Middle school students (N=35) who read and paraphrased an advance organizer prior to study, correctly answered significantly more lower-order study questions than did students not encountering the organizer. Middle school (N=26) and college (N=30) students who read and paraphrased the advance organizer constructed significantly better answers for…

To reduce student depression and its academic consequences, a preventive training program for freshmen provided one group (n=85) with a semester-long course in personal competencies (affect management, self-control, social skills, and problem solving), and one group (n=86) with an academic skills course. Both groups were equally effective.…

Addresses geography students' questions about why, when, and how to take notes. Outlines a step-by-step process for taking notes from written sources and from class lectures. Discusses what types of notes are appropriate for various types of sources. Suggests some ideas for making notes useful for individual learning styles. (DSK)

A study of 12 high-ability young adults with learning disabilities found they used the following compensatory strategies to succeed in college: study strategies, cognitive/learning strategies, compensatory supports, environmental accommodations, opportunities for counseling, self-advocacy, and the development of an individual plan incorporating a…

Reports on a study of 90 15- to 16-year-old female pupils who were asked to select their preferred format of a single-sheet handout on study skills that was offered in three modes: unstructured-verbal, structured-verbal, and structured-pictorial. Discusses the findings in terms of practical implications for instruction. (MJP)

A study investigated models of faculty instructional support offered in universities in Victoria (Australia), including support unit location, sources of funding, nature of the support offered (for example, discipline-specific workshops, materials development, accredited courses, and study skills course components), student population receiving…

Recommends using mnemonics as an introduction to the study of human memory and cognitive processes. Students generally have some familiarity with mnemonics and the device lends itself to a number of interesting games and experiments. Includes suggested activities using mnemonics and the Monopoly board game. (MJP)

Examines the relationship between perceived parenting styles and urban adolescents' learning and studying strategies. Results revealed that those adolescents who perceived their parents as being authoritative tended to engage in more effective learning and study strategies. Discusses implications for counselors and teachers using this information…

Describes the 'Geography for the New Undergraduate' project that is based at Liverpool (England) Hope University College and aims to develop a program of seminars (small-group teaching sessions) to enable first year undergraduate students to acquire a range of skills that will enhance their degree studies and future careers. (CMK)

"Parents: the Anti-Drug" is a public service campaign developed on the premise that parents are the most influential adults in a child's life, at any age. Action is the operative term in these announcements. The parent is not influential in a quiet, reserved role nor as one who moves aside for others to deal with education of the child. The parent…

A key factor in the transition to university is the enculturation of new students into both the discipline they are studying and effective study practices. Most significantly, students, whatever their chosen discipline, must learn to become autonomous learners. Too often this process is either left to chance or seen as a natural attribute of the…

Academic enabling behaviors play a significant role in the development of academically competent students. Academic enablers are behaviors that facilitate learning such as social skills, study skills, motivation, and engagement. In this study, teacher and student ratings were used to describe the academic enablers of a nationally representative…

Notetaking is important for recording and remembering class content in most university courses. Despite the importance of this behavior, however, students are often poor notetakers. This study compared undergraduates' notes after traditional lecture, lecture with slides, and lecture with slides plus guided notes. Data on the percentages of…

Written for student use in a variety of classrooms, this document covers these skill areas: communicating with others, reading skills, writing skills, and study skills. The material addresses specific skill areas, but is flexible enough to meet student needs in both vocational and academic classes. Each unit, which covers one skill area, begins…

These occasional papers focus on open learning and distance education. This volume contains four papers on a variety of topics: bridging courses, issues for researchers in evaluating interactive multimedia, designing study materials to address the special needs of distance students, and faculty attitudes concerning technology. Papers are:…