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Study Smarter, Not Harder: Mastering Essential Skills for Academic Success

Empower your child with essential study skills to excel academically, regardless of their learning environment—be it at home, in a remote setting, or in a traditional classroom.
Mr. LeCara
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(174)
Class
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What's included

5 live meetings
5 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. HOME ASSIGNMENTS • journaling and posting responses to Outschool • application of shared strategies
Assessment
Learner progress will be assessed through: • student interactions and journaling activities • observed changes in mindset, approach, and application of strategies • learner self-tracking of growth and development • awareness of individual student needs The goal is to support students in making meaningful improvements in their study skills and overall approach to learning.

Class Experience

It's time to start working smarter, not harder!  By completing this course, students will gain valuable study skills, cultivate a positive mindset, and acquire tools to navigate academic challenges with confidence and success. "Essential Study Skills - Level I"  sets a foundation for lifelong learning and skill development. 

HOW STUDENTS WILL LEARN
Students will assess their current habits and learning styles, engaging in journal writing, applying reviewed strategies, participating in discussions, and sharing experiences with peers. Curriculum materials, handouts, links, and additional resources will be provided after each session.

HOW STUDENTS WILL INTERACT WITH TEACHER AND EACH OTHER
Students will have 24/7 access to the teacher for guidance and support. As a group, students will be encouraged to share their experiences and insights before, during, and after implementing strategies, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

HOW CLASS IS STRUCTURED
The course begins with a survey that assesses how students learn.  Students are able to track their progress through attempted strategies and mindset between class sessions, sharing what works and what they need to improve.

TOPICS COVERED

SESSION 1 – FOCUSING
Discover how to shift from procrastination to prioritization, both in the classroom and at home. By learning to recognize cues and adopting effective practices, such as the Focus 5 method, you will gain the ability to maintain your attention when it truly matters. This skill is essential for staying focused on important tasks and avoiding distractions that can hinder your productivity. Whether you're studying, completing assignments, or preparing for exams, mastering the art of prioritization will enable you to make the most of your time and achieve better results.

SESSION 2 – TIME MANAGEMENT
Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to manage your time effectively? In this session, you will gain the skills to properly manage your time and accomplish necessary tasks without being consumed by worry. By implementing effective time management techniques, you will have the ability to prioritize tasks, create a structured schedule, and avoid the pitfalls of an erratic and unmanaged routine. This will not only increase your productivity but also ensure that you can complete tasks efficiently and to a high standard. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a well-managed and balanced approach to your responsibilities.

SESSION 3 – ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT
Dive into the vital concept of active engagement, which encompasses both active reading and active listening. We emphasize that learning goes far beyond specific grade levels or graduation—it is a lifelong journey. Acquiring the ability to learn new skills is not only valuable for your current educational pursuits but also for your future endeavors. By actively participating in the learning experience and applying these techniques, you will enhance your understanding, retention, and critical thinking abilities. These practices will not only support your current academic success but also serve as valuable tools for continuous personal growth and achievement in all areas of your life.

SESSION 4 – ACADEMIC ANXIETY
Whether you're anxious about a future career, upcoming grades, long-term projects, or tests, it's important to remember that you're not alone. We provide strategies to help you prepare for what lies ahead, enabling you to navigate the exciting possibilities that await you with confidence. Our aim is to show you that learning doesn't have to be a burden, even for subjects that may not initially spark your enthusiasm. By implementing effective techniques and changing your mindset, you can transform the learning experience into an engaging and fulfilling journey, paving the way for success in all areas of your academic pursuits.

SESSION 5 – SCHOLASTIC STRESS
It's common to feel overwhelmed and burdened by the responsibilities that come with growing up and graduating to the next grade level. While individuals face multiple challenges at various stages of their lives, it's important to learn how to effectively manage and reduce school-related stress. By acquiring practical strategies, you can transform your everyday actions into positive and productive ones. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and techniques to navigate scholastic stress, enabling you to maintain a balanced and healthy approach to your academic pursuits. With these skills in hand, you'll be better equipped to handle multiple responsibilities and thrive in your educational journey.
Learning Goals
LEARNING GOALS: Students will learn
  • That learning is life-long...  and while it may not always be enjoyable, the trick is to learn the strategies necessary to be successful.
  • Academic anxiety management
  • Finding focus when there's no interest
  • Successful engaging study habits that can be applied to many, if not all, life situations
  • Management of personal and academic time
  • Scholastic stress management
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Students will be provided with instructional materials at the time of class taken from the book "ESSENTIAL STUDY SKILLS" (2022), a publication by Mr. LeCara upon which the course is based.  Additional resources and materials, including scholarship information, can be found by visiting BestFootForwardOnline.org.  Here is an outline of what students can expect:

Session One Activities: Focusing
-take self-assessment on learning
-read handout on focusing 
-assess the areas of focus needing improvement

Session Two Activities: Time Management
-read handout on time management
-using one of the calendar options shared in presentation, create a calendar based on own schedule 

Session Three Activities: Active Engagement 
-review the handout on active engagement
-complete active reading practice worksheets to test out introduced strategies

Session Four Activities: Academic Anxiety
-read handout on academic anxiety
-assess academic areas needing improvement that cause anxiety

Session Five Activities: Scholastic Stress
-read through the handout on school-related stress
-assess areas needing improvement that cause stress

Please note: some customizing may be incorporated based on individual student needs.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2018
5.0
174reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Connecticut Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Knowledge is power. A strong foundation in study skills prepares learners for the challenges ahead in school, work, and life, as learning is a lifelong journey. However, anxiety, lack of focus, poor time management, and stress hinder learning, creating long-lasting obstacles. Developing effective study habits is crucial, as learning never stops, whether pursuing education or employment. The key is recognizing the interconnection between these factors; poor time management undermines study habits, while constant stress impedes focus.

With his expertise as a veteran teacher, former study skills teacher, and author of a student success guide, Mr. LeCara empowers learners of all ages to develop essential skills. He guides them in learning and retaining information, managing stress, finding focus, and taking control of their time. 

It's time to seize control and embrace the journey of learning. You've got this!

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Live Group Course
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$30

weekly or $150 for 5 classes
1x per week, 5 weeks
60 min

Completed by 153 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-5 learners per class

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