In attendance were about 100 students, many of them had challenging majors such as biology and nursing and it’s not unusual to have people tell me about amazing transformations they’ve made in their grades and their lives.

Well, about 4 hours after I conducted the memory workshop, a student came running up to me on the street in downtown Boise.  He said he had attended my lecture earlier that day. He was so excited that I figured he was going to say “thanks” because the information helped him with his studies, but he didn’t.  He looked at me and said “You know that lecture on improving memory you taught earlier on campus?  Well, it didn’t help at all.  I tried it and it doesn’t work.  Good lecture though.”  I didn’t quite know what to say, but I wished him good luck and went on my way.

His blunt statement really made me pause and think.  I thought to myself “maybe these techniques don’t really help students anymore.”  Now I know that not every technique will work for every student, but perhaps things were changing in schools and these study strategies were antiquated, but then I started to wonder how much effort he really put into trying this new memory strategy.  I’m guessing that he only tried it once or twice since I saw him less than 4 hours earlier.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m attempting something new, I’m rarely good at it right of the bat.  In fact, it often takes weeks, months or years to master a new technique, so ask yourself this question:

“How often do you experience great success after trying something new just once?”

I’m guessing if you are like most people, it takes time and effort to get the hang of the new activity, strategy etc.

My point is that while I don’t expect everything I share with you will change your life, please consider trying new techniques several times before you decide that it “doesn’t work”.

The key to this memory system is making your learning active.  If you sit there passively and study, the chances of remembering the information (for 99% of the folks) is fairly low, but if you engage your mind and your body you should improve in your memory.

If you have recently purchased my memory program which is included as a bonus in my new Study Skills program

http://goodgradesfast.com/products-6-dvd-temp

don’t get frustrated if something doesn’t work for you immediately.  I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years and I know from the bottom of my heart that any student can improve in school, but it will take a little dedication on your part.  If you are parent, you must gently encourage your child to not give up but don’t force the issue.

Your School Coach,

Professor Scott

http://goodgradesfast.com/products-6-dvd-temp

I show you how to take note much more effectively by using shortcuts.

For example, when I taught science, in the beginning of the year I would have the class brainstorm words which could be abbreviated, then we used the shortcuts all year.  Here are a few frequently used science terms we came up with:

Ox = oxygen

H = hydrogen

Atm. = atmosphere

T = Temperature

Pr = Pressure

E = Energy

You get the point.  Since teachers rarely help students do this, students must become good at doing it themselves.   Some students have  hundreds of shortcuts, which dramatically cuts down the amount of time they spend writing.  How would you (or your child) like to spend 10%, 20% or even 50% less time writing and more time learning the information being taught?  It’s simple to do using the method described in my video.

TIP:

I suggest creating a list for each subject of the abbreviations they use.  This will help re-enforce the new terms and also provide a common area where all new terms can be logged.  I always draw a rectangle on the first page of my notes and designate it as my “key.”  Whenever I notice a word being repeated I come up with a shortcut and jot it down in the key.  Try it!

Because of state and federal requirements, more and more information is being taught in our schools and colleges, and at a quicker pace than ever before.  Working efficiently and effectively is essential in today’s fast-paced school environment.   Students must know how to swiftly record information so they don’t get “left behind.”

http://goodgradesfast.com/products-6-dvd-temp

Many of my students are new to college and it can be real challenge – perhaps the biggest challenge of their lives.  I understand completely as I once struggled in college.

Most students don’t know this fact, but students are expected to spend at least 2 hours OUTSIDE of class for every hour they spend it class.  What does that mean?  If you have a three credit class, that adds up to a minimum of 6 hours outside of class for work, study etc.  If you are new/struggling that number may be significantly higher.

I present lessons in class to help you grasp the new concepts.  Videos are available and a search on Youtube will bring up literally thousands of computer tutorials. Google will yield the same results. Tutors are also available to help you as you struggle with the basics.  Friends, neighbors and study groups can also assist you.  In fact, study groups are extremely common.

