In a time of No Child Left Behind, state standardized tests, and classroom exams, our schools are leaving behind perhaps the most important of all subjects – study skills.  Over the last 20 years, I’ve seen this hidden curriculum stay just that way – hidden.  Teachers expect students to have the right mixture of study habits to ensure success, but many students do not come by these abilities naturally. 

Just last week, a sixth grade boy sat in my waiting room while his brother underwent a reading evaluation with my colleague.  I popped out to see if they would like a drink and when I did, I saw that this youngster, Sam, was “studying” for an upcoming science test.  He had his teacher-made study guide in his lap, reading it over and over.  I asked how he was studying and he said, “Well, I’m reading through it.  That’s studying.”  I took a look at the paper which included tasks like “Name these 8 landforms…” and “Know these 12 vocabulary words…”  Sam had no idea that studying has to be interactive and that merely reading the study guide was not going to cut it.  His situation is not unique. 

As the owner of a tutoring agency, I worked with many students who believe simply reading their text book is considered studying.  They’ve never been taught how to effectively learn by creating their own practice quiz, flashcards, or two-column notes.  Furthermore, when students have an impending test date, they are ill-equipped break out the tasks in order to prepare.  I once worked with a girl who had the habit of recording her test dates, but that was it.  For example, if she had a math test on Friday, she would write “test” on Friday in her assignment notebook.  So on Thursday, she would look at her assignments for the evening, not see anything written in the math section and think she was home free. 

Now, you may be thinking that many kids are far more prepared than the ones I just mentioned, but I’m here to tell you that they are typically not.  Although some are innately organized and have the capacity to plan ahead, others don’t come by these skills organically.  They need to be directly taught three important skills – organization, time management, and how to study for exams. 

When students don’t possess these skills, they are likely to perform below their potential in school.  The effect?  Feelings of incompetence, low self-worth, and of being overwhelmed.  It doesn’t have to be this way.  Beginning in the fourth grade, students should have these skills presented to them daily, not in isolation, but as they relate to their daily work. 

Perhaps changing the way we prepare students for the rigors of academics early on will combat our country’s alarmingly high college drop out rate.  Approximately half of all students enrolled in a four year college will not graduate.  Of course, there are multiple variables causing such a negative trend, but one that has been well documented is students’ lack of preparation and study skills.  It is high time that teachers not only teach science or math content, but also model the correct way to study for an impending exam.  Having the ability to think ahead, develop solutions, and engage one’s self in learning is a life-long skill. 

I’ve opened up this dialogue with many of my 40-something friends.  And wouldn’t you know that each and every one has said “I wish I had those habits early on.”  Many did develop appropriate study skills, but on their own, through trial and error, often not until the latter years of high school. 

So today I give you the proverbial “call to action”.  Ask your child’s teacher how she teaches binder organization, project planning, and exam preparation.  Are these skills that are introduced in the classroom?  If so, find out how you can reinforce them at home.  By making effective habits a priority, you’ll be establishing routines that last a lifetime, certainly well after the school bell rings. 

In my next blog, I’ll be writing about how parents can create and maintain after school structure to enhance academic achievement.  Stay tuned!

Ann is a board member of the International Dyslexia Association and CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) and is the author of the upcoming book Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Hassle-Free Homework.