Study Strategies Plus

Study Strategies Plus

Designed for students in secondary school, this book of exercises and lessons helps them develop study strategies that include organisation, reading comprehension, note-taking skills, and test-taking skills. It first describes the executive functions of the brain-the processes that help people stay organised, manage time, pay attention, plan future behaviour, and inhibit behaviour-then provides the practical strategies needed to develop those functions.

The practical exercises provided help with attention, communication, memory, time management, and self-control-valuable lessons for studying that are essential for proper learning and retention. By improving the way students prepare for school and learn, school success can be achieved.

Sandi Sirotowitz, M.Ed. and Leslie Davis, M.Ed. earned Master's degrees in Exceptional Education and founded Education & Diagnostic Services, Inc. A comprehensive learning centre in South Florida.
Both women are adjunct professors and have developed graduate courses in study strategies for teachers.

Harvey C. Parker, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and educational consultant who is nationally recognised for his work in the field of child and adolescent behaviour and development.

Study Strategies Plus: Building Study Skills and Executive Functioning for School Success
John Reed Books
Authors: Harvey C. Parker, Leslie Davis and Sandi Sirotowitz
ISBN: 9781886949119
Price: $25.95

Interview with Harvey C. Parker

Question: What types of study strategies does this book help students develop?

Harvey C. Parker: The successful student has well developed executive functioning and study skills. In order to enhance students' ability to develop these skills, Study Strategies Plus includes evidence-based strategies of time management, organisation, initiation and completion of tasks, planning and prioritising, and self-monitoring (metacognition), reading comprehension, note taking, test taking, handling homework and stress management. When students are able to apply these core strategies to their schoolwork, their learning is enhanced and they are able to become independent and successful students.


Question: What is the importance of the practice exercise in the book?

Harvey C. Parker: After students learn the strategies, they are able to practice them in order to gain mastery. It is at this point that they are equipped to transfer the strategies into their classrooms.


Question: What are your top three tips for paying attention and not getting distracted when studying?

Harvey C. Parker: Organise your workspace and before beginning to study so that you have all the tools you need at your disposal.
Prioritise the order to do your homework or study. Beginning with the hardest or longest or least enjoyable is often the best way to work.
Plan short breaks after a stretch of concentrated study and use a timer or other reminder to get you back to work after each break.


Question: What are the essentials for proper learning and retention?

Harvey C. Parker: Students should first be able to associate new concepts with real world information of which they are already familiar. For real learning (retention) to occur, students need to review notes within twenty-four hours of taking them. They then need to review the information periodically, not just a day before a test. Study Strategies Plus provides specific strategies that allow students to actively participate in making reviews meaningful.


Question: How important is time management in school success?

Harvey C. Parker: Time management is essential for success both in school and in real life. Study Strategies Plus provides strategies and guided practice in order for students to master this executive function.


Interview by Brooke Hunter