study skills during my Junior year. Now that I know how to take notes, study, and write better, I know my grades will continue to improve… and I can actually improve them in less time!

Can 45 minutes make such a powerful difference for your child? Do you want them have this information now, or continue to scramble through school? Get the SOAR® Study Skills book here.

If 45 minutes were so powerful, imagine what specific, focused study skills instruction can do for your students! Learn about our efficient, effective, and student-friendly study skills curriculum here.

This article is part 2 of a 2-part series. See part 1 here.

-Susan Kruger

 


EB 050817

Filed Under: Students Tagged With: students, testimonial, true stories

Comments

  1. Joshua Kumi says

    September 24, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    My name is Joshua Kumi from Ghana and I am a high school student who will be going to college next year. Please I have problems with my grades so I need a study guide to make perfect in making good grades.

    • SOAR says

      October 8, 2013 at 8:40 pm

      Hi Joshua, I commend you for thinking ahead to college next year. College is a significant expense and can be unnecessarily expensive if you’re not prepared for the increase in academic. I recommend you purchase a copy of our SOAR Study Skills book and specifically focus on the same chapters the Jessie references in this article. It made a big difference for her and I know it will for you too.

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Testimonials

Research Base

I was trying to design a study skills class and did an online search to find some good resources and SOAR® came up. When I looked at the program and how organized it was, it appealed to me! There were other programs out there, and there were things I could have done myself, but because SOAR® has a research base behind it, that is what attracted me to this particular program.

Lori O
High School

Easier to Stay Organized

I can’t believe how much easier it is for me to keep my papers organized. Since I started using the Binder, I have not lost one assignment! My parents are so excited and I feel so much better about school. Thank you!

Michael Z.
9th Grade

Life Is Easier

Life is so much easier!

Holly Z.
9th Grade

Feel More In Control

I feel much more in control when I study now because I know exactly what to do. I don’t waste my time staring at my textbook, I take better notes in class, and I am better prepared for each class so when I study for a test, it all comes together.

Katlyn R.
11th Grade

Good Grades Despite Grueling Schedule

I’m happy to tell you that my daughter is doing splendidly well in school. We’ve gone over your book together. You got her off to a good start with the binder system. I do not check her work or even help her at all. Her teachers have told me that she is a model student. She has been responsible in keeping up with her studies and receiving good grades even though she has had a grueling schedule. Thanks so much for what you do for the students.

Debbie M.
High School

Comprehensive Coverage of Needs

I have done much research over the last 2 years in an attempt to find just the right thing that I feel would be most beneficial with the at-risk students with whom I work. Though my work with students has been helpful, I have always believed something more concrete that systematically teaches organization and study skills, would be more fruitful for students in the long term. I have concluded, FINALLY, that the SOAR® Study Skills program is the best I have ever seen, offering the most comprehensive coverage of the needs of the students I service. The author provides sound rationale for her approach and plenty of info to answer questions, as the site is easy to navigate. The resources are simple/kid-friendly, illustrating each desired skill. As a teacher, having viewed and used numerous curriculums over the years, I am most excited about this discovery.

Rita L.
School Success Educator

Easy to Study For Tests

I am reading and reviewing chapters in my books now. It is really easy and really helps me study for tests.

Keith S.
6th Grade

Why Didn’t Someone Tell Me?

Why didn’t someone tell me about this before?

Stephen G.
8th Grade

Book Report Done Early

For this spring’s book report I set a goal to get it done on time and not have to rush. I got it done two weeks early!

Liam S.
6th Grade

Now Getting As and Bs

I was getting Cs and Ds. Now I am getting As and Bs! I learned how to be organized and how to study…it has made such a difference!

Katie H.
11th Grade

Strategic Learning Class Helped Tremendously

My daughter took your live Strategic Learning Class this past Fall. She really REALLY enjoyed your class and told me it helped her tremendously at school.

