One understanding of being a competent
student is that he or she is has mastered positive study skills
that reflect their personal learning styles.
Background
The “negative” study habits of the students are a
symptom of several serious problems that we face as we attempt
to educate young Micronesians in the 21st century. We need to
return to the history and context.
History
The issue of study skills has never really been addressed in the
systematic way.
The dependence on the prefect system to monitor the silence in
the hall
The changing expectations and styles of deans and administrators
The transit teachers and their relationship with the students
The emphasis of the fact that we are a “good’ school.
The student complacent attitude about the importance of study
skills
The disconnection between study skills and class learning.
The uncertainty of the goal/s of the school
The island leadership pyramid dilemma
Context
Boarding school for male students and sponsor/family for female
students
The economic situation and impact on expectations of parents may
have changed
The influence of the “instant” reaction and gratification
culture
The stereotypical myth that islanders are easy going and should
not be socialized into a more pragmatic lifestyle.
Senior year and graduation is terminal more than a transition
to something more challenging
Goals of Study Periods
To allow students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and competence
in an individualized manner
To enable students to develop positive study habits and prepare
them for independence in learning.
The 3 Ps
Preparation
Bell
Assignments on the class board
Prefects
Availability of equipment/books for study
Disposition
Schedule
Bodily needs
Perseverance
Subject preference
Teacher expectation
Interest level
Nature of the work
Concentration verses
Distraction level
Time given for each assignment
Product
Amount of work completed
Quality of the work
Questions that arise from the assignments
From class to study period
Expectations of study periods
Reinforce knowledge acquired during class
Instill values that enhance learning
Put into practice skills learnt in class
Practice behaviors the will assist in learning
Recommendations that might enable students to
acquire the four outcomes.
Review of class material
Practice exercises
Rereading the textbook
Writing sample
Completing work started in the classroom
Group discussion
Read for the next class
Memorize facts
