Improve Study Skills with Problem Solving Opposites

In our previous blog, we discussed research that, at first blush, appears counter-intuitive. And yet, it has spawned some excellent articles, filled with promising ideas.
 
For example, among the blogs with extensions to the latest research on study habits, is a recent NYTimes blog September 13, 2010, "Learn Your Lessons" by Sandhya Nankani and Holly Epstein Ojalvo). The authors suggest that students themselves compile and lists of Do's and Don't's--study tips and techniques that work for them. These lists can then be shared with other students in the family or in study groups.
 
If you proceed with this list-recommendation, be sure to let us know here at KnowledgePoints. Our tutors will happily share your ideas with other students as we work on skill-development and even SAT preparation.

FROM STUDYING BETTER TO SOLVING PROBLEMS MORE EFFICIENTLY
There are those who solve problems analytically. And those who solve them creatively. And then, there are those who can tap into either brain-sphere, depending on the nature of the problem. Such thinkers are considered "lateralized." That is, they can use both their right brain (creative or divergent thinking skills) or its opposite, the left brain (analytical or convergent thinking skills) equally well.

HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME LATERALIZED
Here are two tips for enhancing skills in each of two complementary-but-not-contradictory areas.

To develop convergent or analytical skills:

• Improve your child's ability to gauge time requirements. To illustrate, ask him how long he thinks it will take him to finish his math homework. Then, compare his estimate to the actual time.
• Encourage your child to keep a neat and organized study area.
• And, of course, if you and other members of the family model the desired behavior, it will enhance your child's willingness to apply her organizational skills as she grows older and encounters new situations.

To develop divergent or imaginative skills:

• Engage in “what if…” thinking.  The questions can be silly ("What if elephants could fly?" or serious ("What if teachers were paid as much as athletes?"), but it will be important to explore as many consequences as possible fore each supposition.

• Whenever you can, ask your child to imagine the possibilities surrounding a given object. This, like the other exercises, can be done with other family members, too. Pick up an ordinary object and start making a list of other uses for the object, beyond its intended purpose.