Struggling is not bad, in fact it’s necessary when information is new and it happens to all of us.

HERE IS WHERE IT GETS TRICKY

I’ve taught for nearly 20 years and I see the following pattern repeat itself time and time again. Here is the scenario:  New information is presented and assignments are assigned.  Below are descriptions of three types of students (which one describes you the best?):

Type 1 – The most (consistently) successful students

These students will look over the material as soon as it’s available and keep going over it until they start to get it even if the information is brand new (especially if it’s brand new).  In fact, these students will spend a significant amount of time going over the information BEFORE the lesson(s) are taught if possible.  Why?  Because they know that if they go over it ahead of time they start to get an understanding of the new concepts so when teacher presents the lesson they can sit back and focus in the main concepts instead of feeling overwhelmed and lost.  In the end, these students actually work less because they put in the hard work up front.  They form study groups and have completed as much of the work as possible early so they can ask questions…After a semester or two they develop great habits and start to kick butt.

Type 2 – Students who struggle throughout the semester and throughout their college career

These students often wait until lessons are presented before they begin to go over the material.  Because the information is new they always feel overwhelmed.  If they are given several weeks to complete the work, they do “some” work in class, often leave early and do little work outside of class expecting to shown how to do everything, step by step during class time.  Of course in crunch-time they panic and get upset because they feel behind and lost and often complain about their instructors.

Type 3 – Somewhere between types 1 and 2

Many students at CWI fall into this category.  They work fairly hard, but don’t have good study habits and skills.  They don’t understand the power of working hard before the lesson(s) are presented, often leave early from class, don’t always read and follow directions, don’t contact a study buddy to find out what they missed if absent (instead they contact the professor), don’t ask a lot of questions, don’t spend nearly enough time outside of class using the resources that are available to them and don’t seek out others for assistance (i.e. study groups, tutoring etc).

WHAT IS MY POINT?

Unless you a very gifted (and lucky) student, you may have to put in double, even triple the effort just to keep up.  It’s just a fact.  It’s hard in the beginning but you will be rewarded by learning better study habits which will lead to better grades.

If you think these intro classes are difficult, just wait until you get into your core classes (Biology, Chem, A&P etc).  The dropout is high because instructors have very little patience for students who don’t put in a tremendous amount of work outside of class.  Four year college programs are even tougher.

HOW DO YOU DEVELOP BETTER HABITS?

1.  Sign up for the College Study course (most students who have taken a study skills course say it’s the most helpful course in college)
2.  Look at new material before the lesson is given (this isn’t always possible but ask your instructor(s) what is coming up next)
3.  Form/join study groups (this is how medical and law students get through their extremely tough classes – and so should you)
4.  Work hard on your assignments immediately so you can ask questions well before the test
5.  Use the tutoring labs.  They should know your name because you frequent the lab so often!
6.  Have and USE!!! a weekly planner.  The key here is actually USE it (anyone can buy a calender…)

Good luck folks – I want you to become a highly successful student.

Professor Scott

www.goodgradesfast.com/products
(of course my skills program can DEFINITELY help you!)

Do These Things And Become Eligible to Win My Entire Study Skills DVD Collection (it won’t take you longer than about 3 minutes)

1.  Sign Into Your Youtube account.  If you don’t have one, you must create one first (it takes about 20 seconds. Of course it’s free and it is a good idea to have one anyway).  Go to www.Youtube.com (choose Create Account)  or type the words   Youtube  into a Google search.

2.  Click on the link to watch the video

3.  (you must be logged into Youtube first) Make a quick comment that is nice.  What do I mean by “nice”?  Simply say something that would allow future viewers to consider watching the video – such as  ”I really like that tip Professor. I’m in med school and there is so much info to memorize…”  or “I am a student and studying is a huge problem for me. I love this idea because…”   You get the point – say something good about the video/tip (oh, don’t use my own words!  Come up with your own).

4.  Click the “Like” and ‘Subscribe” button (you’ll see the LIKE button below the video, and the SUBSCRIBE button above the video).

