Tutor-Tested Worksheets - Links Now Updated

The very popular STAR Tutoring Worksheets webpages have now been updated with new links in Reading, Math, Handwriting, ESL, and Standardized Test Prep --

Worksheets, Games, and Extras:  http://www.startutoring.com/worksheets.html
Standardized Test Prep (ACT, SAT, GRE, GED, ASVAB, etc) Materials and Worksheets:  http://www.startutoring.com/testprepstuff.html

Links are added on a regular basis. Check out and bookmark these great webpages now!

It dawned on me recently ...

... in comparing the students I've tutored who have scored high on previous attempts at standardized tests and those who have achieved an average to low score. I had been offering each set of students the same basic lesson plan, namely timed practice sets, error review, and strategy discussion and implementation.

When the lower-scoring students weren't responding as well as the high-scoring students, I began mulling over the reasons. Typically, they don't achieve high grades in school, either, so I reasoned they lack interest, motivation, aptitude, or even personality factors, such as fortitude and a drive for success. (By the way, both types of students usually are extremely busy in their personal/academic/social lives which seems to be the #1 reason they see a tutor, to help with time management.)

However, I'm coming to believe that one of the primary reasons low-scoring students, in particular, see a tutor is for the personal engagement, and that this is the key to their success. Once I figured this out, I altered sessions for lower-scoring students to include brief tutorials on a specific subject, inviting back-and-forth interaction on use of and success with strategies, and discussion regarding available and efficient use of study time to meet individual goals.

The varied lesson plan that includes ample "face" time keeps lower-scoring students engaged and on task. The comments I receive after these modified sessions have been overwhelmingly and sincerely positive in contrast to the requisite "Thanks, it helped a lot".

While higher-scoring students may or may not appreciate extra "talk time", I find that the systematic, goal-driven focus prevalent in high-achieving group goes a long way towards helping them achieve their objectives.

Think you've tried everything with your low-scoring student? "Try a little tenderness", as they say, as the extra attention may make all the difference in helping this student to excel.

A comparison of high achievers' and low achievers' attitudes, perceptions, and motivations.(Statistical Data Included): An article from: Academic Exchange Quarterly

How to Get Great Grades Without Really Trying (too hard)

Do you study for endless hours and still get average grades, or just pass by the skin of your teeth? Or, do you just plain hate to study and can't get motivated no matter how hard you (or your parents) try?
Let me tell you, I've been there and I know how disheartening it can be. I routinely received C's, D's, even some F's in my bachelor's program; I hardly dared to plan or even hope for a bountiful future when my grades reflected less than my actual abilities.

Now, it's so different. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA in my master's program and I just plain love to learn and love school ... now more than ever! I finally learned how to be successful in school, and the steps are really very simple.

You too can be on your way to TOP GRADES, so if that's what you're after, just follow these straightforward steps:

1. Record all assignments in your planner, as far in advance as possible. Diligently record all upcoming assignments, tests, and projects in your planner -- you should have your planner sitting on your desk along with other relevant materials for the class.
2. Secure a syllabus from the teacher for each class. If you were not given a calendar by each teacher for the entire term's assignments, ask each teacher for one, or see if calendars are posted online, so you can record and prepare for assignments well in advance. You can also track your grades, online or in your notebook, to monitor your own performance.
3. Read assigned pages in text and materials before class, ideally as soon as they are assigned. For classes in which you use a textbook, read pages as soon as they are assigned, then bring your text and handouts to each class -- very likely the teacher's lecture will closely follow these materials.
4. Bring text and materials to each class, and highlight lecture points. Read along in the text or handouts as the teacher lectures, highlighting points that are mentioned and recording notes (as needed) directly on the handouts and in the text (if allowed). The teacher will lecture on points s/he wants to emphasize. Since you will have read the assigned material beforehand, the lecture will serve as a review. Depending solely on notes taken from the teacher's lecture is unwise, since even a minor distraction or a little daydreaming may result in a loss of important information. Taking this proactive approach to studying will help you become a self-sufficient learner. Your grades then will not suffer if you are out sick or your teacher's teaching style is less than adequate.
5. Review highlighted areas and any notes every couple days. Every couple of days, look over your text/handouts, paying close attention to the highlighted sections. You should have little need to put in more than your average study time before tests, as you will already have learned what you need to know with regular review of the material. If you're lucky enough to get extra credit assignments, do them! That one or two point bonus just might be the difference between a B and an A.

Before long, you will start receiving and expecting top scores since you will have studied all you need to achieve them. And experiencing success in school is a great motivator for excelling in all areas of life.
Other tips to keep in mind ...

• Be consistent -- study at the same time each day in a distraction-free study zone; take a short break each hour to check in with family or have a snack.
• Take a day off from studying every now and then as a reward, when no deadlines loom.
• And, an important lesson I learned, personally and through tutoring ... if you truly want top grades, you need to prioritize your homework. Balance your social/sports activities with your schoolwork to keep your stress level to a minimum and stay on top of your game, in both your activities and your academics.

You will be amazed to find you can actually trim study time using this plan. Good luck ... but you won't need it, because now you've got the skills to succeed!

How to Make the Most of Your ACT Prep Sessions

You've reserved the exam date, you've made room in your schedule for ACT Test Prep tutoring and focused study, and you've arranged your first tutoring session. So that you make the most of your time with the tutor, here are a few tips for a productive experience.

Bring all the recommended materials to each session, including the Real ACT Prep manual, a permitted calculator, and a completed (timed) practice exam (from the manual), as well as a completed (timed) essay. If you have previous exam scores, either from a school practice exam or from an actual ACT exam, by all means, bring them along to document a start point and gauge your progress throughout the program.

Following each session, review recommended ACT content, take online practice sets, complete another practice exam and essay, and review exam errors carefully, which is key to improving your scores.

Your tutor is your guide in effective time management and study planning, and will help you implement study strategies, improve your pacing, and address weak areas in ACT content. The rest is entirely up to you. The tutor has no control over whether or not you follow through with the study plan, implement suggestions for improvement, or stay out late the night before the exam. In other words, your success on the exam rests in your hands.

No matter if a student has scored high or low on a previous exam, or has come to the program with a high or low GPA -- each student has the potential to significantly improve an ACT score. It really boils down to the level of dedication each student brings to, or develops for, the task.

In my 15 years as a tutor, 9 of which have been in ACT Test Prep, I have been privileged to have met so many dedicated students, and am especially in awe of students who have dug deep inside themselves to find the courage and discipline they didn't know was there to make a difference in their futures.
And make no mistake about it -- how you do on the ACT can set the tone for your life for many years to come. I encourage you to make the most of this experience. Whether you have a few months or a few weeks to prepare, make ACT Test Prep a part of your plan!

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