How to become a SuperStar student, Part 2

If you set a goal for yourself last week, you are on the right track to becoming a superstar student. This week, we will look at some of Michael Geisen’s comments on developing effective habits in the classroom. As National Teacher of the Year in 2008, he has some insights to what makes for student success in school.

Throughout your school life, you have been collecting bits and pieces of information that you might put in one big pile called “school stuff.” A great student organizes that information instead of leaving it in a pile to be sorted through.

That organization might take the shape of subject names – history, English, science, math, business, Spanish, AG shop, etc. Put each bit of information where it belongs, keeping in mind that sometimes those bits might also fit other subject areas, too. This is where organized students get ahead. For example, they know that fractions fit music, math, chemistry and home life – so they log that information into each spot, making it easier to retrieve that information later when they need it.

Successful students also get a head start before they get to class. They know ahead of time what the next class will be – either by following the syllabus or course agenda, doing the assigned work or just asking the teacher what is next. Any student can do this.

Sometimes you will hear the same bit of information many times, year after year. Don’t kid yourself that you know all there is to know. Keep your mind open, and keep strengthening the connections between and among the classes. Learning that “rhythm” is used in music and poetry and sports will add depth to your knowledge. Curiosity, then, becomes a major key to learning. Keep your mind open.

Preparing for class is one place you can take advantage of your style of smartness. If you are a visual or spatial learner, you can make a concept map or tree map of the information. If you are a verbal or mathematical/logic learner, maybe a traditional outline works best. Use the technique that best fits your learning style.

Once you create that map or outline, write down one question you have about the topic. Get in the habit of asking questions, not just answering questions. Successful students know that they have to be active learners, and that means asking questions as well as showing up for class, paying attention, sitting where you will not be easily distracted, not cutting class, and even talking to the teacher one-on-one as needed.

Successful students also know to review each day what they learned in school. When you give your brain feedback on what you learned, you strengthen your knowledge. If you are still confused, ask questions the next day so you do understand. This does not make you look dorky. It makes you look smart when you know and ask questions. Begin by asking one question a day until you become comfortable asking more questions.