5.  Click on the SHARE button, grab the link and send it to everyone you can think of.  Facebook. Email. Whoever.  Anyone (or any parent) who might benefit from better study skills. I need this video to go ‘VIRAL’.

In a few days I will look through the comments, choose a person whose comments I like (and also see if they also spread the word about the video.)  The winner will be sent a response through Youtube to let them know they have won! In fact, I’ll be choosing TWO winners so comment then spread the word.

OK, here is the video link (but log into Youtube first)

http://youtu.be/hb6wbpy01HM

Professor Scott

p.s. Here is that video link again       http://youtu.be/hb6wbpy01HM  (you must be logged into Youtube to be eligible for the $270 prize!)

As you know, med school is commonly known to be extremely difficult and the dropout rate is very high. Future physicians use certain study techniques that most others students don’t use and probably don’t even know about.

EVERY student should learn from these doctors…

I learned so much I decided to put it on video and give it away as a free bonus included with my latest Study Skills DVD program:

www.GoodGradesFAST.com/products

Hey, if the program doesn’t help you (or your child) improve in school I’m willing to give you double of what you paid for the program.   Check out the website for details – it’s a screaming deal.

My goal is to help 1 million people do better in school, and in life so please help me spread the word.

___________________________________
?Can You Help Me Spread The Word?

Do you know anyone who could benefit from learning essential study (and life) skills? If so, could you please tell them about my website and program?  As a professor I work full time and it’s impossible to get in front of all of those who need these skills the most.  I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars getting my program onto DVD(s) and there just isn’t any more money available for marketing so if you know of any person or organization who supports students, please pass along my website link.  Thank you.

“One thing that has helped me in studying for tests is taking the study guide from the instructor and looking up all the items on the guide in the text.  Next, I compare the information in the text to the in class notes.  Lastly, I combine the information from the in class notes and the text to create study notes for the test.  It has worked pretty well for me and I hope that you will find this technique useful also.”

“I am returning to college after 24 years and this semester I am taking 3 online classes.  Getting organized is KEY!  Here are a few suggestions: Print out all the weeks assignments, use a 3 ring binder for note taking an all other printed out documents, filed into individual classes, etc.  I keep the online portion of it pretty neat as well”

I’ve done few online classes before and I found out its not good to have any other webpages open while your studying or doing homework online because it will distract you big time.

“I just realized another easy tip I do in case your professor does not give out a schedule. I check my grades and look ahead on the next week to prepare by reading the next section.”

“This only works if you can go into an assignment more than once (most quizzes and test won’t let you). Copy and paste the contents into Word, then while you are doing your home work you can answer the question on your quiz. This is especially helpful when the answers are multiple choices, because you will have a better idea of what to listen or look for.”

Do YOU have any more tips you would like to share?

One of the keys to my own success in school was improving my memory, which is why when I first started teaching it was the first study skill incorporated in my lessons. It was also the first program I  developed and sold via video and to this day it’s my best-selling video because it’s the most effective.

Here is a 1 minute video of a woman who used my memory program:

http://goodgradesfast.com/testimonial-2

The trick is to make ordinary (boring!) information so unique, so outlandish that you can’t help but remember it. Isn’t it true that a majority of new information we are forced to learn in school is abstract.  In other words, much of the new info doesn’t immediately resonate with us therefore remembering it long term is often difficult.

LET ME SHOW YOU A FEW EXAMPLES

close your eyes and picture the following in your head:

#1  Imagine a LARGE carrot, 10 feet long sticking through the back window of a “Sedan” (type of car that usually has 4 doors). You had just pulled the “carrot” from a “tomb” then you shoved it into the window of a “sedan”.   Can you see it in your mind?  Concentrate on it for 10 seconds…it’s weird but go with me.  Before you move on to the next example, really concentrate on this weird image.

