Parent Advisory Committee

RECAP OF: 

A Conversation About Studying for Finals &

The Rest of the Year

How and When to Help Your Student Study

On April 30, 2009

Guest Speakers:

Topics covered during the presentation included:

·         What should a parent’s role be in getting their student to study? 

·         What study methods work best for history, science, math and English?

·         What resources are available when a student gets stuck on a homework problem or concept?

Andrea King, Librarian, began by explaining how she teaches classes on how to do research.  Some important topics are internet sources vs. data bases, checking notes, citations and bibliographies.  She emphasized the importance of parents knowing legitimate internet sites and good research tools.  One suggestion she had was backwards research – begin by doing a bibliography then drafting a research paper.

Peggy Stacy, College Center Writing Coach, works with seniors on their personal narratives for college applications.  She noted that, while Pali High students are well versed in the five paragraph essay, even the best writers have some trouble finding and bringing their own stories to life. The personal essay requires a more relaxed tone than the critical essays they write in class. Descriptive detail, active verbs and writing in a natural voice set an essay apart, engaging the reader. She believes that, for parents, how much help is too much help, depends upon their relationship with their child.  A parent rewriting a child’s essay is not acceptable.  However, a 45 minute brainstorming session can be extremely helpful.  Once the student has completed an essay, the first time they proofread it they should read it out loud to themselves.  It will make it much easier to fix.

Ms. Stacy referred to an excellent on-line writing resource for grades 7 – 12 sponsored by Purdue University: Online Writing Lab (OWL) owl.english.purdue.edu. She emphasized this was a great tool for improving writing skills..

Karyn Newbill, Science Teacher, believes it is extremely important for a parent to be aware of assignment/project deadlines and what the teacher’s expectations are for them.  Many of the Pali teachers are on teacher web and their individual websites have calendars.  Those who do not can usually be reached by e-mail or telephone.  Parents can also request a syllabus to manually track projects and assignments.  A syllabus is often given out at Back-to-School Night in the fall but can be requested throughout the school year as well. 

Ms. Newbill suggested that students approach studying science as if it were a foreign language.  After each class session students should go home and use what they have learned in order to retain it.  One very effective tool is flash cards.  Flash cards are extremely effective in physics and chemistry.  They work equally as well in biology and physiology, both of which are vocabulary based. 

Jeanne Saiza, History Teacher, explained that sometimes students get overwhelmed.  A good tool is to ask your student a make a list of all he/she needs to do the next week, prioritizing first due, and so on.  This teaches the student prioritizing skills.  The school planner that is given to each student at the beginning of the year is another great vehicle.  Students can write assignments and important dates, highlighting them for future reference. 

Steven Burr, History Teacher, suggested that parents ask their student “what are you learning?”  Keeping informed as to their student’s progress helps parents decide what additional involvement is necessary.  Also, he encouraged hosting a study group, as it is an effective way for students to learn.  He reminded parents to always have good snacks available for the group!

Mr. Burr recommended the book:  “What Smart Students Know” by Adam Robinson, one of the co-founders of Princeton Review.  It is a great resource for both students and parents.

Other tips and resources for studying and test taking:

Myteacherweb.com is a valuable website.  An easy way to access is to go to www.palihigh.org – go to “For Parent” access “Staff Directory” click on individual teacher “website.”  Pass code is the bottom four numbers on your student’s I.D. card. If you want automatic updates, add your e-mail address to “newsflashes” on the teacher webpage and you will get an e-mail when the teacher updates information.

Tutoring is available to all students.  Many teachers have an open-door policy and are available to their students.  Most are available at lunch or after school.  Tutoring schedules are posted around school.  If teacher tutor is unavailable, contact Melinda Meinen, tutoring coordinator, who will help find tutor.  She is located in the Study Center and can be reached at mmeinen@palihigh.org or telephone extension x6644.  All teachers agreed that tutoring needs to be done right away if a student is missing a concept. 

A Flash Drive is one of the most important tools a student can have.  In the event of an equipment failure at home, student can go the Library (which opens at 7:30 a.m.), Technology Department or Study Center to print their project.  Also, many teacher use Power Point presentations. A great study guide is to download the presentation to the Flash Drive and take notes on the side.  Flash Drives can be purchased on campus for $10.00. 

How to study for a test – Keep in mind that testing, just like a baseball game, is a performance.  You must practice.  Try and simulate testing conditions.  The New York Regents is a good practice site:  http://www.nysedregents.org. 

Live Homework Help is available free through the Los Angeles Public Library.  All that is needed is a Public Library card. A student can go to www.librarytutor.org, type in Public Library Card number, and enter grade level, homework subject and zip code.  Student will be connected to a tutor for expert help.

Pali High School Library is an excellent resource for books.   They have copies of all text books and SAT Subject Test books available for reference and check out.

Final comments for parents: 

Sometimes all you need to do to help your student is listen.  Students are under a great deal of pressure and being able to verbalize it works well.

Before Finals, make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep and eats breakfast in the morning. 

Next Meeting: 

Thursday, May 28, 2009 – 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

“Senior Speak Out”