Mary J.
High School

SOAR Strategies Make Homework Easier

My sons were good students to begin with, but they have used many SOAR strategies to make homework easier for them.

Donna M.
Elementary and Middle School

Great to Know I’m Not Alone

I have a child who is bright and enrolled in a very rigorous school, but I realize he does not know how to study properly, manage a longer view of assignments, etc. I recently read your SOAR Study Skills book and subsequently ordered the Homework Help for Parents program. I am a convert! I am also delighted to learn that I am not alone in this battle…

Denise J.
Middle School

Everything Grouped in Categories

I liked how everything was grouped in categories and everything kind of set up the next step of SOAR.

Stephanie C.
11th Grade

Became an A Student

Your program helped me change into an A average student in high school after struggling with C’s and D’s.

Chelsea S.
12th Grade

Cornerstone for Study Skills Class

This is very exciting. The SOAR® Binder System and handbook are the cornerstone for my study skills class for all 6th graders at St. John’s. We have had great success!

Valarie B.
Learning Specialist

More Organized Now

I like the SOAR® system because the strategies pertain to all students. I have found that even my gifted students have problems with organizations, maybe more so than others. I had a 5th-grader last year who was a “shover,” he could not get papers in the correct folder to save his life. We exchanged his folders for the SOAR® Binder System. He was so relieved to see how simple it could be to organize his papers, he gave me a huge hug! I put another 4th-grader on the Binder System this year. He feels so much more organized now and can find things quickly. I still check in with the organization when we meet during class. I like how he puts everything in the front and then makes time at the end of the day to put in all of his papers where they need to go. I don’t know what these kids would have done without going on the SOAR® Binders. The system is great. They feel better about school – kind of a relief seeing their stuff organized for once! They finally know where everything is! I have a whole third grade that is planning to implement the SOAR® Binder System for their students next year…

Felicia T.
Learning Specialist

Practical and Easy Tips

Everything is practical and easy to do. Great tips! My son set up a SOAR binder and it is working for him!

Janet C.
Elementary and Middle School

A Lot Smoother

This will make my school year run a lot smoother. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas.

Michelle P.
4th Grade

Tips Helped Tremendously

He never planned ahead and it drove me crazy! But, you were right…he did not know how to plan ahead. Your tips for teaching him, or should I say “showing” him how to plan ahead have helped tremendously. I’m not mad at him all of the time anymore…it is a big relief!

Denny M.
High School

Loved the Binder

I loved the binder. What a simple but effective idea!

Jennifer G.
5th Grade

Quick Hits

The information is nice because it comes in “quick hits,” meaning it isn’t overly burdensome to cover; the principle is there, we can employ it almost immediately, and move on to practicing it.

Therese S.
Middle School

Focused about Time Management

Kurt is more focused about his time management. The jar of priorities made a big impact on how he uses him time on a daily basis.

Lachele M.
Middle School

Usable Information

Excellent, usable information!

Lori B.
Middle School

SOAR Binder System a Godsend

SOAR has been a Godsend to our family…you have no idea! My son has not lost one assignment or forgotten anything at school since I set him up with your Binder System. You really demonstrated how to simplify the organizational process and I am so grateful to have found something that finally works!

Paul K.
Middle School

Great System

This is a great system! I would like to see my whole school use this. Would you be interested in training my colleagues?

Sarah D.
Middle School

SOAR Has Helped So Much

SOAR has definitely helped me so much. My teacher, also would like me to be a Teacher’s Assistant when I’m a senior. I hope others learn as much as I did from SOAR.

Ginny R.
11th Grade

Homework Done Faster

Homework is getting done faster and there is much less fighting in our household!

Nancy V.
Elementary and Middle School

Ideas to Get More Organized

You got us to start talking about ideas to get her more organized. I’m going to order your book and pass the word about your program to the other moms I know.

Heather B.
Middle School

Huge Rewards

I see students as well as parents who have been very happy with SOAR®. I can see huge rewards with this program!

Lauri O.
High School

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