#2  Next imagine a “sofa”, perhaps your own “sofa” and in the center of the sofa there is bulge sticking up so high that when you try to sit on it you slide off to the side.  Can you see a “sofa” with a large “bulge” in the center?  Take 10 seconds and really picture you trying to sit on that sofa…

#3 Lastly, imagine a jewel, perhaps a diamond (a very large diamond) with a pick-axe “working” in a mine. It’s “working” very hard picking at the wall.  Can you picture a diamond working?  Silly isn’t it?  Yes it is but that’s the point.  Now let me tell you what these silly images mean and I almost guarantee that you will never forget the following information…

COUNTRIES AND THEIR CAPITALS

If someone told you that you had to remember the capitals of every country in Europe and Africa, could you do it?  Most folks would say no, but it can be done and it’s not that difficult.

How do I know? I memorized every country and it’s capital to prove to myself (a person with a fair memory at best) that this is not difficult if you use the right technique.

#1 What is the capital of the African nation of Sudan? Any idea?  It is Khartoum.

Can you still remember that image of a “SEDAN” with a “CARROT” pulled from a “TOMB”?  I bet you can. SUDAN – “Karrot Tomb”.   In fact, I dare you to forget it.  I used this silly image 19 years ago and have never forgotten that capital. See how the silly picture triggers your mind. A sedan (Sudan) with a “carrot – tomb” (Khartoum).  Quiz – what is the capital of Sudan?  You have probably locked it into your memory already…

#2 How about the capital of Bulgaria in Europe – do you know the capital?  It’s SOFIA.   Can you recall the image of a “SOFA” with a “BULGE” in it?  Of course you can.  What is the capital of Bulgaria?

#3 What was the “Jewel” doing – can you still recall your silly image?  Yep, the “Jewel” was “Working”.  In physics a “JOULE” is the measure of work or energy.  If you can see in your mind a “JEWEL” “working”, you will lock in this definition probably for life.

QUIZ TIME:
(take a few seconds to clear your mind and now prepare for this difficult quiz)

What is the capital of Sudan?
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
What is the definition of a Joule?

If you had 75 facts and concepts to memorize for a quiz tomorrow you could do rather rapidly with this technique.

NOW I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING…

This is too difficult…

I don’t have a “creative” mind…

This will take forever…

I hear this all of the time in workshops, but trust me when I tell that EVERY SINGLE person masters this technique after they practice it, even the most skeptical students.  I should know, I was once one of them.

The trick is to make abstract information stand out in the mind, and the good news is that there is not a definition, concept, phrase, foreign word that this system can’t work for.  Not one!

IN MY TUNE YOUR MEMORY PROGRAM I GO OVER EXAMPLES IN MATH, SCIENCE, FOREIGN LANGUAGE, ENGLISH, HISTORY AND MUCH MORE.

In live workshops I challenge the audience to come up with the hardest definition, fact, etc. to remember, and never once have I (or other members of the audience) been stumped.  Everything can be made unique in the mind.  Everything can be remembered by using this memory technique, but it does take a little practice (but doesn’t everything!)

Why do you think doctors use it to pass their own medical school classes?

Does it take a little work?  Sure, but isn’t it easier to do this the first time you encounter a new fact/concept/definition than to flip through your note-cards dozens of times only to remember maybe half of them? Work smart, not hard.

Your school coach,

Professor Scott

p.s. My hour long memory workshop is included as a bonus in my latest program.  No student should go through school without watching this DVD program!

http://goodgradesfast.com/products-2

http://goodgradesfast.com/products-2

Can’t wait to hear about what has helped you, or your child the most!

Your School Coach,

Professor Scott Straub

You see, success in school often isn’t about natural-born intelligence, it’s about the systems and habits used on a consistent basis.  How do I know my systems and programs work?  Well, I struggled in school from elementary school through college, and it wasn’t until I was taught a few basic skills that my whole world turned around.  I’m not just talking about my grades, but my entire life.  I went from failing almost every class to obtaining my Masters in Education. I’ve taught children of all ages and backgrounds the very same skills that helped me to succeed.

Stay tuned, I want to talk about how to making remembering and learning  ACTIVE.

Your School Coach,
Professor Scott straub