“I just can’t remember all that stuff!” “I haven’t been in school for a long time!” “I read. But I just can’t remember it all!” “I think I just have a bad memory.”
These statements are common when it comes to taking on the goal of studying for and passing your High School Equivalency exam. And, let’s face it…a big part of study and learning is memorization. If you are struggling with this essential skill, here are some tricks and tips when it comes to making memory count.
One of the many benefits of online learning is the ability to make study a truly personal effort. No longer bound by the schedule and structure of traditional classroom teaching, online students have the ability to customize when and how they learn.
Some studies show 4-year-olds ask as many as 200 to 300 questions a day…an average of 40,000 questions between the ages of 2 and 5.
Warren Berger
Wow! That’s a lot of questions!
Sadly, those same studies go on to suggest that our daily number of questions goes on a rapid decline as we age. While this happens for a number of reasons, the result is that many of us lose our innate curiosity as we get older. Human nature kicks in and we feel the urge to answer more than we ask.
Have you ever heard the phrase, it was like trying “to put a square peg into a round hole?” It’s typically used to describe something that’s not a good match. No matter how hard you try, the square and the circle will never be a good fit.
If you have ever encountered a learning difference, you may have felt like this peg and hole. No matter how much you tried, you saw things in a different way than your classmates. The instruction never “clicked.” You may have felt odd or out of place. This is the heart and the hurt of those with learning differences.
Life throws us curve-balls. Our circumstances change, our homes, communities and schedules experience upheaval. Because of this, online education can go beyond a want or a convenience…to a necessity.
Sure, it makes sense that strengthening your reading skills will help with the Reading and Writing sections of your HSE exam, but did you know that reading is the basis for the Social Studies and Science sections as well?
The GED, HiSET, and TASC test makers do not expect you to roll in with tons of facts and figures. They don’t expect you to bank info. on World Wars or memorize the Periodic Table. What they DO want you to show is your ability to read and think critically.
If you are struggling with where to begin your prep, reading is always a great place to start because it supports ALL areas of study. Know that every minute you devote to becoming a strong reader is an investment in obvious AND not so obvious ways.
TIP: Don’t forget that your ability to read and understand test directions is just as important as reading through and understanding the question passages. In our recent coaching session, Test Smart, we discussed this specific skill. It’s an important one, so if you missed the session, just click the link above.
In our recent coaching session on helpful study skills and
habits, we explored a number of ways to make study productive and effective.
Study takes on a very personal nature in a number of ways.
One of which is WHERE you study. Here are some helpful tips when it comes to
making your study space work for you.
Need a kick start to your day? We all need to shake things up every now and again to get us going and begin our days with confidence and new energy. Even small changes to your am habits could shift your perspective and set you up for greater success in study, work, and life.
“I have ALWAYS struggled in school. I just don’t think I can do this.”
“I work nights. I can’t attend regular education classes.”
“I’m 65 years old. Do I even have a chance?”
“I just need help!”
Real quotes from real students. Sound familiar? These feelings and thoughts sound common and hit home because they remind us we are not alone. Everyone has to start somewhere and everyone has their own hang-ups and struggles. But when it comes to your high school equivalency, the truth is it’s not as hard as you think.
Few people enjoy taking tests, and the very idea actually terrifies some. Unfortunately, test taking is a part of life with which everyone has to deal. No matter how you feel about test taking, just remember that preparation is the key. When you study well, you set yourself up for a better test-taking experience and better results. Follow these recommendations to study more thoroughly for your next test.
